Medical Power of Attorney and Other Informational Help

[lyric]

Originally Posted by suebee

Hi Lyric. I'm sorry to be meeting you under such terrible circumstances.

I was going to say that one of the easiest ways to ensure that things go smoothly is to get the family on board. But it doesn't look like you're going to have that option - unless they've had a change of heart that you don't yet know about.

I had major surgery a couple of years ago for a tumour, and although I wasn't with a partner at the time, one thing I made sure of was that all the appropriate paperwork, ESPECIALLY the medical power of attorney was in the right hands. That meant that the two designated people each had a copy, the hospital had a copy for my file and the ICU had a copy right in the unit. You CANNOT over do it in regards to being absolutely sure that the right people have the documentation. You don't want any fussing over the paper work if you need to use your medical POA.

And don't hesitate to change neurologists or neuro surgeons if you're not comfortable with who you're sent to!

I wish you and Toxic the very best in dealing with all this. My heart goes out to both of you.

Sue

Thanks so much, Sue. I actually despise her neurologist, but I think Toxic is a bit more resigned because she is just overwhelmed and tired of it all. I have been actively (ok... rabidly) campaigning for a switch (we have an HMO style insurance plan), and I'm slowly getting there... we actually have a consult with someone new on Thursday and I hope this one is more proactive and less medication-happy. One thing we have been told is that this is not cancer. However, it would be nice for her to live a normal life with her vision in tact, no crazy wild seizures, and with an absence of pain. I just want someone who is committed to being part of a team with us achieve that... and I want to be armed with as much legal protection and knowledge as possible, just in case.

We did make several copies, had them all notarized, and in addition to holding onto several copies, ourselves, we mailed copies to the primary care physician as well as my sister and an aunt (the other individuals listed in our documentation).

Thanks again!!