Can a life be saved? Or is it really a prolonging of the inevitable?

Question

I mean everyone is going to die at some point in time. No matter the action taken death is certain in the end.

So can anyone claim to have saved a life? When I had CABG done last year, was my life saved or did the doctors only extend my life by an unknown length of time? Since no one can say when or what the cause of my death will be was any change made at all?

Are we lying to ourselves with the phrase "life saving"? Should we really call it "life extension", "putting of death" or maybe just "life quality improvement"? Or is it just wishful thinking?

These are philosophical questions I know. I just wanted some other thoughts.

It seems that some took my question in a way I didn't intend. I am currently without a job and haveing some problem finding one. I have a lot of time to think about my life and where I'm headed. I have done things in my past that hurt many people (more than 15 years ago). I made changes in that aspect that I am very proud of. But I feel a bit down right now and am re-evaluating the worth of my life. My health conditions do not help me (see my profile). I just want to set things right as much as I can. I will never undo what I did. It seems I can't forgive myself. I just wonder what to do to next.

Answer 1

Hi Terry. Sounds as though you are a bit down today, sorry to hear that. Personally, I feel that when you had your surgery last year your life was saved and prolonged all at the same time. If you had not have had the surgery you would have probably died sooner than you should have. Yes, as you know, we will all die sooner or later and I am not afraid to die, but I do want to be around as long as I can for my family and myself. Death is inevitable. But that does not mean that we should not try to take care of our health and try to prolong our lives and make the best with what we have. I call it all of the above you said, life saving, life extension, putting off death for a little while longer, and life quality improvement. We all could die in the next second but we cannot dwell on that either.

Now, as for you evaluating the worth of your life. The worth of your life is valuable. You help people in ways you probably don't even think you do. For instance, how many people have you helped on this site alone? I read your answers all the time and they are always knowledgable and caring. I believe I have even read in one of your answers that you served our country. I thank you for that. Yes, I know from experience that medical conditions can definitely get you down physically as well as emotionally. Don't doubt yourself and what you can do. Yes, the struggle is tough sometimes, I know that from experience also.

Also whatever you did in your past that is bothering you so bad, you have to let it go. We have all hurt people at one time or another in our lives. I am sure people have hurt you too. I know that is easier said than done. I know I have done things I should not have and regret, but you have to stop blaming yourself which is not good for you either. It took me a while to "forgive myself" for some of those things but that is the only way you can obtain peace, you can't dwell on it.

I hope I have helped you somewhat today.

Answer 2

Terry
The Dr's gave you more time.
My belief is that it was NOT your time to go and God allowed you to be brought back. There was something else in life that you have yet to do, a work or deed of some kind. Life is a gift, what we do with our life is a choice. Many people make BAD life choices. I have, I have had to live with sometime for the past 5 years that I regret and coping with the guilt caused me many emotional and health problems. I tried comfort and emotional eating which in turn casued HTN and joint pain. Again, brought on all myself from making a bad choice. To change my life I have to have a desire to change my eating habits and help my weight and health problems. Some people smoke, they are thin, but what choice are they making regarding their life ? Some are alcoholics, they are making their own decisions too. Yes, we all die, but we can shorten our days by the bad life choices we make.
Guilt can kill you emotionally and health wise.
Just know that you are not alone, and that you can not go back and change the past, its done. All you can do is live for a better tomorrow and be glad in the fact that you are here another day. If you are feeling down, try taking a walk go somewhere public and smile at others, as you pass. When you do this you might just be making someone else day by saying hello.
Dont you give up !
I have a thought I think daily that helped me through my guilt on a daily basis, I thought about this.
"ALWAYS EXPECT A MIRACLE"

Answer 3

Why did you go to the doctor? is more important, was it a wishful thinking?
Any way, you were doing your job, doctors were doing their job because God wanted all of you doing their jobs.
Regarding your question, I know you have gone through a lot of trauma in your life, "LIFE" saving is more appropriate and "saving oneself" can be part of life's game.
Life has a meaning, which I call LIVING for others.
Forget about philosophy " Thank God for His Blessings", thinking is OK, but getting it screwed in one head is pathology.
Be generous to yourself while thinking, ever time you win or loose say NPP "no problem partner", as one day we were born and one day you have to die.
Well these episodes do occur now and then just spit them off is the only practical solution.
SO LIVE FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FIRST AND OTHER FOLLOW NEXT, YOUR OBLIGATION TO YOUR FAMILY IS OF TOP PRIORITY.
I know it happens to me and all human beings, we cannot stop here the journey will go on & on.
Life is too small to think over petty things, feeling of guilt! they last shorter and cause a bigger damage .
NO, doctors didn't save your life, nor they extended it, nor did they improve the quality of life, it was HIM the one and only. They too die, in presence of a dozen doctors.Nothing doing.
As far what you did in the past you have paid for it , as HIM for forgiveness, as HE is MERCIFUL AND MOST BENOVALENT. Good thing that you spoke we are here to share with, it makes life easier. You pray to HIM , because HE is the BEST OF PROVIDER. OK.Don't give up hope, you will get a job within a week's time by HIS MERCY. Part of HIS testing, may be HE wants you to understand HIM better, only good people are put to test by HIM!!!
Come on cheer up, leave this for other to think and be happy.
OK have a nice week end.
TOO LATE TO GIVE UP.

Answer 4

Gee Hope you feel a little better now

I think what the doctors did "Was give you more time to complete the things that you wanted to do with your life.

Yes, I agree, we are all going to die one day, but it is the quality of our lives that is important. What we do for others and ourselves.
Death and Taxes for sure, but I for one am really glad that I have the time to do what I need to do for my family and my Grandchildren

Good question, Have a great week, Enjoy it

Answer 5

I think they mean they saved some amount of life. Just like "saving gas" doesn't mean you never have to tank your car up again. I don't think anyone expects to live forever after having CPR performed on them. I don't think we need to be reminded at every step that we are mortal - "Happy birthday Johnnie! Too bad you're going to DIE!!!" Best.

Answer 6

In my ever so humble opinion, no one 'saves' a life. Whether we live or die is up to God, but I do believe some of us allow Him to work through us.

Answer 7

Anything can happen in life, as life is not a horizontal line. There are a lots of spikes.
Take care.

Answer 8

Quite frankly you should be happy to be alive. Make the most of the life you have,you never know when it is going to be cut short.

Answer 9

well, as immortality is not possible, strictly speaking your life can only be prolonged. you will die eventually.

however if you would have been dead without the intervention i would suggest it would be reasonable to state that your life had been saved.