Can a person, in the right state of mind refuse a colostomy, and can they add that stipulation to their living will (USA - General Legal)
2007-07-28 16:21:24 · 7 answers · asked by militaryace 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
You can add it to a living will, the question is: would it be respected?
If you're a competent adult no one's going to force you.
A colostomy can occur as an emergency procedure, in which case all bets are off (say from a gunshot wound); I suspect that any hospital would do the procedure; they probably wouldn't know about your living will until after the fact anyway.
If you've got terminal cancer, its common to choose to forgo additional surgeries if they're going to be tough-- no one is in it to put you through more pain, and patients with advance cancer don't do well with major surgeries anyway.
2007-07-28 16:32:02 · answer #1 · answered by Crocodilian 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is there a reason you want to refuse it? I know it's not everyone's ideal fashion accessory, but believe me, the thought of having a bag is actually a lot worse than the reality.
I've lived with mine for 31 years now since I was 10 years old. It gave me my life back and there is nothing I can't do. Bob Hope, John Wayne, The Queen Mum, and the actress Barbara Barry are a few celebrities who have had/have ostomies and it hasn't stopped them doing what they want to do.
Chat with a few ostomates, you might just change your mind about refusing one once you realise they can do anything they want and no one has to know about their bag :)
2007-07-29 02:26:37 · answer #2 · answered by Shaz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, any adult of sound mind is free to refuse any medical treatment. If doctors performed any treatment without your permission (unless its an emergency and you cant consent) its a battery.
2007-07-28 23:23:58 · answer #3 · answered by Daz2020 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES. Absolutely yes. Go see an attorney if you wish to do this, and do NOT wait. State of Mind is extremely important.
2007-07-28 23:24:42 · answer #4 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, patients can refuse recommended treatment.
2007-07-28 23:24:51 · answer #5 · answered by vegaswoman 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why would they want to if they needed one? I know its not an ideal way to live, but most people choose any alternative to death, even if its a crappy one.....literally
2007-07-28 23:23:55 · answer #6 · answered by ♥Stephanie♥ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would think so but in many cases by doing so they will be signing their own death warrant.
2007-07-28 23:25:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋