# You Have a Incurable, Progressive, Terminal Disease. It Hurts. What If.... **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 9, 2013, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199 "2013-04-09T02:35:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Capt\_Kirk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@Capt\_Kirk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt_Kirk)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2013, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/41 "2013-04-09T22:27:07Z")
> [@eltro102](#): > > overdose on LSD, hope that I don’t have a bad trip The LD50 on that is a lot higher than you want to take, would be a very bad trip on a fatal dose. Just my WAG. . **Capt** ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2013, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/42 "2013-04-09T22:31:40Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > yah, no. Helium would be a much nicer way out. You would breath normally and then black out never to return. However the tendency to have one’s last words be “That’s all, folks!” said in Porky Pig’s voice would be nigh-overwhelming, which would detract from the gravity of the situation. ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_Kirk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@Capt\_Kirk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt_Kirk)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2013, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/43 "2013-04-09T22:36:57Z")
Missed edit window According to wiki, the LD50 of LSD is up to 1g per kg of body mass, the one suspected fatal OD in humans, someone injected appx 3000 typical doses. Bad trip man, bad trip **Capt** My apologies for the lack of link, I am on the stupid tablet ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2013, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/44 "2013-04-09T22:42:14Z")
> [@Yllaria](#): > > As long as hospice is willing to increase the pain meds up to and beyond the point that it suppresses breathing, I wouldn’t feel a need for a gun. I’ve heard that’s allowed as long as the goal is relieving the pain and the suppressed breathing is secondary. According to my sister who is a hospice director that is indeed the case. In fact, entering my sister’s hospice might be my best option. (Of course, a different doctor would be assigned to me, my sister believes very strongly that one should not treat relatives and friends if it can be at all avoided but she definitely keeps a watchful eye on her loved ones under care) ---
**Author:** ![lavenderviolet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/cdc98d/32.png) [@lavenderviolet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lavenderviolet)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2013, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/45 "2013-04-09T23:08:01Z")
> [@Yllaria](#): > > As long as hospice is willing to increase the pain meds up to and beyond the point that it suppresses breathing, I wouldn’t feel a need for a gun. I’ve heard that’s allowed as long as the goal is relieving the pain and the suppressed breathing is secondary. Yes, in my experience, hospice is very pragmatic about controlling symptoms even if it might hasten someone’s death. Most people wait far too long to get hospice involved because they don’t want to admit that they are dying. Hospice care can not only make your final months more comfortable, but people in hospice actually end up living longer in some cases because sometimes the treatment for a disease is worse than the disease itself. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![PandaBear77](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@PandaBear77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PandaBear77)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2013, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/46 "2013-04-09T23:16:47Z")
Nope. I’d enroll in whatever studies were being conducted to research whatever disease I had (I live in one of the best healthcare areas in the world) and I’d go down swingin’. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2013, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/47 "2013-04-09T23:34:07Z")
Always wanted to build a guillotine, but I haven’t yet found the motivation. I think I could make a pretty decent one in 3 months. ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/48 "2013-04-10T04:40:47Z")
Count me amongst those who intend to off themselves if life becomes seriously unpleasant. Now, of course, I can’t know how I’ll feel when actually faced with the decision. I intend to join the French NGO that advocates for the legalization of euthanasia, since over here only cats and dogs have a right to a painless death, not mere humans. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/49 "2013-04-10T04:59:03Z")
**Dr** - Actually, the point might be that you won’t have 3 months of properly-acting body left when you decide you want one. Might make an interesting conversation piece for the living room, though… Unless there is an undercurrent of assisted suicide in hospices, that would be the last place I’d trust - especially if I am a paying customer - they would have an incentive to keep me around. One nice development is the self-administered IV pain med - break open the box and give the bag a good squeeze. _ **If you get such a setup. If you have the strength and range of motion left.** _ I want something that I control, even if it’s just me there. Yes, I’ve been through many of the benzos (currently have script for 2) - the LD50 make them bad choices - but, if you have a fist full of opiates, they might make for a fail-safe backup. Unfortunately, I have an incredibly high tolerance for CNS depressants - OTC pain meds never did anything for me. For years, the only 2 drugs known to control pain were Vicoden (Hydrocodone) and Demerol (post-surgical pain). Now, even hydrocodone no longer works (I fit the incurable, progressive, and pain part, the terminal part will be soon enough) ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/50 "2013-04-10T05:06:56Z")
> [@Capt\_Kirk](#): > > Missed edit window > > According to wiki, the LD50 of LSD is up to 1g per kg of body mass, the one suspected fatal OD in humans, someone injected appx 3000 typical doses. Bad trip man, bad trip > > **Capt** > > My apologies for the lack of link, I am on the stupid tablet So, after all the stoned discussions of “which way would you want do - uppers or downers” which immediately turned to the psychedelics, someone actually did it! Somehow, that makes me think “Excellent” 😃 Add one more pill to the recipe… ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/51 "2013-04-10T05:18:31Z")
> [@usedtobe](#): > > Unfortunately, I have an incredibly high tolerance for CNS depressants - OTC pain meds never did anything for me. For years, the only 2 drugs known to control pain were Vicoden (Hydrocodone) and Demerol (post-surgical pain). > Now, even hydrocodone no longer works (I fit the incurable, progressive, and pain part, the terminal part will be soon enough) I didn’t know you were in the situation described in your OP ☹ ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/52 "2013-04-10T05:34:45Z")
Actually, it is ironic - I’ve always suspected I’d check myself out. Now my body is doing the “so hurry up, already” bit 😃 ---
**Author:** ![audiobottle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/bc8723/32.png) [@audiobottle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/audiobottle)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/53 "2013-04-10T05:42:01Z")
I would like to plug Hospice/Palliative Care. It’s an under utilized service, but one that is needed exactly for situations like this. Others have mentioned it, but it really does need to be reinforced. I honestly don’t know why it’s not used as much as it should be, but hopefully it’ll continue to gain wider acceptance. They will work on keeping your life as suffering free as possible while maintaining your goals of care insofar as possible. Some people will put up with a great deal of pain if it means they won’t be sleepy and out of it all the time from pain meds. Some would rather not feel any pain and don’t mind the idea of falling asleep and not waking up. They’ll work with both types and everybody in between. Definitely get those advanced directives in, and talk with loved ones about what you’d want if you were ever in a situation where you couldn’t speak with yourself. You really can’t have those ready early enough, and you can always revise them as you will. ---
**Author:** ![truthSeeker2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7cd45c/32.png) [@truthSeeker2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/truthSeeker2)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/54 "2013-04-10T05:52:55Z")
It will help me a lot in difficult times to know that I can get rid of the pain or disability immediately by ending my life anytime. But this will actually increase my resilience I feel. I will feel less miserable and less helpless. Other than that, I will try to believe whatever that happens, happens for good and there’s a lesson in every (good or bad)phase of life and nothing bad can ever happen and that death is not the end. Will try to de-focus from the problem, do not think about the future. Keep my mind occupied with pleasant stuff or stuff which interests me, occupied with people who love me. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/55 "2013-04-10T06:18:35Z")
I don’t understand the desire for pills. They seem time consuming and iffy. Helium would be the easiest way out. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 7:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/56 "2013-04-10T07:04:24Z")
I’m still working on a respiration device that would not dislodge during whatever the process is - if it is simply suffocation, you would lose consciousness before death - anything hand-held is likely to fall from your hands, and you’re back to square one. Sealing a room would work in theory, but probably ONLY in theory. And how readily is helium available? I’ve only seen it in a device for inflating toy balloons? ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/57 "2013-04-10T12:16:22Z")
> [@usedtobe](#): > > We caused hundreds of schools to be built, then colleges to expand to regional campuses. We demanded the vote and we got it. We stopped one obscene war, and eliminated the draft. Roe v Wade was a boomer production.When we first hit the medical establishment it was childbirth. The father is no longer confined to a waiting room to smoke and pace. > In short: we tend to get what we want. > Predictably, there are going to be a whole bunch of us facing the posited situation. I encourage any and all exit strategies when it comes to Boomers. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/58 "2013-04-10T22:48:46Z")
Aside form snarky comments from ingrates: The advantage to helium in a bag over your head is that, should the apparatus be removed before anyone not in on the operation arrives, there is no way to determine cause of death - it leaves no traces, and unless the bag was secured with something around the neck which left a bruise, all an investigator is presented is a body sitting in a chair. An autopsy would actually destroy any slight trace which didn’t already find its way out. Beats the hell out of car exhaust which is hot and caustic. If you chose that, make sure you are going to stay asleep - that pesky will-to-live is likely to try to awake you so you can “save” yourself. ---
**Author:** ![stui\_magpie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stui_magpie/32/11010_2.png) [@stui\_magpie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stui_magpie)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2013, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/59 "2013-04-11T01:35:10Z")
Leaving out the method, Hell Yes would i be willing to check myself out before I was reduced to a gibbering wreck in a home or hospital bed. I’ve already told my kids that. If anything happens don’t keep me on life support, pull the plug ---
**Author:** ![sidhechaos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@sidhechaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sidhechaos)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2013, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199/60 "2013-04-12T05:07:20Z")
> [@Senegoid](#): > > And don’t count on getting pain meds to keep you comfortable unless you have that AHCD in place, and even then, it may be a crapshoot. I’m sure at least some readers of this thread remember that thread, a few months ago, about the difficulties people have getting their pain meds, with the rampant out-of-control DEA paranoia that stalks the land. > > . i’m in my 40’s with a not terminal but continually ptogtrssive extremely painful health condition that will probably have me bedbound by 60 I have no family I’m on ssdi and only have medicare in my state you cant get medicaid unless you dropped out of school had a shitload of kids and never worked. I did the opposite of all that. the dea witchhunt and insurance situation insures I will never have adequate pain management. my teeth are destroyed from chronic vomiting from pain and I cant get them fixed. I cant even eat normally anymore I forsee in within 10 to 15 years not only an overdose but also playing with the plentiful copperheads to be found in the area and just in case a very sharp knife to slit my jugular with while out in the woods. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-incurable-progressive-terminal-disease-it-hurts-what-if/655199.md?page=4)