From:
steph@cosmicglue.com
Date: 2002-11-01 22:57:22 UTC
Subject: Need advice on euthenasia
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <9268066.1036191442450.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Hi All,
I'm at the point in caring for one of my ferts, Maggie 9yo with Insulinoma and Adrenal, where I'm wondering if I'm doing the right thing by keeping her alive. Lately it's been a real battle to keep her bg stable on her meds. She hasn't dooked in over a year. She whines when she pees (this has been going on for a long time but nobody can find anything wrong with her to cause this), she occasionally whines when we pick her up or she is moving around in her hammock and when we let her out for "play" time (she hasn't played in a very long time) she usually just goes to another bed to sleep.
She has been on medication for insulinoma and adrenal for 1 1/2 years now. I think the meds are only keeping her alive. How does one determine "quality" of life in a being when they can't tell you?
I feel selfish for keeping her alive because I love her so much and want her here with me. I feel selfish for wanting to euthenize her because in a way I'm so tired of the every 8 hours feedings and medications. I feel horrible because I can't do anything else medically to help her condition. I don't even know anymore if when she does walk around if she is doing that because she is interested in her surroundings or becuase she is just on auto-pilot or having another low bg episode. I just wish she could speak and tell me if she was ready to go or if she wanted to keep going.
Has anybody been in this situation and if so how do you know when it's time?
Thanks,
Stephanie
With Maggie, Bullwinkle, Shasta and Nanners
Missing with all my heart Ichabod, Emeline and Nyla