Barbara J. Hamby

Pharmaceutical Promises

After listening to dozens, if not hundreds, of dreary pharmaceutical ads with long litanies of side effects, I finally heard one I might actually ask my doctor about under certain circumstances. A possible side effect listed is that elderly patients with dementia who take this drug may be more likely to die, or words to that effect. I don’t remember the name of the drug, but the next time I hear it, I’ll write it down and put the name in my safe for future reference. Then I’ll have to figure out what symptoms the drug is supposed to treat.

Dementia is my, and most older folks, I believe, greatest fear. I hope that, if I suffer that ailment, I’ll have the courage my mother, and some other sufferers, did. They found a way to leave this world before they became vegetables with no dignity left.

When my Mom decided she could no longer put up with her many medical problems, she was in Washington state which did not, at that time, have an assisted suicide law. Even in Oregon then, (and I believe still) the patient had to administer the medication him or herself. Since she could no longer swallow easily, that would have been too difficult. She simply refused all nourishment and hydration. She had all her paperwork in order and even though she could not speak, she made her wishes very clear.

Dr. Kevorkian helped a few older people who wanted to end their suffering. Unfortunately, he’s no longer available and his experience with the legal system has, no doubt, discouraged many other doctors from following his lead.

Most of the advertised new drugs with dozens of possible side effects I wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole, as the saying goes. However, I might make an exception for one that could possibly help with the transition out of pain.

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