Yes, this is a topic that comes up in the MS community, and it's one that deserves thoughtful consideration. Planning ahead can give a real sense of control and peace of mind.
A key tool many people explore is a living will — a legal document that puts your wishes in writing for situations where you may not be able to Show Full Answer
Yes, this is a topic that comes up in the MS community, and it's one that deserves thoughtful consideration. Planning ahead can give a real sense of control and peace of mind.
A key tool many people explore is a living will — a legal document that puts your wishes in writing for situations where you may not be able to speak for yourself.
A living will can cover things like:
- CPR – whether you want resuscitation efforts, including a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order
- Feeding tubes – your preferences around artificial nutrition
- Mechanical ventilation – breathing assistance decisions
- Palliative or hospice care – focusing on comfort and quality of life
- Organ or tissue donation – designating your wishes
- Where you receive care – home, facility, or elsewhere These are deeply personal decisions, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It's worth having open conversations with your neurologist, family, caregivers, and possibly a legal adviser to make sure your wishes are clearly documented and respected.
Many MyMSTeam members have found that talking openly — even about the hard stuff — brings a surprising sense of relief and freedom, rather than added stress.
July 18
I didn't know you could do it here. I knew Canada does it and some other countries in Europe. That's a heavy decision and I wouldn't direct that decision in any direction. But I would say that I do not believe that suicide disqualifies you from being saved. It's thru grace and belief in Jesus's death, burial and resurrection. We can't add to or take anything away from that.
July 18
Hi, this is just a check-in, based on a phrase you mentioned. If you — or anyone else who sees this — is thinking about self-harm, we want to say that you are an important part of this community. No part of this is easy, but there is support that can help.
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And if you are talking us, and MS, I doubt we would qualify unless you are truly bedridden with no quality of life. 🤗
July 18
My best Friend, Tess, she was one of the 1st who elected and gone through this, when it first was introduced in California. She had a rare metastatic breast cancer. I am glad she was able to do this, @A MyMSTeam Member!
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July 18
My state allows it ,I’m sure most states do . I don’t believe in it. I think God should be the one who decides for me , maybe later in life I will feel differently about it . However, if someone chooses to do it , that’s completely understandable.
July 18