Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

Original post by Xelindrya

Mar 21, 2005 05:23 PM

Yes, I realize this is a much discussed subject, but now it’s in federal courts (Florida) and I have a problem with that. If my husband is trying to let me die after 15 years of being on a tube, and I told him yes and my parents have no documented proof otherwise, then I’d be ticked that this is even getting to court.

It sets a horrible precedent.

I mean do you (any of you) right now think you’ll ever be on a tube for 15 years? She was so young when it happened. I seriously doubt she realized this was going to happen to her and told her parents “Hey Mom, Dad, if I ever get stuck on a tube, let me live forever and ever, ok?”

Although I feel for the parents who are losing a child. But to keep her alive, I think is sick. Still those are my opinions on her.

The opinion of allowing a COURT to decide family choices?!?!?!?!? What’s next pro-choice?

This is wrong, just my thoughts.. yours?

luvsbob4603 Posted: Mar 21, 2005 07:24 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

my opinion is that if i was on a feeding tube for 15 years i would say just let me die! because now if she did wake up after 15 years she would be like what year is it and how old am I? it would be very scary to waking up to a world much different from what is was before this all happened to her. so im my opinion I would say No i wouldn't want to be on a feeding tube because my life would be very different and people will be taking care of me and i dont want that.

Boop2704 Posted: Mar 21, 2005 07:40 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

I am really really torn with this case. On one hand I feel really bad for the parents and can understand they just don't want to let their child go. As her parents they do not feel that she has been given every chance possible to make an improvement, she was never given any kind of treatment to see if she could improve.

On another hand, the husband 'says' she had these wishes not to be kept alive. But, there have been so many things said, like she talked about divorce before this happened, questions of possible abuse that I find it a little hard to just take his word for it and question his motives considering he has a whole new family.

What I would like to see happen..I don't know. Its sort of a no win situation. In the end though, I would like to see the husband just let her go, give guardianship over to her parents and let them pursue every possible option to let her try to recover.

I don't think they should take her feeding tube out. To me that is killing her. She is breathing on her own, only using the feeding tube three times a day for nutrition.

But I have learned from this case to make my wishes known to both my husband and my parents. I can't afford to have anything legal drawn up, but I do plan on typing something up and having it notorized.

It really is a sad situation for all. I just hope whatever is decided for this woman is done soon. I do not think it is fair to keep putting both families through this and I don't think it is fair to her to be denied food every other month only to be started up again.

BriBri529 Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:13 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

My opinion is that if her parents want to take care of her then they should be able to. He should just move on with his life and back off? Does he have any true reason for her being removed from the tube? Is it his own guilt that he has moved on? Maybe I am naive, but I just don't understand what the true problem is. Her parents want to take care of her, he wants her off the feeding tube- move on with your life and let her parents take care of her- they are entitled to, after all she is THEIR child.

BriBri529 Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:16 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

Posted by marymoon

I just don't think hr husband should have the decision. When he got another woman, he gave up his rights as her husband as far as I'm concerned, so it would then go to her family, and they're saying keep her alive. The truth is we have no idea WHAt she can and can't feel.

I agree

RedHead Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:30 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

Posted by marymoon

See this is what i think

If she can;t feel anything, then she's not 'suffering', so she dens't have to be killed.

!

But if she doesn't feel anything then why LIVE???
FOr her parents sake..

RedHead Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:31 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

Posted by BriBri529

My opinion is that if her parents want to take care of her then they should be able to. He should just move on with his life and back off? Does he have any true reason for her being removed from the tube? Is it his own guilt that he has moved on? Maybe I am naive, but I just don't understand what the true problem is. Her parents want to take care of her, he wants her off the feeding tube- move on with your life and let her parents take care of her- they are entitled to, after all she is THEIR child.

how do you think they are paying to keep her alive...Theri own money...NOT

newnybride2be Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:33 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

This is such a tough case. At first I was thinking that removing a feeding tube was sort oflike removing a oxygen tube.. but after hearing more about it, and realizing that this poor woman would be starving for up to two weeks I have changed my opinions.

I thought at the beginning that hte parents had no right to go against the husband's wishes and try to keep their daughter alive, but after learning more about the husbands life, I think they did the right thing. The husband has obviously moved on. Hes already got kids with another woman. Whatever feelings he may have had for Terri are obviously gone, therefore he should have given up his rights as guardian to her parents.

I heard an interview with her brother and he said that she has never had any other tests done except for the basic CAT scan. Wouldnt you think that if there was any way to try and get her to become her normal self again, this man whom supposedly loves this woman so much would have had the decency to have other available tests done just to make sure that there is no possible way that should would ever be able to function again?? I think it is extremely odd. I would totally understand with his decision if he had allowed for these to be done, but he chose not to.

Therefore I so no justification in his decision to let her starve to death. He obviously is just thinking about himself.

Moehick Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:34 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

Her husband was also offered an obscene amount of money from the parents (and various organizations that back them) to relenquish rights over to them. Ifhe was all about the $$ then he would have given up rights then. I think he doesn't want to see her suffer indefinitely and that is why he isn't giving up his rights. I'm not sure if her parents are stable enough to make rational decisions.

RedHead Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:34 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

Posted by marymoon

I just don't think hr husband should have the decision. When he got another woman, he gave up his rights as her husband as far as I'm concerned, so it would then go to her family, and they're saying keep her alive. The truth is we have no idea WHAt she can and can't feel.

So he was supposed to stay single because the parents don't want her to peacefull die?

That is silly. I would never be by myself because of that...he has a life...he was her husband...

I would like it if the parents would just come to their senses and not listen to these freaks that make them believe she is communicating with them!

IT IS SICK AND SAD...how people play on others emotions like that

luvsbob4603 Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:36 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

well said newnybride. i think he is thinking about himself myself he doesn't really care he married and has two kids.

Moehick Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:40 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

I definitely think the government should have no part in this. What are they going to do? Step in everytime families don't agree

It is so scary to see where this country is headed!

RedHead Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:42 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

Posted by newnybride2be

I heard an interview with her brother and he said that she has never had any other tests done except for the basic CAT scan. Wouldnt you think that if there was any way to try and get her to become her normal self again, this man whom supposedly loves this woman so much would have had the decency to have other available tests done just to make sure that there is no possible way that should would ever be able to function again?? I think it is extremely odd. I would totally understand with his decision if he had allowed for these to be done, but he chose not to.

Therefore I so no justification in his decision to let her starve to death. He obviously is just thinking about himself.

DO you really believe that they only did a basic CAT scan...do you really think that the supreme court of Fla. made their decision based on a simple CAT scan...NOT one doctor has said that she will ever be more that a vegetable! CAN YOU IMAGINE THAT...I would rather live through starvation then live my life as a veggie.

They have had 15 YEARS of trying to get her to 'snap' out of it...SHE ISN'T GOING TO...ANd peopel holding on to what ifs is SILLY>

RedHead Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:43 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

Posted by Moehick

I definitely think the government should have no part in this. What are they going to do? Step in everytime families don't agree

It is so scary to see where this country is headed!

i agree

Moehick Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:46 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

Posted by RedHead

Posted by Moehick

I definitely think the government should have no part in this. What are they going to do? Step in everytime families don't agree

It is so scary to see where this country is headed!

i agree

Geez what other areas of our lives can the government throw their right wing, ultra conservative, ultra religious hands into?

Television....check

Radio....check

News....Check

Individual Family decisions....check

Now I need the throw up icon

RedHead Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:49 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

It would be just really nice if they all just stopped the false hope and prayers for her to 'snap' out of it...It isn't going to happen...and the billionth chance that it does...she isn't going to be any better off...

IT IS SAD, it is horrible, it is heartbreaking...But they all should just come together and let this woman go!

THis is NOT a life..AND it never will be...Having her parents keep her that was is HORRIBLE AND SELFISH!

NOT any of you would want to be her...

newnybride2be Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:51 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

I see your point about it not being a life RED, however, its just really really sad knowing that shes going to be starved to death.

Moehick Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:52 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

Numerous doctors have said she can't feel hunger so this is the most humane way.

RedHead Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:55 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

Posted by newnybride2be

I see your point about it not being a life RED, however, its just really really sad knowing that shes going to be starved to death.

i know...but we don't know if she is really going to suffer...pain is registered through the brain and if she has no brain activity she might not feel anything...even though her body is going through the motions

But i do understand this part...AND although i never like the thought of Euthenasia...it seems appropriate

newnybride2be Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:59 PM

Re: Terry (the lady in Florida) Tube or no Tube?

I hate this whole subject because no one is ever going to know for sure what she is or isnt going to feel. I was totally for them pulling the tube out at first, but the more I thought about it, it just bothered me because there is always that chance that she could feel.