My thoughts: You must have a DURABLE power of attorney. The regular power of attorney ends when you die. duh.

As for an advanced medical care directive, it's good to have at least the form one, notarized.

As some of you know, they aren't perfect. It's best to NOT give the power of decisions to someone who doesn't know you well (like a doctor, which is what the form one basically does.) and someone who CAN think under duress. Nor would I give it to anyone who is a beneficiary on your insurance policy... gee they might take the money and not give you rehab and tell the courts you rather would die.

Take the form directive and alter it for YOURSELF and your wishes. Mention the Shiavo case, and what you liked and disliked about the proceedings... a perfect example of relaying how you want it for you. Don't be afraid to include TIMING in your directive. If you want support for a certain amount of time before the decision to terminate is made, write that in. If you INSIST on PAIN medication during the whole process, write that in. (Often it's up to the doctor to arbitrarily decide if you can feel pain or hunger!) If you want to be rehabilitated, write that in too.... think about it and type it in. Delete anything you don't need (like the pregnancy clause menopauser!)

Make sure you specify that if you need an operation at any time, you WANT it..and that life support for that operation is allowed and not part of your advanced directive for DNR. (Do not resusitate.) [Case in point: my dad had brain cancer but also a living will.... they hesistated a whole weekend because they thought he didn't want life support which was required for the life saving surgery! duh!]

My decider is my attorney... I KNOW he will fight for my life longer than anyone... or end it for me like I probably want anyway. [Though I've thought about giving my psychologist the power, since he has more hope for me than everyone else combined!)

File several ORIGINAL, notarized copies in different places. Your attorney, your secure deposit box at the bank, the person you give the power to, and your MD should have one in your file too!... Even keeping one in the glovebox of your car is not outlandish, as police and EMT get that info quickly. A miniturized one in your wallet with your medical info would work.

I mean, we are ALL going to die... it's not like we would cause it by having the directive.

Talk about verbosity!