When Is Enough, Enough?

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Pragmatist

I actually think that Jermyn has a good point and this is one of the reasons health care is so expensive in this country. The culture is to always try everything possible to extend someone's life for any amount of time. I don't think the government should be making that decision, but maybe more doctors should kindly suggest letting someone go when the outlook isn't very good.

I'm facing something like that.
I have been diagnosed with an incurable lung condition.
It is treatable but not curable.
The only cure would be a lung transplant.
But, I'm 72 years old.
I had quadruple bypass surgery 15 years ago.
The life of a bypass is 10-12 years and I've already lasted 15 years.
3 of the 4 bypasses are still working.
I have Medicare plus United Health Care for a supplement.

Here are some questions I'm facing?
Should I continue treatment (costing Medicare and private insurance dollars) which will not cure?
Should a 72 year old man with 15 year old heart bypasses living on Social Security even be considered as a recipient of donated lungs as long as there are younger people with family and job responsibilities that could use donated lungs?