Aortic dissection varies - does she have an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and if so, what size and where? Is it a thoracic dissection, and if so, which type? Does she have any other medical problems that would affect her ability to survive a significant surgery?

Does she want to have surgery? (This would be a big procedure, if she has one of they types where surgery is recommended.)

All of these factors would influence medical decisions and family decisions.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution -
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/0405/12illness.html

The Birmingham News -
http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1113124997294560.xml

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/0405/12illness.html

This entire aspect of "health" care in America is going to have to be totally revamped. We have Hospices whose sole job is to help people die with dignity taking it just a step farther it would seem, Living Wills ignored if they do not comply with the wishes of the Hospice and a whole dark, sinister movement aimed at estabishing euthanasia as the norm for the elderly. No wonder they say no problem with social security for looks as thought they have found the perfect solution.

In any event, the Living Will specified that food and water not be withheld as long as she was not in a coma and yet it was. Twice. On the order of a Probate Judge--the one for my county refinishes antique furniture and also has no law degree as he is supposed to issue marriage license, perform marriages and probate wills and attend very routine matters of that nature. Time for those of us in states where anybody can perform this service to re-think this. Also, my county coronor does not have a medical degree just as this judge has no legal degree.

Lots of work needs to be done in this area especially with the Baby Boomers fast approaching the age where they can be expected to need these services. But then, maybe that is why they are all ramped up to streamline forced euthanasia. And it can happen to anybody at any age. We can all be victims of a car wreck or hit by a bus.

It is hereditary, but you aren't born with it. It is something that you may develop later in age (usually somewhere past your mid 40's).

This condition isn't really a terminal condition-it will eventually kill you, but it doesn't cause you to be bed ridden or anything. It is basically going on with your life, and waiting for the big rupture to hit.

Also, I think this isn't an anomoly, I think the Schiavo case will actually bring cases similar or even more repulsive (as this one is, since there is something in writing) are going to start getting media attention where they wouldn't before.

The fact that so many seem to be on this "kill the severely disabled, because their quality of life sucks, and they are sucking money from the system" is scary. I don't know that I want the country I live in and love to decide who gets to live and die based on the bottom line, or some subjective idea of whose life is worthy and whose isn't.

Also, wasn't the Georgia woman actually *born* with the heart problem she has now? Might want to check on that one before using it as justification for the granddaughter's actions.