As many others here I've been faced with several of my "dealbreakers". The first one was a port. I fought that, said I'd never get one. Now I've had two, and I don't know why I fought them so much! They make life so much easier.
Second one was O2. I was convinced that once I went on O2 my life was over, I was past the point of no return. So when I did go on O2, it was very hard for me to accept. I fought the doctors, was very depressed, never wore it - until it was really starting to become apparent that I needed it. It was really hard for me to wear it in public, now I don't even care! It's amazing what you get used to, that seemed so insurmountable before.
Next is transplant - i always knew I would get one - but it would be way, way in the future. So it was never very real to me. Now I'm very close and can't wait. I am also very scared! I dread the vent - I know you are on it after surgery - and the numerous bronchs - I've never had one before.
So I think that lots of cfers have dealbreakers, but as we get sicker, we are eventually faced with them all - and you find yourself making decisions that you never thought you'd make, just to live a little longer.....
Sorry if this is depressing!!<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
I did once refuse to let them draw my blood in the hospital - they had just drawn it that morning and came back for more - because they screwed up and didn't get enough the first time. I told them tooooo bad - I was sick of being poked! Also refused to take stool softener at the hospital too - I didn't ever take it so why should I now?? Also refused to let students do IV's on me, especially after being poked for like 30 min. one time! Sometimes you just gotta stick up for yourself!!!
Martha CF, 30