Christians and medical devices

[Guest]

Would any of the forum participants care to give me their opinion on the following scenario? Joe Smith is a medical professional and Ralph Jones is a client with whom Joe is working. Both consider themselves Christian disciples. Ralph has a recurring health condition that requires emergency treatment including placement on life support devices once per month for 3 to 4 days. Joe is aware of surgery that would allow Ralph to have a tube placed in such a way that Ralph could hook up a medical device at home when he felt the onset of symptoms thus preventing the need for emergency visits to the hospital. The current situation is one that requires a very rapid emergency response including lifeflight. Should weather or equipment unavailability prevent response, Ralph will likely die.

Should Joe encourage placement of the tube and device or should Joe encourage Ralph to continue in his present circumstances while praying for healing?

Thank you for your consideration.

livingink

[Guest]

I would urge all available medical treatment as long as it is not immoral. All healing is from God, IMHO.

[Guest]

In my experinces, I think utilizing all the medical helps God provides through others, that are available, is fine. Keeping in mind God still is the creater of life and knows our days are numbered.

So really, as I understand it no medical device will really be "the thing" that makes the difference.The decison which way to go for help, especially when given up in prayer as "Gods will be done" keeps it still in the hands of our Lord in the end.


I hope that makes sense.....Glow

[Guest]

if the intent is to pursue healing via medical means, including life flight, then as a practical matter it would seem that the "tube" should be placed so as to free up the medical resources, like life flight, for other potential emergencies, not to mention the cost of life flight, etc.

TK

[Guest]

Just reading through this, I was reminded of the parable of the "Good Samaritan," and how he showed compassion on the man and bandaged his wounds, and nursed him. Jesus didn't condem the Samaritan for his medical methods. I know that medical practices wern't the overall point of the parable, but Jesus did instruct the person that He was speaking to in Luke 11:37 to "Go and do the same."

[Guest]

Thank you for the answers to the previous question. Could I consult you again?

As if Ralph didn't have enough problems, assume that he has developed a second life-threatening health condition that will not be helped by placement of the tube. His physicians are attempting to regulate his body function with medicines but this is not always successful. Emergency life-fight is required once every one to two MONTHS while the majority of people may never have need of it. Joe Smith is working with Ralph on yet a third condition which is not life-threatening.

After the most recent trip to the hospital, Joe senses that Ralph is losing the hopeful outlook and beginning to expect his demise. There is no anger toward God, Ralph understands what a true disciple is, he believes that through his weakness of body God may reach someone else. On the other hand, Ralph sees the distinct possibility that medical devices may not bring him back. If you were Joe, is there some conversation you would want to have with Ralph?

thanks,

livingink

[Guest]

may i ask how old ralph is?

thx, TK

[Guest]

Let's assume Ralph is 35.

[Guest]

perhaps in this situation, companionship is preferable to counsel.

Job's friends sat with him in his suffering for 7 days and 7 nights in silence.

i dont think ralph expects remarkable words of wisdom or guidance.

some people here may believe that fervent prayer for a miraculous healing is in order. i dont necessarily disagree with this but i dont know the situation well enough. it is not always God's will to heal someone. i realize that i might catch some fire for that statement.

TK

[Guest]

TK,

I have come to agree with you. I believe Paul also would have agreed.

livingink