Sorry to get in so late on this.
Darth, I'm so sorry you, and all the others have to be subjected to these "blood enforcers". I really think some think they have "god-like" powers. The power of life or death.
I've been a nurse for many years. I have had to interject myself into several of these situations. I've told this before, but I had a toddler who needed blood to live. Has soon as the "enforcers" got there, they badgered and bullied the young parents.
I went to the surgeon, who went to the hospital attorney-- and within 2 hours we had a court order for guardianship to go to the hospital. The "brothers" were trying to get them to take the toddler and leave the hospital. I heard the tail end of this and it was all I could do to keep from going postal. I picked up the phone and called security--and gave them our "code" to also notify the police they were needed.
The "enforcers" were escorted out to the police. They were told if they came back, they would be arrested for tresspassing and contempt of court. The look on their faces was ssooo priceless! And boy if looks could kill, I'd be dead when they realized what I had done. The young parents thanked me for taking the decision out of their hands in front of the "brothers". When they asked how I was able to stay a step ahead of the JWs, I told them my story. I got to spend alot of time with them over a couple weeks.
The kicker was they tried to send 2 more brothers up the next day. By then I had made him a confidentail patient. The hospital couldn't even acknowledge he was a patient. I restricted visitors. All the nurses on the floor became very protective of them. These 2 new "enforcers" came wearing jeans and boots--casual look. When I took a break outside, I got to visit with them. They had already asked and got my name. This nurse volunteered to them that I "knew all about that cult cause I grew up that way." She went to call security and they left--that's when they ran into me. One of them started in on the "you should know better.....blah blah blah." Security escorted them out. But these "enforcers" called my supervisors, and their supervisors trying to get me in trouble. They tried for several weeks. But, of course, I had the backing of the hospital.
Sorry I rambled a bit more than I should have. This topic gets MY blood boiling. 25 years ago, a utility trailer hitch fell on my little 4 year old sister. My parents refused blood and were willing to let her die because no surgeon wanted to touch her. So this is my passion.
Can I make a couple suggestions, if anything should happen again? If possible, a couple days before the surgery contact the hospital social worker and let them know what might occur. Even though the doctor can't tell confidential info on patients, he can LISTEN to what you have to say. Believe me, medical staff would rather be alerted to what might occur. I've had the hospital attorney be on the floor to greet the "hospital liasion enforcers" and explain legal ramifications that could occur. That put the fear of someone's god in them."
But the best thing, like was already mentioned. Try and talk about this topic as soon as possible. Get the nurses to help you explain the medical end of it, if you need. (Nurses have a way of showing the big picture--we tend to get testy if anyone dies on our shift!) If possible, refer or show them the articles where now it's a "matter of conscience". The doctors can explain alternatives, if it's possible.
What every person needs is to designate a "Durable Power of Attorney for medcial" decisions if he is unable to make them. A Living Will can be overturned by family. Or even sign the blood permit. I had one patient that was a JW in his 50's. He said he wasn't leaving his grandchildren yet. He signed the blood permit when his JW family and friends weren't around. He told us and the doctor if he did need blood in surgery, not to tell his family. Confidentiality goes a long way.
My heart goes out to all of you who have had to go thru all this needless torture. Especially for you non JWs, don't think you have to sit quietly while these jackasses could ultimately cause death. Get the staff involved, let them know how you feel. Stand your ground. You may just save a life. If you hurt your family's feelings, I say "Too bad".
OK-sorry sorry sorry-- I'll shut up--for now!!!
shelley
