Non-Negotiables: The Death Tube

By Thad Buchanan

Here is something to think about. What are some non-negotiables in your life? We all draw lines in the sand right? In this segment, I’d love to share one that I have and plan to stick with for the rest of my life. 

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Let's start with the obvious ones. Yes, I am committed to never killing someone, or using a #1 pencil. The one that stands most importantly in my life is this: I stand firm in my resilience to never have a catheter.

I don’t want to waste time explaining in my words what a catheter is, so I would implore you to take this time to do your own research (if you wish). Just search “what is a catheter?” If you reach “Willy screamer,” you’ve gone too far. This, of course, is a personal conviction. I don’t want anyone who is "okay" with unrivaled pain to miss out on a chance to be unconscious in a hospital bed and not have to worry about peeing themselves if that is something they want. It’s just not for me.

The question I would propose is this: “why is when you are unconscious not socially acceptable to wiz on yourself?” When you were two years old, it was just normal. Fast forward however many years, and it’s now not considered okay when you’re in an unhealthy state as an adult and possibly facing near death? God forbid that you wet yourself while you are having an intense surgery.

I don’t want to push beliefs on you, I just want you to be firm in what you believe in. I know I am. I have promised myself that I will pull my own plug in any situation that involves the use of one of those death tubes. At least I know, whether it was serious or mild, that I left in my own way on my own terms. And yes, maybe I left in a pool of urine. 
Photo Credits: duvalldentalcenter.com