on giving it right back

1200 am- called to the bedside of a 17 year old male with cerebral palsy and a huge attitude. I've seen him for many days, and was very familiar with his family.

Nurse: "I can't get him to take his Baclofen. He's WAY past due, but mom and I keep trying. Now he says he wants to die."

Danielle: "Dude. Why don't you want to take your Baclofen? You know Baclofen withdrawal is super dangerous, right?"

Kid: "I've been on it for years, of course I know. I hope I withdrawal. I hope I die!"

Danielle: "Why?"

Kid: "So I don't have to be in this stupid hospital anymore."

Danielle: "Well, that's fair. I know being here sucks, and there's nothing I can do to make you feel better about that, but I promise you, you do not want withdrawal."

Kid: "Yes I do. I want to die. And I want to order food from the cafeteria, but they (mom and nurse) won't let me."

Danielle: "How about you take your Baclofen, and then you can order food?"

Kid: "I told you, I want to die!!"

Danielle: "That's fine. You can consider it your last meal."

Kid: ::::huge smile::::

He opened his mouth, took the medicine, and then ordered a cheese pizza.

And, he gave me a high-five when he was happily discharged from the hospital.


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