Roger-Luc Chayer
With more than a million people infected with COVID in Quebec, there is bound to be a large number of patients who end up with a post-COVID Syndrome, that is to say with “Long COVID”. According to Health Canada, “Post-COVID-19 syndrome is not COVID-19. Symptoms can be very different from those experienced during the initial infection. These are the longer-term effects that some people experience after being infected with COVID-19. The most common symptoms are: fatigue, memory problems, trouble sleeping, shortness of breath, anxiety and depression, general pain and discomfort, difficulty thinking or concentrating or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The WHO estimates that at least 10% to 20% of people had one or more symptoms 12 weeks or more after their initial diagnosis. »
In certain circumstances, the patient who suffers disproportionately could be tempted by medical assistance in dying, which is legal in Quebec. According to the Government of Quebec, “Medical assistance in dying consists of the administration of medication by a doctor to a person, at his request, with the aim of relieving his suffering by causing his death. The Act sets very restrictive conditions that a person must meet to receive medical assistance in dying, regardless of where they receive care. Before offering this care and throughout the service offer, several procedures must also be followed by physicians and health and social services establishments. »
Unfortunately, as it currently stands, patients with Post-COVID Syndrome cannot be eligible for medical assistance in dying, as the disease is not well documented and more research is needed to determine a possible treatment. efficient. Toronto resident Tracey Thompson is currently trying to create case law on the matter, she who has suffered from severe post-COVID symptoms for two years.
She faces the rigorous steps for her request and she does not despair of finding a second doctor who will sign her request. A case to follow.