Meet New Zealander Ted Matthews. He's 72 and lives on a pension. 20 months ago he had heart surgery, but as a result he has poor circulation. He's suffered from diabetes, renal failure, diverticulitis, and several strokes and more. And he has developed dry gangrene in his hands and toes.
This causes him severe pain. He was scheduled for surgery in September, but a few days ago the hospital sent him a letter saying that his surgery would not take place for six months.
One of his fingers had already rotted off. He couldn't stand the pain any longer. So he decided to take matters into - er - into his own hands, and took a pair of kitchen scissors, and cut a second finger off himself.
The hospital says the six-month letter was a mistake. Matthews says he would not even let his small pet dog to suffer the way he had. "I'd shoot him rather than let him be treated the way I have," said Matthews.
Indeed.
08-18-2002, 10:02 AM
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