Monika was a 77-year-old mother of 2 and grandmother of 4 who lived for many years with mental and physical health challenges. She had bipolar disorder, which was well managed by a psychiatrist in her final years of life.
Monika was a warm and loving person who cared deeply for her family, friends, caregivers and dog, Trixie. She loved music and gardening, and enjoyed many foods, especially sweets.
In 1996, Monika had attempted suicide, which had resulted in long-term paraplegia and associated chronic health problems, including progressive and chronic lower extremity pain. She had received numerous treatments over several years, including different classes of drugs (antispasmodics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants and opioids), medical cannabis, cortisone injections, injections of botulinum toxin and consultations with physiotherapists and physiatrists. Despite this, her pain escalated until she could no longer safely remain at home because of functional impairment from pain. She presented to the emergency department and was admitted to hospital
