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Ashamed: I think about (and plan for) dying. Do you?
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Aug 5 8:32am | Replies (213)Comment receiving replies
I think about all those things even though I was just diagnosed with COPD in July and knowing the way I am, I'm sure I'll think about them until the day I die. Preparing for our death and funeral and all that goes with it is a one time thing in everyone's life and I can't imagine how anyone wouldn't think about those things. Some may not worry about them, but they do think about them. The main thing I worry about is HOW will I die. I'm not afraid of death because I'm a Christian and I look forward to going to Heaven. My fear is will I suffocate and suffer for hours or even days struggling to breath or be in so much pain that it will be almost unbearable, but mostly slowly suffocating. So I don't think what you're saying is bizarre at all. I would think it's perfectly normal. Thinking about my parents dying was so difficult but in the end everything worked out as it should. They both passed away so peacefully and our last day together was so beautiful and peaceful. Try and find your peaceful place, do as much as you can to prepare for as much as you can, and if you are a person of faith, let God take care of things.
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@mamawnebel, All of your thoughts and fears are normal and expected when we think of our own death. It is one topic that surely is tough. But, how can we not think about it?
Thanatophobia is commonly known as the fear of death. It can be a fear of death or a fear of the dying process. It's natural for us to worry about their own health as they age, or when faced with serious illness.
When I first learned that I had lung cancer, back in the late "90s, I became consumed with thoughts of my dying, asking questions much like you are presenting here.
There are many mechanisms to help a person who suffers from a lack of oxygen at the end of their lives. The most commonly prescribed drugs include acetaminophen, haloperidol, lorazepam, morphine, and prochlorperazine, and atropine. My suggestion is to have a heart-to-heart chat with your doctor about your fears and find out what is done for any suffering at the end of life. And make sure that your end-of-life directives are very clear.to people who will be in charge of your care.
I have a DNR but this doesn't mean that I want to struggle or suffer. It just means not prolonging my life if there is no hope.
One of my biggest fears is after I'm buried and if there remain any sensations that I might feel. I squirm at the thought but it is very scary to me.
Do you have health directives?