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Ashamed: I think about (and plan for) dying. Do you?

Lung Cancer | Last Active: Aug 5 8:32am | Replies (213)

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@merpreb

@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?

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Replies to "@mamawnebel, All of your thoughts and fears are normal and expected when we think of our..."

I'm late to the discussion here, but I am so concerned about your fear after burial.

You will be brain dead. There will be no synapses firing. Everything will be completely halted and it is impossible for you to be sentient in the coffin. You will experience no sensations.

Please speak to your medical caregivers about this for reassurance. Maybe see a neurologist for a very professional opinion.

Perhaps, if you are still uneasy, you could preplan to require that you be given an EEG in order to confirm brain death. If it would be allowed. A person who has your health care proxy may be able to insist on it.

Please take steps to ease your fear. I wouldn't be able to cope with that fear myself and would do everything I could to dispel it.