Signs of approaching death (Article)

Something I came across while websurfing the other night.

First, my apologies if anyone here finds this thread disturbing or inappropriate. It is truly morbid, in both the original and in the literal sense of that word.

However, I also believe it is one of those topics that needs to be addressed. This is because the knowledge that can be gained from reading about it could likely prove useful, if we should ever find ourselves in the presence of a dying person.

The article linked below describes in specific detail the common physical signs that become apparent when death is approaching. Specific signs, such as mental confusion, bluing of tissue, death rattle, etc.

Not easy reading, but, I believe, necessary reading. Dying is a specific physical process, so it is only natural that certain common signs of it would occur over and over again in the majority of people who die. The article describes a number of these, and knowing what they are ahead of time is useful.

Someday we may find ourselves at the bedside of someone, likely a loved one, and we know the end is near. So if we have come to know ahead of time what some of the specific signs are that death is indeed about to happen, perhaps we will be able to handle the situation better, or even be of better assistance to our loved one in the final moments.

The article has some interesting facts in it, one in particular:

"Often before death, people will lapse into a coma. A coma is a deep state of unconsciousness in which a person cannot be aroused. Persons in a coma may still hear what is said even when they no longer respond … Caregivers, family, and physicians should always act as if the dying person is aware of what is going on and is able to hear and understand voices. In fact, hearing is one of the last senses to lapse before death."

Again, my sincere apologies to anyone who may find this thread unpleasant or even offensive. This is especially so if you have been through, or may eventually go through, the dying process of a loved one.

But I do believe that it is better to have this kind of knowledge ahead of time than not to have it

hospicefoundation.org/End-of-Life-Support-and-Resources/Coping-with-Terminal-Illness/Signs-of-Approaching-Death

My father passed from prostate cancer. At the end when we brought him home from the hospital to die, his hostice caregiver gave us sheet that outlined the stages of death and darned if it wasn't spot on. She also encouraged us to speak with him as if he were conscious. I think I still have the sheet.

Hey Andrew...........yeah, that's the way to play it!

As to the OP, the little Blue Book "Gone From My Sight", albeit, tends to be a little spiritual, is bang on when it comes to the stages. The insight into what's going on "in there" through the stages is also well written.

There is an expiration stamp on everything including the universe. Death is the price we pay for living. Other animals just die, no big deal. We embellish this natural act with all kind of mythology. Just my opinion.

Another sign of impending death:

Wife, "Did you do the dishes?"
Me, "What dishes?"

My father in the hospital surrounded by family fell asleep, his last days were of course limited in activity. But there was no in and out of consciousness, no death rattles, he just fell a sleep.
My mother was at home with my brother next to her watching TV, mom just fell a sleep. Her last days were filled with puttering around the house missing my father who had died seven months before.

And that was all. Sigh............. I miss them......