Читать книгу With the End in Mind - Kathryn Mannix - Страница 14

The stories in this section have been chosen to illustrate the gradual, predictable sequence of events as we die that used to be familiar before medicine progressed and dying at home became more unusual. Knowing what to expect is immensely comforting to the dying person and their supporters. Once we all know what we need to know, we can relax with each other. It’s surprising how relaxed a well-prepared family can be around a deathbed.

Have you ever been with somebody while they died? How does what you saw match the patterns described in these stories? Is the description of dying what you were expecting? In what ways does this information affect your view about the experience of dying? How well do you think TV dramas, soaps and films deal with dying and death? Do they help us to be better prepared, or does drama displace reality?

When you are dying, where would you like to be? What are the pros and cons of being at home in your own bed (perhaps moved to a more accessible room), or staying with a relative or friend, or in hospital, or in a care home, or in a hospice?

If you have seen a death that appeared uncomfortable or shocking, how have you dealt with that memory? What information in what you have read in this section could allow you to re-evaluate what you experienced?

If you regularly have upsetting memories of a difficult situation, whether it is a death or something else, and especially if the experience still feels as though it is happening again there and then, this suggests that your experience may be causing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Your doctor can help. Please don’t suffer more than you need to – ask for advice. There are some useful suggestions in the Resources section at the end of this book.