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Changes that May Occur Before Death Just before a person dies, and when he dies his body changes a lot. These changes can happen in the hours before he dies. Some changes happen two or three days before he dies. Sometimes they happen even months before he dies. Your loved one may become unresponsive (as in a coma). Sometimes he may seem aware, and be "in and out" of consciousness. Sometimes he may become restless. He may talk to people who aren't there. He may seem like he is in pain. Some people have involuntary twitches. These are like the ones you have when you go to sleep. These twitches usually don't bother the patient. If the twitches do bother him, the doctors have medicines that can help. Your loved one's blood pressure may go down. His pulse and his breathing may slow. His skin may be blue or damp or cold. Mucus may fill his mouth. If this happens, his breathing may make a rattling noise. Turning the patient onto his side can make his breathing quieter. Taking the mucus out of the mouth may help, but it may not. As death nears, his breathing may change. His breathing may get faster for a while, then slow down, then get very slow. Or his breathing may be louder for a while, then get very quiet. If your loved one is having a hard time breathing, medicines can help. Output of stool and urine usually drops. The urine gets darker. The patient may wet his bed. As the patient gets weaker or sleepier, he will communicate less with others. If you are sitting with your loved one, you need to take breaks. Sometimes, just stepping out of the room can reduce stress. If you wish to be with your loved one when he dies, tell others involved so they can help you do that. Text provided by: |
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