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Managing Other Symptoms |
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 Confusion
"Should I be worried about getting confused or just being 'out
of it' ?"
When you are very ill, it is easy to become confused. Confusion may
be caused by a new medicine, a minor infection, or even a change in
living arrangements. If this happens to you, your family should offer
you soothing reassurance, perhaps reminding you as to where you are
and what is going on around you. This may be enough to relieve your
confusion. Your doctor should be called in case it is worthwhile to
adjust medications or prescribe antibiotics.
Sometimes the visions and experiences that the dying person has are
comforting and meaningful: seeing family who have already died, for
example. You and your family may be grateful for these experiences.
If you are quite frightened or upset, however, you may feel better
if your doctor orders a mild sedative or if someone can stay with
you at all times. Such medications are often quite effective, even
at low doses.
Roughly half of dying people are unconscious for most of their final
days. This common "drifting off" while asleep is a peaceful way to
die, especially if you and your family are at peace and all plans
have been made. Some people contend that a dying person is often still
able to hear. Although this is unproven, your family and loved ones
likely to want to say their good-byes. |
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Adapted from The
Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness,
by Joanne Lynn and Joan Harrold, copyright by Joanne Lynn, used by
permission of Oxford University Press.
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