"I'm scared, I don't want to die!"

ghphotog

My DW is in stage 6 somewhere and I sense we are getting closer to 7 but who really knows?

Anyway, she is scared all the time and every now and then, out of nowhere, she will start sobbing and with a terrified look on her face exlaim "I don't want to die!"

I'm not sure if those are moments of clarity but deep down she knows something is wrong but doesn't know what, or perhaps she senses the end is near. All I can do is hold her. When I ask why she thinks she's dying she will get emotional say she never said that, even if was seconds ago.

This dmn disease is so heartbreaking and I feel I'm getting empathy fatigue. I emphathize with her so deeply sometimes, it's exhausting.

Dio

I don't have solutions, just to say we've gone thru this, too. When DH brings this up, I just lightly say, "don't be afraid, the moment we are born our path ends in death. No one is exempt. It's how you live that really matters." While everything this damn disease brings about is heartbreaking, we caregivers must learn to accept it. It'll help make things less difficult to deal with. Hugs...

Jeanne C.

I'm truly sorry. This happens with my husband sometimes. I do what you have done. I hold him, tell him not to be afraid and that I'm with him always. Sometimes I pray with him (for his comfort bc I'm not sure I believe in a power that lets this happen). I redirect, try to put on a happy face (he tends to mirror my attitude), and cry later when he's asleep. You're doing your best. That's all any of us can do.

Vince607

I understand what you are going through. I wish there were answers.

Joydean

It does make things harder. My dh has told me many times he is dying. I just tell him we are all going to die and the best thing about dying is no more aches and pains. He will tell me “that’s a good thing “, and yes that’s a good thing!