Losing a loved one is very hard and sad. You may wonder how much time they have left and what you can do to help them. You may also want to say goodbye and tell them how much you love them. In this article, I will tell you some signs that your loved one is in the last hours of their life. These signs are not always the same for everyone, but they can help you prepare for what is coming.
Breathing Changes
One of the signs that your loved one is in the last 24 to 36 hours of their life is that their breathing changes. They may breathe faster or slower, deeper or shallower, or stop and start. This is because their body is weakening, and their lungs are not working well. Sometimes, they make noises, like gurgling or rattling, when breathing. They have too much saliva or mucus in their mouth or throat. You can try to make them more comfortable by raising their head, wiping their mouth, or giving them ice chips.
Rapid Breathing
If your loved one’s breathing changes become very fast (less than three minutes between each breath), then they may have less than 12 hours left to live. This is because their heart is beating fast, and their blood pressure is shallow. They may also have cold or blue hands or feet because their blood is not reaching their skin. They may be unable to talk or move because their brain lacks oxygen. You can try to keep them warm and calm by holding their hand, talking to them softly, or playing soothing music.
Last Breath
When your loved one takes their last breath, they may cough or spit out some saliva or mucus. This is normal and does not mean they are in pain. They may also take one or more breaths after their heart stops. This is called a reflex breath and does not mean they are alive. It is just their body’s way of shutting down. You can check their pulse or listen to their chest to make sure they are gone. You can then say goodbye and thank them for being in your life.
Conclusion
It is not easy to know when your loved one is near the end of their life. Only God knows the exact time they will leave this world. However, some signs can help you understand what is happening and what to expect. These signs are changes in breathing, rapid breathing, and last breath. They may not happen to everyone, but they are common. They can help you prepare for the loss and say goodbye to your loved one. Remember that you are not alone and can get support from your family, friends, or hospice team. They can help you cope with your grief and honor your loved one’s memory.
