EXPERIENCE DESCRIPTION
(Submitted 8/13/10):
The NDE was a result of
surgery for a maxillary sinus uplift that preceded dental implants. The surgery
consists of opening the gum line and exposing bone structure and grafting bone
or a bone substitute. I had the same surgery on the left side, ten years prior,
under general anesthesia, without difficulty. I have an abnormally low resting
heart rate at 42-48 BPM and has been as low as 38 BPM. Anesthesia lowers the
heart rate even further. I informed the anesthesiologist of this condition. The
anesthesia agent, Pro Po Fol (diprivian) a twilight anesthesia agent, was fed
into my arm via an I.V. catheter. Shortly after the start of the procedure, I
felt my legs go numb and then paralyze. The paralysis crept up my body and into
my chest which constricted. The paralysis then proceeded up my neck and throat.
I quite breathing. I felt myself panic, I tried to yell out and could not utter
a word. I felt that I was being nailed into a coffin. My body stiffened, then I
relaxed and left my body. I could see myself outstretched and was floating above
myself.
Lucky that an alert
dental surgical technician saw my distress. The I.V. tubes were yanked out of my
arm. I was then resuscitated and came around, and then passed out. The
anesthesiologist met with my wife and verified that there was an incident that
required resuscitation.
After the incident, I became violently sick and remained that was for a couple
of days. A feeling of detachment stayed with me for about 6 months. I felt in
another dimension.
Was
the kind of experience difficult to express in words?
No
At
the time of this experience, was there an associated life threatening event?
Yes
At
what time during the experience were you at your highest level of consciousness
and alertness?
I rally do not know. I was aware of surroundings and myself during detachment
and the floating above myself experience.
How
did your highest level of consciousness and alertness during the experience
compare to your normal every day consciousness and alertness?
More consciousness and alertness than normal
If
your highest level of consciousness and alertness during the experience was
different from your normal every day consciousness and alertness, please
explain:
I rally do not know. I was aware of surroundings and myself during detachment
and the floating above myself experience.
Did
your vision differ in any way from your normal, everyday vision (in any aspect,
such as clarity, field of vision, colors, brightness, depth perception degree of
solidness/transparency of objects, etc.)?
Yes The vision was from a different plane and quite clear. I could see
myself and others from a different plane
Did
your hearing differ in any way from your normal, everyday hearing (in any
aspect, such as clarity, ability to recognize source of sound, pitch, loudness,
etc.)?
Uncertain
Did
you experience a separation of your consciousness from your body?
Yes
What emotions did you feel during the experience?
At first terror as if being nailed inside a coffin alive. I was
screaming inside of myself without making a sound. Then after a brief struggle
with myself, I relaxed and left my body.
Did
you pass into or through a tunnel or enclosure?
No
Did
you see a light?
No
Did
you meet or see any other beings?
No
Did
you experience a review of past events in your life?
No
Did
you observe or hear anything regarding people or events during your experience
that could be verified later?
Yes By the surgery staff and acknowledgement of the incident by the
anesthesiologist verified with my wife. Incident in medical records.
Did
you see or visit any beautiful or otherwise distinctive locations, levels or
dimensions?
Uncertain I felt on another dimension as I left my body. I also felt on
another dimension for some time after the incident.
Did
you have any sense of altered space or time?
Uncertain Altered space as I left my body and floated above myself..
Did
you have a sense of knowing special knowledge, universal order and/or purpose?
No
Did
you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?
No
Did
you become aware of future events?
No
Did
you have any psychic, paranormal or other special gifts following the experience
you did not have prior to the experience?
Yes I became detached and seemed to be in another dimension for about 6
months after the incident. Things became clear. What seemed to be important no
longer mattered. I seem to visualize and have sensitivities that I did not have
prior.
Have you shared this experience with others?
Yes Approximately one month. Their reactions were curiosity about the out of
body experience and feelings afterwards.
Did
you have any knowledge of near death experience (NDE) prior to your experience?
No
How
did you view the reality of your experience shortly (days to weeks) after it
happened:
Experience was definitely real Felt as if I was given a second chance. The
reality is that life is fleeting and that the importance of living is being the
best that you can be in personal life and relationships. The reality is that
death is imminent and the experience was only a prelude.
Were there one or several parts of the experience especially meaningful or
significant to you?
The
out of body experience and detached feelings afterward.
How
do you currently view the reality of your experience:
Experience was definitely real I still live the incident as a reality as if
it happened yesterday. Mine was not a pleasant experience and perhaps that is
because I was not ready to go yet. There is hardly a week when I do not think
about it.
Have your relationships changed specifically as a result of your
experience?
Yes
..I view life too short and unpredictable to be pressured by certain people. It
changed for the better with my wife, but as work pressures increased, that
relationship has deteriorated. As I think of the experience, it is time to
improve my relationships. Shortly after the experience and for some time
afterward, I really was detached from relationships.
Have your religious beliefs/practices changed specifically as a result of your
experience?
Yes
Converted to Catholicism and attend church on a regular basis.
Following the experience, have you had any other events in your life,
medications or substances which reproduced any part of the experience?
No
Did
the questions asked and information you provided so far accurately and
comprehensively describe your experience?
Yes
EXPERIENCE DESCRIPTION
(Submitted 10/16/10):
I was given an anesthetic agent for a surgical procedures that gave me a violent
reaction. This was the same agent that killed Michael Jackson, Diprivan or
Propofol. My heart rate at resting is 48 and I could feel it sink lower, much
lower. I became paralyzed up to my throat. I could not move. I could not speak.
I felt that I was being nailed into a coffin alive. I stiffened up and quit
breathing. I was whispering a barely audible sound that I could not breathe.
I then relaxed, felt that I was floating and left my body. I could
see myself lying back in the surgical chair. The anesthesia mask was ripped off
by an technician who saw my distress and I was resuscitated. I fought before
relaxing and at the relaxation stage was giving up. At that point, I saw myself
from above myself. Afterward, I became violently ill for the night and next day.
Then I started feeling a void and things did not, and still do not, feel the
same. At times, I feel like I am on a different plane.
The scary part is that I am due for another procedure on the18th of October (in
another week). If this happens again, it will be final. At this point, I am
getting things in order, just in case.
Was
the kind of experience difficult to express in words?
No
At
the time of this experience, was there an associated life threatening event?
Yes A surgical procedures under an anesthetic that I was allergic to and had
a near death reaction.
At
what time during the experience were you at your highest level of consciousness
and alertness?
At the point of floating. I knew then that I was going...
How
did your highest level of consciousness and alertness during the experience
compare to your normal every day consciousness and alertness?
More consciousness and alertness than normal
If
your highest level of consciousness and alertness during the experience was
different from your normal every day consciousness and alertness, please
explain:
At the point of floating. I knew then that I was going...
Did
your vision differ in any way from your normal, everyday vision (in any aspect,
such as clarity, field of vision, colors, brightness, depth perception degree of
solidness/transparency of objects, etc.)?
Uncertain My vision was slightly foggy, but could have been the result of
the anesthesia.
Did
your hearing differ in any way from your normal, everyday hearing (in any
aspect, such as clarity, ability to recognize source of sound, pitch, loudness,
etc.)?
Uncertain There was no sound, except within me. I could hear
myself screaming inside of myself. Sounds around me where more like whispers.
Did
you experience a separation of your consciousness from your body?
Yes
What emotions did you feel during the experience?
Panic at first, like being nailed alive in a coffin. I was clawing to
get out, but could not. I felt the paralysis and starting screaming inside as I
could not verbally scream. I stiffened, my muscles becoming rigid. Then as I
started losing all consciousness, I relaxed and then felt I was floating. I felt
more relaxed as I saw myself. I did feel a calmness as I was giving away. But,
up until that moment, I felt sheer panic.
Did
you pass into or through a tunnel or enclosure?
No
Did
you see a light?
Uncertain I did not see a sheer whiteness or bright lights. I thought that
the scene was much brighter.
Did
you meet or see any other beings?
No
Did
you experience a review of past events in your life?
No I felt on a different plane, like I experienced some void or
detachment. I still feel this from time to time. At times, I feel that the event
should have been complete. For awhile, I just did not care about surrounding
things. I also feel that should this event occur again, it will draw to the
ultimate conclusion.
Did
you observe or hear anything regarding people or events during your experience
that could be verified later?
Yes My state of being was verified by the technicians and the
anesthesiologist who also met with my wife and told her about my state..
Did
you see or visit any beautiful or otherwise distinctive locations, levels or
dimensions?
Uncertain I felt another dimension or strange detachment and still do at
times.
Did
you have any sense of altered space or time?
Uncertain I was in an altered state to start. I could not judge time. Space
was different as I seemed to be a part of it.
Did
you have a sense of knowing special knowledge, universal order and/or purpose?
Yes As described above, I felt on a different plane or in a different
dimension after the event and still have some of that feeling.
Did
you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?
Uncertain The boundary was limited by my presence still in the surgical
chair, but on a different dimension that I could not fully enter. If I went any
further, I knew that I would fully die. The boundary was set by my fighting to
get back to full consciousness.
Did
you become aware of future events?
No
Did
you have any psychic, paranormal or other special gifts following the experience
you did not have prior to the experience?
Yes I felt on a different plane, a different dimension and detachment for a
long time afterward...I really did not care bout my surroundings, a feeling of
ambivalence. I still have those feelings. I work with animals, but since the
event, I feel and have noticed that the animals have a special affinity to me. I
can walk through our medical center and the animals waiting gravitate to me...I
sometimes feel like a St. Francis with the animals...of course not that saintly.
Have you shared this experience with others?
Yes I have only share the feeling of being on a different plane, a void or
detachment. People have noticed and remarked about the animals...but that may
also be due to my nature in general.
Did
you have any knowledge of near death experience (NDE) prior to your experience?
No
How
did you view the reality of your experience shortly (days to weeks) after it
happened:
Experience was definitely real I viewed the reality with a strange
detachment, an unique experience.
Were there one or several parts of the experience especially meaningful or
significant to you?
Leaving my body and the subsequent feeling of being on a different plane or in a
void.
How
do you currently view the reality of your experience:
Experience was definitely real It was real and the physiological response to
the anesthesia was verified by the anesthesiologist and surgeon. I have done
some research on the steps to death and feel that my experience replicates those
other experiences; (1) a life threatening experience that shuts down body
functioning (2) an awareness of surroundings and the event taking place (3)
panic, but not being able to do anything about it (4) paralysis and stiffening
of muscle (5) relaxation (6) out of body with the ability to see oneself.
Have your relationships changed specifically as a result of your
experience?
Yes
The
feeling of detachment seems to distance my relationships.
Have your religious beliefs/practices changed specifically as a result of your
experience?
Uncertain
I am
a liberal and have spiritual beliefs that I merge with scientific evidence. One
would probably call that agnostic. As of late, I have been preparing myself and
am in adult confirmation classes and about to be confirmed into the church.
Following the experience, have you had any other events in your life,
medications or substances which reproduced any part of the experience?
No
Is
there anything else you would like to add concerning the experience?
I am
going back to Mexico within a week from the date of this writing. I do not have
a total comfortable feeling about the procedure. I have feelings that I need to
get things in order.
Did
the questions asked and information you provided so far accurately and
comprehensively describe your experience?
Yes Please consider the aftermath a little more. The experience leaves a
profound effect on a person's life. Perhaps, I have had a second chance, but I
also know that if I do have the second chance, I have not taken advantage of it
yet.
Are
there any other questions we could ask to help you communicate your experience?
little more on the aftermath... of life after NDE...
Experience submitted 8/25/08
I underwent
twilight anesthesia procedure using depruvera (spelling?) for oral surgery. I
have a very low heart rate, 39-42 beats per minute. Too much or the wrong
anesthesia will lower my heart rate even more and kill me. I warned the
anesthesiologist of this condition. While he was busy giving instructions and
watching the monitors rather than me, I had a reaction. Paralysis crept from my
lower chest up through my esophagus, my complete throat and neck and my head. I
started having distress and extreme shortness of breath. After s short period, I
could no longer breathe. I tried to yell out, tried to scream and there was no
voice, no sound. It was like being in a coffin, buried and alive, with no one
hearing. I stopped breathing completely and could no longer move. I was at the
point of straining, trying to call out. Finally an assistant heard a faint
whisper come out of me, "not breathing." He still did not understand and the
anesthesiologist was not paying attention. I ten left my body and saw it go
limp. I was at the point of not returning. The tech who tried to catch my
whisper caught what was happening. The anesthesia mask was ripped off the I.V.
was taken out and I was intubated. I came back in a panic, clawing and gabbing
at everything. I was surprised how close I came and I immediately recalled being
out of body watching myself go limp. The evening before the experience, I had a
dream of two long dead friends, who told me "we are waiting for you." I guess
that they will have to wait some more. Up until two days ago, I have had a
strange feeling of being sad and melancholy.
I am not a
person who is greatly spiritual. I go to church, but am a critical thinker. I am
educated with two Masters degrees. However, I know that something unusual
happened and I definitely do not feel the same.
Was the kind
of experience difficult to express in words?
No
At the time of this
experience, was there an associated life threatening event?
Yes
At what time during the
experience were you at your highest level of consciousness and alertness?
Before seeing my body go limp, I was very aware that I was on the edge of dying.
After the limp body experience, I was aware of a panic stage in recovery.
A week
later, the anesthesiologist verified that the reaction and my condition was very
real.
How did your highest level of
consciousness and alertness during the experience compare to your normal every
day consciousness and alertness?
Less consciousness and alertness than normal
If your highest level of
consciousness and alertness during the experience was different from your normal
every day consciousness and alertness, please explain:
Before seeing my body go limp, I was very aware that I was on the edge of dying.
After the limp body experience, I was aware of a panic stage in recovery.
A week
later, the anesthesiologist verified that the reaction and my condition was very
real.
Did your
vision differ in any way from your normal, everyday vision (in any aspect, such
as clarity, field of vision, colors, brightness, depth perception degree of
solidness/transparency of objects, etc.)?
Yes It was hazy, but then, I was going under anesthesia. I had enough depth
perception that I saw myself go limp.
Did your
hearing differ in any way from your normal, everyday hearing (in any aspect,
such as clarity, ability to recognize source of sound, pitch, loudness, etc.)?
No I heard voices, but uncertain if my hearing was any more
acute or not.
Did you
experience a separation of your consciousness from your body?
Yes
What
emotions did you feel during the experience?
At first panic because I was aware of what was happening. Then, when
I went limp, I felt myself giving up. For a brief moment, a calmness started
when I went limp.
Did you
pass into or through a tunnel or enclosure?
No
Did you
see a light?
No
Did you
meet or see any other beings?
Yes See above comments about two long dead friends. They told me that they
were waiting for me, and I felt that they were.
Did you
experience a review of past events in your life?
No I now feel that dying is mostly in stages, if not instant, like a heart
attack or auto accident. I am just learning to cope with the experience as it
has only been less than 10 days after the incident. I have had a feeling of
remorse, sadness and melancholy after the incident. I keep thinking about it and
cannot shake the thought that it is going to repeat itself.
Did you
observe or hear anything regarding people or events during your experience that
could be verified later?
Yes Everything that happened associated with the anesthesia incident was
verified by the anesthesiologist. He verified the reaction to the anesthesia. We
talked about my heart rate and what happened. He determined that I did quite
breathing and had to be brought back
Did you
see or visit any beautiful or otherwise distinctive locations, levels or
dimensions?
No
Did you
have any sense of altered space or time?
Yes Period of time seemed out of place somehow when I went limp.
Did you
have a sense of knowing special knowledge, universal order and/or purpose?
No
Did you
reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?
Uncertain
Did you
become aware of future events?
No
Did you
have any psychic, paranormal or other special gifts following the experience you
did not have prior to the experience?
Uncertain Ability to see myself
Have
you shared this experience with others?
Yes Within the hour of being revived...with my wife and her friend who drove
me back home, a 2 hr. trip
Did you
have any knowledge of near death experience (NDE) prior to your experience?
Yes Had a dream the evening prior to the incident. Two long dead
friends, husband and wife, "were waiting for me." It probably heightened my
anxiety going into the procedure.
How did
you view the reality of your experience shortly (days to weeks) after it
happened:
Experience was definitely real I knew it happened and why and it was
verifiable. I became exhausted. People told me, days afterward, that I looked
exhausted, tired and some place else. I remained in that state until tow days
ago (7-8 days).
Were
there one or several parts of the experience especially meaningful or
significant to you?
Seeing my body
going from paralysis to limp and being aware that it was happening. I felt
myself giving up, surrendering. Upon revival, I was in a panic, gasping for air
under an oxygen mask and grabbing everything around me.
How do
you currently view the reality of your experience:
Experience was definitely real See above comments. It was medically
verifiable.
Have your
relationships changed specifically as a result of your experience?
Uncertain
I feel
different, which my wife commented on this evening. I told her that since the
experience, I was not confident about my longevity and need to get things in
order.
Have
your religious beliefs/practices changed specifically as a result of your
experience?
No
Following the
experience, have you had any other events in your life, medications or
substances which reproduced any part of the experience?
No
Is
there anything else you would like to add concerning the experience?
This was
real. I was at the stage of going limp and giving up. I constantly think about
it.
Did the
questions asked and information you provided so far accurately and
comprehensively describe your experience?
Yes The
introduction of the subject, explaining the stages of death at the point of
going limp accurately described my experience, except that I saw myself go limp,
even though, I was paralyzed and unable to move.
