James F's NDE

Experience description: 

      Shortly after eating a large dinner three days before Thanksgiving day, 1996, I had experienced pains to my chest that was so sharp that it dropped me to my knees. After a few minutes I felt better but had a numbing sensation in my left arm that would not go away. I just discounted the pain as just indigestion. However the numbing sensation persisted the next day, causing me a great deal of concern. To make a long story short...I was taken to the hospital and I underwent a catheterization procedure the day after Thanksgiving. All was going fine, in fact, the doctor had nearly finished one half of the procedure when all of the sudden everything went gray.

I began to experienced the most wonderful sensation that I had ever felt. I was floating through what seemed to be a red tunnel of some sort. At the end of the tunnel was a bright light that did not bother my eyes at all. The light gave me a sense of strength and joy that is indescribable. Once I arrived at the end of the tunnel I saw a black table and seven people all dressed in white clothing standing on the other side of the table. Six to my right and one to my left. I did not recognize any of the people standing before me.  However, I do remember the table. The table top was made of gold and the table legs were thin, tall and square. On top of the table was a book in front of the person that was directly to my left. I remember wanting to go further towards the light. I had no other thoughts other than wanting to go on towards the light. I know one or two of the people behind the table had said something to me but I can not remember what.

But then, almost as quickly as everything had gone to gray I was brought back. The doctor had brought my heart back to normal by using defibrillator paddles on me. If it had not been for that, I am sure that I would have been in the hands of God that day. My father had always told me that when it is your time that there would be nothing that I could do about it. It was not my time to go and I am not afraid now if today were the day.

Any associated medications or substances with the potential to affect the experience:  Yes

      Explanation:  Underwent a cardiac catheterization procedure.

Was the experience difficult to express in words?  No

At the time of the experience, was there an associated life threatening event?  No

What was your level of consciousness and alertness during the experience?  Very alert

Was the experience dream like in any way?  No, very real. I will never forget!

Did you experience a separation of consciousness from your body?  Yes

Describe your appearance or form apart from your body:  I do not remember seeing any physical part of my body during the experience. I did not notice my arms or my nose before my face.

What emotions did you feel during the experience?  Joyfulness, Happiness, wellness.

Did you hear any unusual sounds or noises?  I know one or two of the people (women) behind the table said something to me but can not recall what.

Did you pass into or through a tunnel or enclosure?  Yes

      Describe:  A red tunnel.

Did you see a light?  Yes

      Describe:  Bright, gave me a sense of well being, warmth, did not bother my eyes.

Did you meet or see any other beings?  Yes

      Describe:  See text above.

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?  No

Did you have any sense of altered space or time?  No

Did you have a sense of knowing special knowledge, universal order and/or purpose?  No

Did you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?  Yes

      Describe:  See text above.

Did you become aware of future events?  No

Were you involved in or aware of a decision to return to the body?  No

Did you have any psychic, paranormal or other special gifts following the experience you did not have prior to the experience?  No

Did you have any changes of attitudes or beliefs following the experience?  Yes

      Describe:  My wife claims that I have calmed down about many things that used to bother me before the experience.

Has the experience affected your relationships?  Daily life?  Religious practices etc.?  Career choices?  I have a stronger sense of belief in my God but do not attend any church at present.

Have you shared this experience with others?  Yes

      Describe:  Pastor of church I was attending, fellowship group at church, family, co-workers.

What emotions did you experience following your experience?  I had to tell my experience to everyone at first but have not done so for some time now. I don't really think that everyone believes me.

What was the best and worst part of your experience?  The bright light and coming back.

Is there anything else you would like to add concerning the experience?  Not at this time.

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 accurately and comprehensively describe your experience?  Yes

      Explain:  My explanation is as above. Believe it or not.