John-Paul K's NDE
Experience description:
In June of 1998, I suffered from a very extreme bout of clinical depression, that was associated withdrawal from the drug Valium. This depression lead me to ingest a potentially lethal dose of the drug flecanide in a suicide attempt, and as a result I was taken to the emergency room at my local hospital. I was without a pulse or and respirations were absent for approximately 80
minutes, however during this time I received oxygen via cardio pulmonary resuscitation. I underwent emergency surgery to insert cannulae for cardiac bypass, and subsequently spent 14 days in the cardio-thoracic intensive care unit.
At one point, I became aware that I was no longer experiencing pain, or any physical sensation, and that time appeared to stand still. It was as if time stopped, and so to did all the physical pain and suffering that I had been experiencing. Visually, I became aware that my focus had suddenly split into two, as if I were seeing one picture but that this picture was out of focus
and could be seen twice. It was as if I was staring at the same picture reflected twice, like looking into two mirrors. This state was noticeably still, and calm.
Suddenly, the motion recommenced, and I was once again conscious of physical sensation. Shortly after, I found myself speaking to my mother in the ICU. My mother then told me that I had suffered a cardiac arrest as a result of taking my cardiac medication, and that I was in hospital.
Any associated medications or substances with the potential to affect the experience? Yes
Drugs used to treat cardiac arrest, drugs used for resuscitation, some minor sedatives.
Was the kind of experience difficult to express in words? Yes
There was no clarity, unusual shapes only, and experiences that are difficult to put into words.
At the time of this experience, was there an associated life threatening event? Yes
Cardiac Arrest
What was your level of consciousness and alertness during the experience? I believe that I was physically dead, however I do remember the experience very well, and very clearly.
Was the experience dream like in any way? No. I have never lost physical sensations in a dream, and in that respect it is most unlike a dream.
Did you experience a separation of your consciousness from your body? No
Did you hear any unusual sounds or noises? No.
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? No
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
There appeared to be no time, wherever this episode took place.
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
Were you involved in or aware of a decision regarding your return to the body? No
Did you have any psychic, paranormal or other special gifts following the experience that you did not have prior to the experience? No
Did you have any changes of attitudes or beliefs following the experience? Yes
I no longer believe in God. However, I do believe that I was in a space between bodies, where my mind was present only.
How has the experience affected your relationships? Daily life? Religious practices? Career choices? I have no fear of dying, in fact I look forward to the spiritual maturity to exists prior to death.
Has your life changed specifically as a result of your experience? Yes
I am more concerned with becoming a good person, and making the most of my second life. I believe that it was not my time to die, and that there are tasks that I need to perform before my death.
Have you shared this experience with others? Yes
Nothing specific. People appear to be disappointed that I did not see a tunnel, of my deceased relatives.
What emotions did you experience following your experience? Curiosity mostly, as I did not understand what had taken place.
What was the best and worst part of your experience? Just knowing that it took place, and that there is another dimension beyond the physical.
Is there anything else you would like to add concerning the experience? It appears to be most unlike other NDEs.
Following the experience, have you had any other events in your life, medications or substances which reproduced any part of the experience? Yes
I have practiced meditation for the last few years, and this enables me to recollect the stillness and the tranquility of the NDE.
Did the questions asked and information you provided accurately and comprehensively describe your experience? Yes