Norma B's NDE

EXPERIENCE DESCRIPTION:

I was in the recovery room of a hospital after having a minor surgical procedure that required a general anesthetic. As I began to wake up, I realized I was having asthma. I slowed my breathing so the wheezing wouldn't get worse, and all of a sudden my body was paralyzed from the neck down. I could move my head but could not move my arms or legs or -- my diaphragm. Unable to breathe in or out at all, I struggled for breath until I didn't need to breathe anymore. At that moment, a great peace came over me. My head fell over to the right and down, and my consciousness (soul?) lifted to the right and up to the corner of the room, where I watched what was happening below. I thought about my two grown sons, neither of whom I had told about the surgery. It was an indifferent, wondering feeling to think how surprised they would be to learn I was dead. I watched as the two nurses near me suddenly realized there was a problem. "Look at those splotches on her face!" "She's not breathing!" Then there was a flurry of activity as they called for the anesthesiologist. They pressed on my chest to resuscitate me. I started breathing again, was suddenly back in my body, and they were injecting adrenaline into my groin.

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     I stopped breathing.

At what time during the experience were you at your highest level of consciousness and alertness?    I remember everything from the struggle to breathe to being on the ceiling looking down just like it happened yesterday.

How did your highest level of consciousness and alertness during the experience compare to your normal every day consciousness and alertness?    Normal consciousness and alertness

If your highest level of consciousness and alertness during the experience was different from your normal every day consciousness and alertness, please explain:            I remember everything from the struggle to breathe to being on the ceiling looking down just like it happened yesterday.

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.)?  No      

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      

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

What emotions did you feel during the experience?            Detachment from family, peace, relief

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?   No      

Did you have a sense of knowing special knowledge, universal order and/or purpose?     Yes     I realize that death is a pleasant experience.

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?     No      

Have you shared this experience with others?         Yes     I immediately told the nurses and doctor and anyone who would listen. They seemed interested, but it was like they were just humoring me.

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    My feelings have not changed in all the years since my experience. I can't still recall exactly what happened.

Were there one or several parts of the experience especially meaningful or significant to you?   

How do you currently view the reality of your experience:            Experience was definitely real            Same as above

Have your relationships changed specifically as a result of your experience?           Yes     I have become closer to my family and my church.

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?        Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my experience.

Did the questions asked and information you provided so far accurately and comprehensively describe your experience?         Yes