'I'm an end-of-life doctor - here’s the one thing people regret the most before dying'
Share this @internewscast.com

Facing the end of your life is an intensely emotional process both for the patient and their family. The uncertainty of it all often means there are many unanswered questions and perhaps even fears. Guiding patients through their final days is all about support and comfort, says Dr Sarah Holmes, Chief Medical Officer at Marie Curie – the UK’s leading end of life charity.

This includes dealing with a wide range of concerns and emotions from those in palliative care and through her work, she has witnessed it all. However, there is one recurring regret most of her patients experience.

Dr. Holmes has spent years guiding patients during one of life’s most challenging transitions and has encountered all types of situations in her years of doing so.

Many would believe the fear of physical pain is up there with the biggest concern among those facing the end of their lives, alongside worrying about the uncertainty of what dying will be like.

Previously speaking to the Express, Dr Holmes explained: “The biggest worry for many is whether they might experience pain, but with proper medication, that’s usually quite manageable.”

Dr Holmes said physical suffering is a common lingering concern among those dying, but the biggest concern she has witnessed is the emotional burden.

She told how the emotional concern manifests itself by worrying about any unfinished business, which can lead to regret.

Dr Holmes explained: “People don’t tend to regret what they’ve done in life as much as what they’ve left undone.

“The most common regret I hear is not having lived fully, not saying the things that needed to be said, or not doing the things they always wanted to do.”

“One of the things we focus on is ensuring people have the chance to address these regrets.

“Whether it’s making amends with loved ones, fulfilling a final wish, or simply having those difficult conversations they’ve been avoiding.”

Dr Holmes encouraged people to have open and honest conversations about death and dying “to ensure that when the time comes, there are no regrets about what was left unsaid or undone”.

For anyone affected by death, dying, or bereavement, Marie Curie has a free Information and Support line, with trained professionals who can give practical information or provide a listening ear, that you can call 0800 090 2309.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

“I Dozed Off in the Sun for 15 Minutes and Woke Up with Severe Facial Sunburn”

Jean Hill, who was left with shingles after developing sun poisoning (Image:…

Experts Uncover Disturbing Cause of Mystery Lung Cancer Rise Among Non-Smokers: A Potential Threat to All Britons

Tiny air pollution particles may be behind the surge in lung cancer…

Major Relationship Deal Breakers: Are You Unknowingly Sabotaging Your Love Life?

If you’re looking to spice up your relationship, upping your emoji game…

My wife thought her bloating was due to perimenopause – she passed away on Sunday.

A mother has shared that her impending death from bowel cancer allowed…

Identify This Early Warning Sign of Dementia While Reading – It’s Not Memory Loss

According to the NHS, the earliest stage of dementia is often termed…

A Comprehensive Guide to the Stages of Parkinson’s Disease: What Happens in Each Phase?

Ever ponder how an individual’s body begins to fail them, movements become…

Wimbledon Tennis Champion Novak Djokovic’s ‘Remarkably Healthy Diet’ for Staying Fit

Novak Djokovic has shared his ‘insanely healthy’ diet (Image: Getty) Wimbledon tennis…

Specialists Caution Against Viral Drink Claiming to Eliminate Stress and Fatigue

A cocktail of fruit juices, sparkling water and vitamin powder might be…

Matt Hancock Justifies Transfer of Hospital Patients to Care Homes During COVID-19 Crisis

Discharging untested patients from hospitals to care homes during the Covid crisis…

ITV Health Expert Highlights How Addressing This Midlife Problem May Reduce Dementia Risk

The Alzheimer’s Society predicts that by 2040, the number of people in…

Warning Issued for Popular Over-the-Counter Medication – Pills Associated with Disease Linked to Bowel Cancer in Healthy Teens

Frequently taking a common type of painkiller could trigger inflammatory bowel disease…

Alert on Cancer Risk in Common Workplaces: Employee Diagnosed with Asbestos-related Cancer Passes Away Shortly After

Two grieving sisters have warned of the hidden risks of ‘safe’ workplaces,…