People have been dying this way for generations…and, as a rule, ‘extreme suffering’ is not a consequence of this option to hasten dying. No question, not for everyone but the simple measures to relieve the distress of a dry mouth are very effective…along with psychosocial support from family & caregivers. This option is only appropriate for those who have concluded that, continuing to live with the burdens imposed upon them by their various chronic ailments has become intolerable and unbearable. VSED is often chosen simply because there is no other legal option available to control the timing of one’s death. – Judy