Featured Image Credit: BBC
Topics: Mental Health, Netherlands, Scotland
Joe Yates
A Dutch woman who chose to die by euthanasia after living with a severe illness for four years had a heartbreaking final message.
For 53 years, mom-of-two Edina Slayter-Engelsman lived an active life and would often cycle, hike and swim.
But in February 2020, her nightmare began.
Edina's life had completely changed and she became bedridden - leading her to eventually make the decision to end her life through euthanasia after sharing her heartbreaking final message to her husband and sons.
Advert
Edina hailed from the Netherlands but lived in Scotland for more than 30 years.
Four years ago she was diagnosed with Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), a condition which also goes by the name Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).
ME is a long-lasting illness that prevents people from carrying out their day-to-day activities, making all physical and mental exertion difficult.
It varies from mild to severe and those that are diagnosed with it struggle with extreme tiredness, having trouble thinking - as well as other symptoms.
Currently, there is no cure for the condition, although treatment can help to slightly alleviate specific symptoms.
Speaking to BBC Scotland, Edina heartbreakingly described her new life as being stuck in a spider's web, saying 'every time you try to get out, the web just gets tighter and tighter around you'.
Edina told the UK publication: "This disease has taken everything from me.
"I feel trapped physically, cognitively and emotionally.
“I exist but I don’t live and this condition has become unbearable to me and has been for a long time now, to the point where I want to end my life.”
She continued: “I am isolated from the world outside but also from my own family and friends.
"I am very sensitive to sound, noise, any kind of stimulation, so I can’t really have any kind of get together.
"I have not been able to read books, or watch telly - everything is too much.”
Last year, Edina returned to her home country to undergo multiple assessments before doctors concluded that there was no further treatment options available to alleviate her pain and granted her permission to end her life through a lethal injection.
She passed away with her husband, two sons and close family members by her side.
"On the one hand I am very sad about this of course, but on the other hand I feel a huge sigh of relief that I am allowed to die with dignity," she said in her final video message.