Post op confusion

[Twerty]

Hi, my dad had a double by pass op 4 days ago, he's 84 and op went well but he has been very confused and delusional since and it doesn't seem to be improving, has anyone had any experience of this?

[Bionic_swimmer]

Hi, I'm sure one of the BHF nurses will reply but I've heard others talk of being delusional or confused after major heart surgery. No idea why but guess drugs etc. Have you spoken to the docs if permitted to discuss with them? Obviously his situation is as unique as another's and so the best thing to do is always speak to his team - and if you don't have the authorisation to then see if the person who does can offer you any reassurance good luck & I hope he continues to improve and make a quick recovery

[Twerty in reply to Bionic_swimmer]

Yes, thank you, we have spoken to nurses but not much to the drs, they are doing blood tests etc but it is all quite vague as I guess they just don't know. It is very distressing to witness though and I am concerned how long they will keep him in hospital because he won't manage at home like this

[Midgeymoo17]

I can not say I have experienced it but it is a well known risk and should have formed part of the consent process. (Currently waiting for Op to replace the pulmonary valve, repair the tricuspid and enlarge/reconstruct the left PA as part of Fallot's Tetralogy) and I have been spoken to extensively about the following two issues:

1) Dillusions/ Hallucinations in the immediate aftermath:

I was told by the Anaesthetist it is completely normal to experience these particularly in ITU as immediately after the Op your body will be extensively tired and the background noise of the hospital in really not conducive to sleeping or resting. This is combined with very strong pain relief. I was basically told not to panic about them and that after a few days on the ward they would subside.

2) Temporary Cognitive Impairments:

A lot of people experience cognitive difficulties for up to 3 months after procedures. These are difficulties with basic things such as remembering, scheduling/ ordering information. Remembering specific words etc. Again these will wear off as one recovers for the majority of patients and for those that they do not the advice I received is to look at more strategies for dealing with the deficiencies in these areas such used to help those SpLD's. [This may not be relevant as I think it relates to the physical act of stopping the heart which is not necessarily done for coronary artery bypass operation.]

It is still early days and so they may well subside.

[Trando]

I had a triple bypass in September 2016 (aged 55) and I whilst I recovered well from the physical effects, it took me a good while to recover from the mental and emotional impact. I'm not surprised your Dad is still struggling - 4 days in is early days and I would recommend patience and understanding. He'll get there with your support.

Good luck...

[Twerty]

Thank you everyone, apparently he is a bit more lucid today but still quite delusional. I was just worried he will stay like this. I know there might be some permanent decline.

He's has some blood transfusion too which might have helped although I don't know the science behind that. He was warned about cognitive difficulties as part of the consent but I think he was expecting low mood etc rather than full on hallucinations

[FMW62]

I had a mitral valve replacement and aortic repair. Afterwards I had some quite pleasant hallucinations! Large bright yellow models of butterflies climbed gently up the walls. There were a few other minor things, but all were pleasant and not at all frightening. All were quite closely related to things around me.

[Twerty]

It's strange that people remember them. My dad thought he was organising an ambassadors banquet, and then that he was under attack from aetoplanes

[Smikra]

How is your dad doing now?