my partners cardiac arrest..

[cheryl68]

hi, my partner had a cardiac arrest last monday and was put in a induced coma, he has then been suffering with seizures, the doctors are now saying he is severely brain damaged, he is breathing on his own with the help of a tube keeping his air way clear, all his organs are also functioning on their own, he has also opened his eyes and he has done some movements he also flinches and clenches his toes when we tickle his feet, also coughing and yawning, the doctors are putting all these down to reflexes but we are unsure about that as we have always believed you need your brain to send signals to each part and organ of the body to function, if anyone has ever suffered any of the above and would like to help us by sharing some info we would be so grateful.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

What a ghastly time for you all. Keep us in touch. Let us know how he goes.

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

No relevant experience to share, I'm afraid, but just wanted to send my best wishes to you and your family x

[Helen_BHF]

Hi cheryl68 , I just want to start by saying that I’m so sorry that this has happened to you. I can't imagine what you’re going through and while I can't say I've experienced this myself, please know that the BHF is here if you need anything. Even if you just want to have a chat with someone to clear your head, you can give one of our cardiac nurses a call on 0300 330 3311. I know all your attention will be on your partner right now…but don't forget to take care of yourself. (Easier said than done, I know)

Wishing you all the best and hoping things improve.

Helen.

[SickoftheM6]

My hubby had a cardiac arrest and was put into an induced coma on July 23rd this year. I'm sitting here in tears because I remember that awful feeling where your insides are gripped by a stone fist all the time. The day they decided to wake him up was terrifying.

It took about a week for Dave to really get back to normal after the coma. He had been shocked 11 times and kept alive by CPR for over 40mins, so brain damage was a probability.

Now, nearly 4 months later, he has a pacemaker and defibrillator unit fitted into his chest and is on betablockers for life. His short term memory can still be a little dodgy, but he uses that to his advantage 😉. All in all, I know I'm very lucky to still have him and it was down to the immediate CPR.

I hope your story ends well. Keep in touch xx

[Embo82]

I am going through very similar so sorry to jump on! I gape the op is ok and it was a good out come.

My lovely mum had a cardiac arrest on Tuesday evening. My partner proformed cpr till the ambulance came.

She was shicked, given adrenaline chest compressions etc etc it wasn't looking good but they got her back.

In the hospital her heart was beating alone and she was breathing and trying to pull the tubes out.

She went to the cath lab and had blockages removed and a balloon pump fitted. And left totally asleep that night.

The next day she was breathing unaided and had no rocky periods.

Today they tried to bring her round and remove the balloon pump. She didn't handle being brought round she got to distressed but they sedated her again but this time using a lot less strong method and a small does.

They decided that they were leaving the balloon pump?

The best thing is that this afternoon she opened her eyes and responded to my voice. Every time I spoke she opened her eyes she even clenched my hand. I made sure it wasn't coincident by each time she was going back off I'd call her name and she would open them again.

Big day tomorrow as they are going to try and take her off sedation and the balloon pump so I guess we will see the damage then.

Been told we should have a bigger picture of the heart condition and her brain damage if any.

I'm finding the intensive care awful most days ( I've been through intensive care with my twins and it's so awful compared to that journey).

Some nurses. Egrudge telling me what they are doing with my mum when I'm sat round the bed. Even if I ask nicely.

Granted they give me the facts but they do it with such a awful way it gets me mad.

I'm a psychologist so find bad care of people very hard to deal with.

[Zena166]

Hi Cheryl so sorry to hear about your partner. It must be such a shock for you and so traumatic. Explore your questions with the team of doctors try and write down your queries so that you remember what you want to ask. Do you have family or friends nearby who can support you and be there when you speak to the doctors. Do take care of yourself- the hospital may have a counsellor that you could discuss your feelings with which may help you with organising your thoughts to ask of the doctors. I wish you and your partner well. Sending love and hugs. Zena x