Just been to see him with my sons. They woke him this morning and disconnected the breathing tube, but after 40 minutes, he was shaking and distressed and couldn't focus, had a vacant look in his eyes, no reaction when they shone a light. So they've sedated him again and reconnected the breathing tube. Now they think it may be neurological even though the scan he had yesterday was clear. So I think he'll have the scan on Sunday or Monday so they can wake him up first and scan him when he starts shaking, so they can see what's happening.Sadly he was back asleep before we got there. I'm trying to stay positive but it's very hard x
Update on hubby: Just been to see him... - British Heart Fou...
Update on hubby
76 Replies
•
Hello 
I have kept coming on looking for an update even though I was pleased to see you had posted I am so sad to see where you are with things at the moment
Sometimes and we have had posts before on here in the past things do not go smoothly but they always seem to come right eventually
This must be such a really anxious time for you and I do understand it is so hard to stay positive but please try they seem to know what they need to do next and when you are losing your positivity I along with many others on here will stay positive for you
Will keep looking for your updates and if you need to talk we are here and we are all waiting for good news soon
Please look after yourself the best you can you need to stay well for him and while he is sleeping if he could I am sure that is what he would be asking you to do x
• in reply toBeKind28-
Thank you, yes, he was telling me that the last few weeks. I'm not going tomorrow, I'll just ring a few times, they said that's fine to do.xx
BeKind28-• in reply to
Hello
Having a day of will do you good and they will not mind you phoning at all as many times as you like
I will keep my fingers crossed that one of the calls you make will give you some good news x
devonian186• in reply to
During my quadruple bypass I woke on the first time of asking and was very thirsty. The last person to fully wake up took 3 days but he still walked out of the hospital I am told within 4 days of waking.
The operation was successful and the body reacts to it in different ways. He will be fine and won't remember a thing.
It’s good to hear that they managed to wake him, even though they had to sedate him again. The shaking could just mean that he still needs more time to recover before he feels fully ready to stay conscious and awake on his own. Another positive is that the scan was ok.
It sounds like the medical team have a plan in place which is good news. Try and keep your faith in them. This will hopefully keep you going until he is ready to wake up again.
I will look forward to your future updates.
Tos
thank you for updating us .I'm sure its probably one of the hardest things for you but the doctors have much experience and will be doing their upmost to get him back to you. Stay strong and hopefully it wont be long before you can hold his hand and tell him off for worrying you xx
• in reply toweepip
Please God. I'm having a rest day tomorrow as I'm shattered and hopefully they may do the scan tomorrow instead of monday.x
Hello lovely, this is so hard for all of you! Sometimes people wiz through surgery like they just fell over and got back up pretty quickly! Others stumble & trip a few more time while they get their bearings again. When you are with him, or your sons are, remember to talk to him, what day it is, what time it is, how much you all love him & know how strong he is etc - often they can still hear things going on around them and when they do wake they may remember bits, they can be quite disoriented with all the medications - my stepfather defied all the medics, they couldn’t find anything on his scans - he went back to work in the end. Don’t give up hope, try to stay strong but also you must get some rest - sending you a virtual hug 🤗
Please keep positive, he may just need some time to rest and will wake up once ready, anaesthetic can do strange things to the body. Keep strong and we are all thinking of you. He has put his body through a massive thing and although the surgeons say 'a bit of plumbing' our bodies don't think the same!
Sorry to see it's a bit longer to wait after this morning. I think it's a positive that the scan he had last night was clear, it may just be he needs a little longer to recover before waking up. He's been through a lot and I'm pretty sure I read yesterday that they said with him being a larger man it could take a little longer in ICU,. So I'm thinking that's what it is and come Monday he'll have recovered a little more and scans be all good too. Whilst he's sleeping he's healing too. I wish there were something I could do for you, but other than be here like the other kind people on this forum that's all I can do. Praying and hoping for both of you to be ok 🤞🙏. Try rest some tomorrow before going back on Monday.
Hi Castleview, such a worrying time for you and the family and know from experience how the hours drag waiting for good news. My husband had OHS last April and it took 72+hours for him to open his eyes. He spent 8 days in ICU before he was well enough to transfer to cardiology ward. Looking back I do think the long operation was such a shock to his system, that as others have said, some do need that extra time to recover.
Sending you all good wishes, try to rest a little if you can, keeping everything crossed your husband is soon on the recovery road.
• in reply toTonyBen
That makes me feel so much better, thanks. My hubby is 53 hours since his op finished. I have said while he's sleeping his wound is healing and he's not having to worry about pulling anything. I'm staying home to rest tomorrow, I'm shattered and want to be fit for when he comes home. I'm actually going to cook myself a proper dinner tomorrow, I've been living on toast pretty much. I've lost a stone in just over a week, I need to lose a lot more, but not that way
WoodlandLover• in reply to
Ah, so many people are keeping vigil with you. You're definitely not alone! You and your hubby are in our thoughts and prayers, for his healing; and comfort, strength and courage for you. We are all indeed keeping the positivity going with you. My instincts remain strong that he will wake up all OK, when his body is ready. I went to a complementary therapists MCThA talk once, years ago now. Our bodies have an "energetic field" as well as our visible physical and mental. The energetic body gets a mighty shock, with surgery. We can talk to our energetic bodies, even at a distance, comfort and reassure them, send loving, healing thoughts to them, tell them they'll mend fast and well, acknowledge their trauma and "bind them up" and tell them they're restored now, to wellness again. What they just endured was to give them better health, going forward.
The lady who gave this talk said that of the surgeons and their families that she'd shared that info with, those who did go ahead and "speak to the patient's invisible aura, if you like, and reassure it", and it can be done silently 🙃, noted that their eventual re-emergence and healing progressed steadily. I also know some people who "brush the aura smoothly and disentangle it" with their arms and hands, "restoring the energy field" about 6-10 inches above the body. But you may feel a bit freaky doing that!
I doubt my hubby will do that when I'm eventually taken in! I'd actually forgotten about all of this because it's some years ago now. I will tell my own energy body that it'll be OK, I think, when my time comes, even though I'm freaking out occasionally, in advance.
Your loving thoughts will help him through. So good you're cooking and resting today. Try to find a tiny bit of peace. Think how proud of yourself and him, you'll be, when this chapter is completed . Xx
• in reply toWoodlandLover
Thank you, this is a great group of people, so pleased I found it
Hi Castleview
Haven’t been on for a day or so, so have only just seen your update. So sorry to hear that things have been so worrying for you all.
Really hoping you get some positive news soon - some people definitely take a lot longer to wake up from any anaesthetic (I’m one of them!) so maybe he just needs the extra rest.
Please try and rest (I realise that will likely be near impossible) and look after yourself as much as possible.
Virtual hug and good wishes to you both. Please keep us updated xx
• in reply toChickenlou
I'm staying home tomorrow to rest and cook a proper meal, with extras for the next couple of days x
keep strong .thinking of you both xx
Just want to say I really feel for you.
We all react differently to anaesthetic and the major operation. Sounds like his body is using all the resources for healing and recovery.
There’s a lot of positive signs and it’s excellent that the surgeon was happy with everything.
Was so worried was glad to see an update I know it's not the most positive one but his medical team are doing everything they can to ensure when he wakes up again his body will have recovered a bit longer xx ❤️ hope he wakes up soon hun.
Dear Castleview, thank you for keeping us updated. Thinking of you both. You are in my prayers. Please take if yourself too and try to eat. Love from Mariexx
So sorry to hear this must be awful for you thinking off you
Both my brothers were the same. One was put into an induced coma after falling and hitting his head, and the other went under full sedation after surgery to replace a heart valve. They became very agitated when the doctors tried to wake them and it took several days before they could bring them round successfully. Each time the doctors explained to me it was because they were drinkers. I’m not sure exactly why but it’s something to do with the affects of long term regular alcohol that does it. One of them is what I call a drunk, the other just a regular beer swiller like so many others.
Sending lots of good wishes your way. A good rest for today sounds like the right idea to keep up your own strength.
Very warm wishes in your hard time. Tavishock
I'm so sorry you're going through this, you must be exhausted. Like all the lovely people on here have said, aslong as he's sleeping his body will be healing. I hope he's awake soon & all is ok. I'm glad you're resting today & a good home cooked meal will do you good. We're all with you & waiting for good news. Stay strong lovely x
Oh bless you. What a worrying time for me all. Tomorrow is another day and hopefully he will wake up. Take care of yourself to be strong for him when he comes homeStay home today and pamper yourself, you deserve it
Better news tomorrow x x
Look forward to hearing a positive update soon.All my best wishes x
sending you lots of love x
I’m so sorry to hear this . His poor body has had a big op and he’s probably in shock . Thought are with you that it works next time they try x
hugs ❤️❤️❤️
I can't imagine what your going through but please look after yourself as well, you need to be able to cope when he comes round .Loads of love.
Keep on keeping positive. It must get better from here. You are in my thoughts and prayers Look after yourself too.
Jenny
Just read this and though I don't know your story I really feel for you all. Take care.
Thoughts and prayers are with you x
Prayers and support for you, your husband and family, stay strong.
So sorry to hear this. I’m sorry I have no wise words, but please know that I am thinking of you and your family at this worrying time. I hope there is improvement soon.
Hi Castleview I’ve only just seen your post please try and keep positive in such a distressing time for you and your family. Everyone is different and react differently to the anaesthetic and trauma such Major surgery can have on the body. I’m praying that all is ok with your hubby and he just needs more time to recover. Look after yourself and stay positive sending you a 🤗 and looking forward to your updates. Best wishes 😊
Dear Castleview.I've been silently following your updates and I am sad to hear your husband is not yet awake.
You are both in my prayers 🙏💓
it is really hard and everyone is different but this happened to my dad when he was 50. He came round after 3 months and lived to be 90.
Keep strong, lean on your family and friends. Hopefully you will get better news soon.
• in reply toCarercmb
Wow, 3 months, you must have been frantic. Pleased there was a good outcome x
Carercmb• in reply to
I spent best part of 2 years up and down the motorway from Yorkshire to Manchester . I kept positive so did my mum. Afterwards my dad told me he felt my strength and knew I was there.
Look after yourself . Keep your own health, accept whatever help is offered.
I just wanted to reach out and send my best wishes to you and your family. My thoughts are with you.
I have been following your posts. Really sorry to hear of the ongoing situation. Hoping and praying that there will be a major improvement soon and that your husband will start on the road to recovery. Sending you and the family my very best wishes at this difficult time.
Sending you love and sympathy-you are having a huge amount of stress, take care of you so that you are fit and well to look after him.
As well as a good sleep and a healthy meal maybe you could go for a walk if you have a park or an open space around you, it should help with the tension.
Ach I am so sorry I was hoping for better news. The best is being done for him I am sure.
As you’ve seen lots of people sending you good wishes,hoping he just needs a little more sleep and recovery before he wakes up thinking of you all the best
I hope the scan brings positive news & things improve, even if it is only small steps.
dear Castleview,
I’m thinking of your husband and you and wishing you all speedy recovery. When I had my bypass and my repair, I remember the feelings in ICU.
it took me quite awhile to come round. I remember the doctors and nurses doing an amazing job in helping me to get back on my feet
I wish you all the strength possible over the coming hours. All of us are thinking of you and your husband and willing a dpeedy recovery.
I meant to add a mitral repair
Hard to do but stay strong and I'll be thinking and hoping for you all xx
I have been waiting for updates. The doctors know what they are doing and it won't be new to them. Have faith in them and try and have a nice walk or something, to relax you.
Very sad and distressing moments..but stay positive..and we will all be praying for you as well..keep that picture in your mind of him being well again...the mind is very strong...
I have also been waiting for an update. Hopefully its just his bodies way of saying it still needs rest. But having been through similar I know how scared you must be. Please keep us up to date xxxx
I’m glad you’re taking the advice to spend some time looking after yourself - it is very important to build that inner strength we all talk about. I have no personal experience of surgery, except stents, but have spent years nursing in ICU and as the people here have said, everyone’s journey is different. Sending virtual hugs to you & your family
Hi, stay strong. operations can take time to recover. Hope everything goes well.
Hi. Try not to worry too much. If your lovely hubby is on morphine, he'll be very, very tired and when he wakes, will be very confused. My hubby hallucinated on morphine (and codeine) so was very traumatised. They took him off it and gave paracetamol instead.
Keep that positive vibe going. Things will be fine.
Love and hugs. Jan xxxx
Good morning. I am 58 and had major open heart surgery 8 weeks ago. A 5 hour planned op turned into 12 hours and I was on and off bypass as they further repaired a few bits. I was sedated and on a ventilator for 5-6 days after the op. They tried to wake me one day and my BP shot up so they sedated me for another day. Our bodies all react in different ways to these ops. I can now walk a few miles without issue. Sending you positive thoughts. He is in the best possible place and will be receiving first class care. Give him time - his body has been through a lot.
• in reply toJamesJS
Thank you, so pleased you are now recovering well. As it's a Sunday they aren't even going to try taking him off sedation until tomorrow. I'm at home today and feeling so sick and heartbroken
It sounds like your husband is a fighter as he woke up so he’s trying but just not ready yet. Stay strong, I know it’s hard but he’s trying to get back to you.
Take care
Wendy x
Try to engage with him, even though yoh don't get a response , when my brother was same situation it was suggested play his favourite songs to him. Its important he hears familiar voices
This is such a hard time for you, waiting is certainly very difficult when all you want is to see him awake and have him chatting with you. It's understandable you are worried, try to get some rest and do something to at least give your mind a break, even if just for a little bit. Have a nice bath or watch something on tv, something light that you dont need to concentrate too hard on, even if you don't really take it in, it can be a good distraction temporarily.I'm praying for you both, hoping for things to be ok as soon as possible. Sending lots of love and caring thoughts ❤️
• in reply toCallie456
I'd never watched The Traitors, and am binge watching it today!
Deeply sorry for what you and your family are going through. When you next get in to see him I’d like to suggest that you talk to your husband whether he is conscious or not. It’s said that patients can still hear something, I certainly heard my son chatting to me (can’t remember much of what he said) when they were being me round after my AVR. Don’t give up hope, everyone on this forum is rooting for you all. Love Sue 🙏
• in reply toTMeditation
I've been talking to him. Tomorrow I'm going to ask if I can quietly play the Dr Who theme to him. He's a huge fan
Thoughts with you 🙏
Thank you for updating us, Castleview; we are all worried for you and hubby and understand how difficult a time it must be for you. Don't begrudge the time you need for yourself while the hospital team cares for your husband. I'm sure he needs your strength as well as love. God bless 🙏
Keep positive, my friend took over 10 days to wake up after her open heart surgery, and she's fine now! It just seems an age as no one can tell you a predicted time scale. Some times the painkillers (morphine etc) suppress the respiration centre in the brain so it's not until the pain relief is reduced that the brain thinks - hey, I should breathe now. We are all thinking of you.
• in reply toDigger0
Wow, 10 days is an age. So pleased she is fine now x
I have popped on a few times looking for any updates you have added.
Just to let you know I’m thinking of you all x
Don’t lose hope🥲
I'm sure he'll be fine. Different people react differently to anesthesia. I know it's difficult, but be strong, be positive and have faith. Believe me when I say you will be in my prayers tonight. I really mean that. He will pull through and he will be back home safe and in good health. God bless 🙏
• in reply toBatheart
Thank you so much 🙏 x
I will be thinking of you tomorrow and praying you get some good news Stay strong and take care of yourself
After the op, it can be quite natural for the patient to hallucinate, something to do with the blood being resuscitated through metal scrubbers so vacant looks can be simply that, but if there are any concerns, re sedation is just a belt and braces thing. I found the removal of the three drain pipes to be the upsetting bit, purely because that bit had been a surprise and when it came about to remove them, I just said to the nurse, go for it. The second and third removal were not met in the same gung ho attitude, especially when you can feel them travelling through the body. It was just the agony for me and getting out of bed for the first time and the first nose blow or a number 2. I know people say the memory dims but not for me. My wife came in to see me in the ICU and thought it would frighten her, but she just stood there and gave me as much support as she could, she was amazing. Your turn will come and it wont be easy since I am told, men can be difficult patients....goodness knows why. The specialists know so much and sometimes feel they do not pass on too much to the relatives, where the nurses on the wards can be just as good and probably much better with their knowledge. Believe it or not, the worst is over, the danger has passed. it is the mend process now. When he is in this state, the nurses should let you keep your own hours so you do what suits you but remember sometimes the patients can know when loved ones are with them, even when under sedation. Try and read any of the BHF printed booklets, they are a mine of really good info and please don't worry too much, four weeks from now, you will wonder what all the fuss was about. Keep your pecker up and remember, no questions too silly, especially if you don't know the answer and again, remember that a friend in need is a pest! Keep coming back, you will know when to cut down a bit - us we got nothing on and happy to help. Best wishes
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