Highs and Lows

[Hdo115]

It is almost 6 weeks since my son had his heart attack and hypoxic BI. He was one week in a drug induced coma and a further week in high dependency unit before being moved to a respiratory ward which was full of very elderly stroke patients. The nurses were very good but he is a very strong fit young man and he would not stay in bed and kept rolling out - so mattresses were put all over the floor and around the walls of the room (like a padded cell) as when he tried to stand he fell over and his arms did not appear to have any strength in them at all. He did not talk but his swallowing was good. He was three weeks on this ward and had about one hour of physio every day with the S&L visiting him every day on the ward for 20 mins or so. He was left on many occasions wet and had been rolling out of the room into the corridor and one patient's relative told us that the nurses were stepping over him. We of course, complained and he was transferred to a more suitable ward for neuro patients a bit nearer to our home, which we were extremely grateful for. The new ward has also had to put him in a side room and take the bed out and turn it into a padded cell with mattresses etc. They have said that he cannot go into the rehab ward as he needs to be in a bed etc.

Yesterday he appears to have turned a corner and when he was having his shower (only the 3rd since he was admitted) he indicated to the nurse that he wanted to use the toilet, she got him on there and he managed to say to her "thank you for all your help". The physios then arrived and this was reported to them - they were quite shocked and took him to the rehab ward for some therapy and whilst he was there stood up and started to walk with very little help.

I knew right from when he came out of his coma that he was still in there but as I have read on this site that the brain can take up to three months to get over the shock. He has spoken quite a bit yesterday and for the first time was able to sit in a chair without trying to get out and stand up. Long may this progress continue

[cat3]

Yes Hdo the brain is a complex organ and progress can be slow. Your son might have residual issues such as fatigue and short term memory deficits ; every case is different and none of us knew to what degree we'd be affected in our early days. But it looks like your son is making very promising progress and with youth on his side he may well emerge relatively unscathed................I do hope so m'dear.

It's shocking isn't it seeing a loved one so poorly (especially a son or daughter) but it seems there are going to be better times ahead for you and your son. All best wishes for his continued recovery and please keep us updated on future progress.

Regards, Cat x

[Hdo115 in reply to cat3]

Thanks Cat I think this site has given me so much hope especially in the first few weeks of my son's plight and to be able to see that we were not alone and that many people face this type of thing every day. But to hear of success stories as well gave us a lot of comfort.

[razyheath43 in reply to Hdo115]

Big hugs to you all,glad to hear he is being beter treated.i would take you're complaint further as you're son gets better. Keep us posted?

[cat3 in reply to Hdo115]

I agree Hdo that success stories are as valuable as advice and support, especially for those just starting out on their BI journey. But for us all it's really uplifting ( yours made me quite emotional ) to see that someone has rallied well after a distressing start.

Have a great weekend ! xx

[RogerCMerriman]

Fabulous!

[kerr28]

Pleased that your son has made progress.

Laura

[Elenor3]

Fantastic news great to hear your good news. Good luck with his continued recovery x

[CJDA94]

Wow - it sounds like he has made so much progress in a short space of time (although probably feels like an eternity to you). I do hope it continues and do keep us posted. It is still very early days in the land of 'hypoxic brain injuries' so it certainly sounds encouraging. Take care xxx