Dad is in induced Coma, Questions.

[Concerned_Son40]

My dads heart stopped twice in an ambulance due to heavy fluid in his lungs. CPR was started right away and his heart started back both times right away. He was taken to ICU and placed in an induced Coma. As they were taking his body temperature down he was shaking violently. I was told he would be in the coma for 72 hours before they attempt to wake him slowly. The nurse warned there may be some brain damage, but they won't know until they attempt to wake him. I'm just wondering since he was given CPR right away and his heart and breathing restarted almost immediately, could this possibly minimize the amount of brain damage they anticipate he received. Thanks in advance to anyone that takes time to reply. I'm a nervous wreck.

[Angelia1234]

I feel your pain. My hubby came out of open heart having seizures. Possible brain damage. It iis very stressful. Im still going through the "waiting and unknown", i just want you to know you are not alone. Read stories from this community and takes notes, do research. Drs tend to be vague or come across as hopeless.

Prayers for you and your family

[Concerned_Son40 in reply to Angelia1234]

I will definitely be keeping your husband in prayer and I appreciate the great advice. They are bringing his body temperature back up very slowly. The nurse told me that he experienced seizure activity in his face. She said that's not a good sign. I'm going through the waiting and unknown stage as well. Keep us updated on your hubby. I'll definitely continue to pray that he and my dad can overcome this.

[Angelia1234 in reply to Concerned_Son40]

I'll pray both our loved ones prove miracles happen and the power of prayer. ❤🙏

[Sepsur]

I don’t know the circumstances of your father’s illness, so my experience may not be the same. I believe I went through the phases of sepsis. I had flu, double pneumonia which led to Multiple organ failure, this included my respiratory system & kidneys at that stage. Sepsis is the body’s reaction to chronic infection, it shuts down. Because the respiratory system has failed, the heart has to work that much harder, lack of oxygen, eventually leads to heart failure and the cardiovascular system fails - this is known as septic shock - my family were warned that if I did wake up from induced coma that they should expect a complex array of health issues, including possible brain damage. This position was exacerbated as I succumbed to severe ARDS, I know I was proned and paddled several times to get my heart working again, I was hand pumped to get oxygen into me. They were almost certain I would be brain damaged, that I would lose lung function, that my heart would be damaged, 7 wks of dialysis would mess up my kidneys & that the damage to my cardiovascular system could lead to loss of faculty or amputation. None of which happened. I suffered acute muscle weakness or ICUAW & cognitive dysfunction - both impact on my life today 2 yrs on - otherwise I live a normal life. I hope your Dad improves soon

[Concerned_Son40 in reply to Sepsur]

Thats an awesome testimony. I'm so glad you pull through. I definitely appreciate your response and caring.

[Hopeful1235]

I’m sorry to hear about your dad. My dad had a cardiac arrest following a heart attack a couple of months ago. Although he received fairly quick cpr they were also concerned about brain damage. He had his body cooled for about 36 hours then they slowed tried to bring him around. It was a long painful week before we got any signs that his brain was functioning ok, complicated by the fact he got pneumonia too. But 2 months on he’s home and doing really really well. All the best for your dad

[Brady1234]

Hi sorry to hear about this,I know how your feeling ,but as your dad’s heart started straight away I would say things are looking good, let us know 😊

[Concerned_Son40]

I definitely appreciate everyone here. Update so far: they are slowly warming his body. We were told his organs are starting to deteriorate. They took I believe what's called an EEG. We were told we would have the results of it tomorrow. They stated if his brain is showing promising activity, he will be transferred to a different hospital. If his brain is showing damage or isn't functioning then we will have to make a decision as a family on how to handle it. I pray he pulls through and we get good news about his brain scan. I wish everyone in here the best, and extend my love, prayers and gratitude to you all. This is a painful rollercoaster I wish no one had to go through.