Severe lung infection following Coronary Heart Bypass Surgery (CABG)

[A_est_1984]

My father had a triple heart bypass surgery. Following the operation, he came into the CCU and was woken up the next day. He was fine for 2 and half days, talking, being aware and was even getting to the point of drinking and eating.

However on the 3rd day following the operation, he started to struggle with his breathing. He had a oxygen mask put on, and then some hours later, a tube put inside his mouth him and this meant he had to be sedated.

He remained this way (sedated) for around 13 days, before the medical team did a tracheostomy. My fathers right lung is the problem. The doctors say its an infection, however till today (week 4 after op) they have taken blood cultures, done a broncoscopy and found nothing, but the xrays and ct scans shows the lung as fully white (meaning there is infection or inflammation). So they are supporting his breathing, giving him generic antibiotics (also keeping in mind that he has kidney issue, so they cant give certain types), but none of it seems to work.

At this stage the doctors are quite unsure as to what is happening. They have given him antibiotics, but they havent worked as of yet.

He has definitely picked up this issue in the hospital following his heart operation.

My father is on ventilator support of around 60% oxygen. He is no longer sedated, but is not the same. He is able to respond via nodding but the struggle is there on most days, where he just seems lost, in pain, uncomfortable. Somedays he seems that he is ok and other days he looks terrible.

Has anyone gone through a similar situation and is there anything you can advise or suggest or maybe share what happened woth your friends/family?

Anything would be appreciated.

Thanks

Adeel

[Sepsur]

Hi Adeel

I know that the whole ICU experience is like constantly shifting sands, everything is ok one minute, then it’s not. I picked up a few infection before admission & a few after. It was extremely difficult for my family. I was in the right place, getting the best possible treatment. Whereas my family were on a terrible emotional rollercoaster. I hope you get more positive news soon.

[A_est_1984 in reply to Sepsur]

Thanks Sepsur,

Up till now it seemed to be ok emotionally, but now i think its the start of that rollercoaster moment.

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[Sepsur in reply to A_est_1984]

Here is a link to a useful guide

icusteps.org/assets/files/I...

[A_est_1984 in reply to A_est_1984]

Just came to know now that its been diagnosed as Sepsis.

Its not something I know much about.

[Sepsur in reply to A_est_1984]

I went into septic shock - the right intravenous antibiotics will be administered in ICU - I wish you both well

sepsistrust.org/about/about...

[A_est_1984 in reply to Sepsur]

Thank you Sepsur for your kind words. I trust that you are now better

[Sepsur in reply to A_est_1984]

I was in ICU for 3 months - very fortunate to have survived. That was 3.5years ago.

I had excellent treatment in hospital.

[A_est_1984 in reply to Sepsur]

Was it here in the UK?

So great to know that you recovered well. I can only imagine how it must have been for your family. I have personally started to find it highly emotional, and i am one to keep my emotions in check really well.

So your responses make me feel better and I am sure that at John Radcliffe, where my dad is, they will administor the right course of action.

[Sepsur in reply to A_est_1984]

Yes - he is in the best place.

[Copse77]

This is a useful link to explain what happens in induced coma. It explains why sedation can take a long time to wear off when body is trying to deal with illness.

intensivecarehotline.com/qu...

[Nulm]

My father had triple bypass and was not waking up after it...when the doctors tried to take him out they had trouble stabilising his heart rate and blood pressure.he was placed in an induced coma. Doctors were baffled as to what was happening. We then got a call to say goodbye to him that his organs were shutting down but luckily for us my father was still fighting and eventually he was diagnosed with sepsis. They began treatment and he responded well and eventually came out of the coma. It was a long road to recovery but 2years later now he is doing great and appears fitter than he ever was. I wish ye the best xx

[A_est_1984]

Hi Nulm, that is a really nice outcome. So pleased it went well and that your father is doing great.

We were told 24hrs ago to prepare for the worst and pray for the best.

The doctors started steroids to help with the lung inflammation and have started giving him nitro oxide as well as oxygen for more help. They are still giving him antibiotics to target any infection. The concern is the auto immune system.

He made through the 24hrs and now next 48hrs are critical