COVID: doesn't wake up from induced coma - ICUsteps

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COVID: doesn't wake up from induced coma

Marcita profile image
59 Replies

My mom is 55y and has covid. She was put on ventilator since 31th of March. They turned off her sedation on 15th of April and she still didn't wake up. She has her eyes open but that's all.

They said her lungs are better, she make dialysis every other day because her kidneys are not working properly (but she can pass urine normally).

Now we just need her to wake up to proceed with the tube removal. I'm worried because it's taking too much time... Anyone else took a long time to wake up from induced coma?

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Marcita
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Rgsable profile image
Rgsable

Hi Marcita

I am so sorry to hear that your mum has covid. Please stay positive. I have read that some people it takes longer to come out of the induced coma

Marcita profile image
Marcita in reply to Rgsable

Thank you ⚘

AKAICUsurvivor profile image
AKAICUsurvivor

Yes, it took me eleven days ( the nurses reliably informed me) after sedatives we’re stopped. the fact that your Mum is still on dialysis will slow down everything. The kidneys working properly, will rid the body of toxins including the drugs used for sedation. Even a relatively healthy person’s system will take a little time to rid itself fully of sedative - days & weeks ( depending)

Marcita profile image
Marcita in reply to AKAICUsurvivor

Thank you ⚘

Marcita profile image
Marcita in reply to AKAICUsurvivor

11 days later and still not communicating 😭

AKAICUsurvivor profile image
AKAICUsurvivor in reply to Marcita

Let us hope that today brings better news.

titiday profile image
titiday in reply to Marcita

My dad (65) needed almost THREE weeks to wake up! They need time... your mum is fighting and still here so don't give up =)

Marcita profile image
Marcita in reply to titiday

That gives me hope thanks!

Adam77 profile image
Adam77

Hi Marcita,

My family are going through the exact same thing. I understand your worry. Dad was put in an induced coma 25th March due to covid. Taken off sedation also on 15th April. He is on dialysis and given a tracheostomy 20th April. He is now breathing on his own with oxygen. He has his eyes open but not aware.

We are very worried too as we don't understand what's happening. He was given a ct scan about a week ago and they couldn't see any brain damage from stroke. He is having an MRI tomorrow. Hopefully that will be clear.

I can't give you any answers but thought you may find some comfort in knowing you're not alone. We hope he wakes up soon and I hope the same for your mom.

Adam

Marcita profile image
Marcita in reply to Adam77

Thank you Adam. Hope we both get good news soon! ⚘

They said she was on heavy medication and also her kidneys are having issues to filter and flush out everything that's why it's taking so much time... still it's very scary!

Adam77 profile image
Adam77 in reply to Marcita

Hi Marcita,

Just sharing the good news that dad's MRI came back all good today (Australia time). No brain damage at all. Just looks like he's taking his time to wake up and clear the sedatives from his body. ICU are giving him dialysis everyday to try and clear anything out. His kidneys have stopped working, so sounds like you mom may be doing better in that regard. I think for both of us it's just a waiting game. Good luck!

Marcita profile image
Marcita in reply to Adam77

That's great news! Hopefully he will wake up soon! I asked the doctor yesterday about her neurological condition and they told me they are not quite thinking about it yet. But they might consider a MRI later... It looks like the kidneys are the real issue. She does pass urine but doesn't really filter the toxins. That's why she's also in dialysis every other day. So apparently we are both facing the same problem with our parents... Looking forward for bright days. It seems so close now. They just need to wake up because everything else looks stable 🤞🤞🤞

Adam77 profile image
Adam77 in reply to Marcita

Yes, other than the kidneys everything is looking much better with dad. Now we can rule out brain damage we are just looking forward to him waking up. Can't wait because this has been horrific for our family as it would be for you. Hoping all the best for your mom.

Marcita profile image
Marcita in reply to Adam77

Did you dad wake up? My mom was extubated and breathing on her own but still not communicating so they will observe her for a little longer and then check her neurological condition 😔

Adam77 profile image
Adam77 in reply to Marcita

He has started to smile sometimes and when we kiss him he tries to kiss. He is responding to things we say. But still no movement in his body. It's hard to see him like that, but I think it's just taking a long time for his whole body to wake up. Hopefully your mom will start responding soon.

Rgsable profile image
Rgsable

How Marcita how is your mum doing?

Marcita profile image
Marcita in reply to Rgsable

Thanks for asking. My mom didn't wake up yet but they are happy with her infection markers and her renal functions markers even though she's still on dialysis. They just want her to wake up and they are pretty much sure it's the medication/toxins still in her body preventing her to be awake... they didn't seem worried about neurological problems.

Rgsable profile image
Rgsable in reply to Marcita

Stay positive x

Amtmc95 profile image
Amtmc95

hello! I am in the same situation. My dad is also in ICU since one month ago because of COVID. In my case , my dad has also dialysis and tracheotomy and they are trying to wake him up but it has been difficult. I really hope your parents get well soon, please update about their situation!

Marcita profile image
Marcita in reply to Amtmc95

Thank you. Hope your dad gets better soon! Still the same... My mom didn't wake up yet but they are happy with her infection markers and her renal functions markers even though she's still on dialysis. They just want her to wake up and they are pretty much sure it's the medication still in her body preventing her to be awake... they didn't seem worried about neurological problems.

Praying for our families!

Amtmc95 profile image
Amtmc95 in reply to Marcita

Thats great! Same for my dad! Lets hope they wake up very soon! Let us know :)

Mguzman1 profile image
Mguzman1

Hi Marcita I’m emotionally exhausted and mentally drained my anxiety level is to the roof. My mom has that Covid 19 and she’s been in the hospital a little over 3 weeks they put her on a ventilator 19 days ago and has been off sedation a little over a week her kidneys aren’t functioning well and she is also getting dyalisis. Her blood pressure is up and down they’re saying her lab test shows infection in her blood like staph. She still hasn’t woke up all my family and I can do is pray and ask God for a Miracle. My mom and I are very close this is killing me I can’t sleep can’t do anything all I do is cry. I’m sorry to burden you with all this. But you’re story is similar and I felt your pain.

My name is Maggie.

My moms name is Zoraida let’s pray for both of them and everyone else on this site and around the world.

DrARDS profile image
DrARDS in reply to Mguzman1

God bless you and your Mum.

I’ve been really struggling with sleep too. My Dad has been on a ventilator for 3 weeks now and it’s all just a Haze now. I can’t believe it’s the 23rd of April!!

This is definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever had to face and then one also has to stay strong for more vulnerable family members too and keep them going...

I’ve managed to get my GP to give me some medications to sleep; maybe give that a go?

Ive switched off social media and we take it in turns to call for updates...

Marcita profile image
Marcita in reply to Mguzman1

I'm sorry for your mom. Trust me I know exactly how you feel and I'm the only child and also very close to her. I have no siblings. It makes the pain even stronger. I have cried for many days and had terrible nightmares regarding my mom. Nightmares that wake me up at night but recently she has been slowly improving so I felt better to move on and deal with my life. I'm pregnant so it makes it all even more complicated because I need to force myself to be strong for the baby. I don't want to be hospitalized right now. I can't.

My mom's blood pressure has been up and down also (more low than high) but she's stable for a couple of days now and doesn't require medicine for that anymore.

My mom also had secondary infection due to covid. Bacterial one not the virus one but they said she is healed from that now and they have stopped all antibiotics.

I'm praying for all "covid" families and definitely will pray for yours... hope we can get through this fast it's tough🤞⚘

DrARDS profile image
DrARDS in reply to Marcita

Yeh we’ve had so many complications with my Dad. It’s really frightening how this virus has launched a cascade of illness into someone who was fit and well before.

Omg, you’re pregnant as well! God bless you.

Please eat and sleep as best you can. I’ve been speaking to a clinical psychologist which has been helpful.

I’ve tried to make a pattern for calling and a diary which has helped, as other wise I’d wake up and before I know, another day has just gone.

I’ve also stopped answering messages and just asked someone else to fill people in, as I realised this was stressing me even more.

There are some nasty (intentional or not) folk who relentless call or text for updates and I’m just like f*** off, I’ll update if I want or need to!!

Anyways, I should sleep. God bless us all 🙏🏽

Marcita profile image
Marcita in reply to DrARDS

Yes! I shut down all my social media accounts. I honestly don't want to interact much with anyone else. I received messages like "don't worry she will be fine". I mean, do you even understand the whole situation? I hate this kind of messages because people don't know what I have been through and how covid is not random cold that will be healed after a while... so telling me "don't worry" made me very angry.

My aunt created a group on WhatsApp with all friends and family and we update it once a day. Other than that I don't answer any other message that comes to me...

Yes I'm pregnant and it's very hard, I lost some pounds during the first days which wasn't good. But as I said I force myself to be patient because of the baby. If it wasn't for the baby I would have given up already. My mom bought almost all baby stuff for my girl. She was very excited for that... but I feel positive she will be awake for her granddaughter! I'm due 24th of May.

God bless us all ⚘

Mccarthy0702 profile image
Mccarthy0702 in reply to DrARDS

I just read that I feel just the same , I know people mean well but sometimes just feel like they are being nosey. My dad is currently 35 days ventilator dependent.

Thing is as soon as there is any good news I’ll be shouting it from the rooftops !

Such a rollercoaster this one step forward two steps back ! X

Kidn profile image
Kidn in reply to Mguzman1

Prayers for you and your family. These things take time. Prayers really help and don’t give up hope . X

Blur2019 profile image
Blur2019

Best wishes. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I spent 6 weeks living the ups and downs of ICU in November. My mum was intubated 3 times and it took a long time for sedatives to wear off and really weeks until she was anywhere near back to properly awake. Mum is now home, in recovery (she had strep A and septic shock) and can't remember any of her time in ICU. The drugs that they are on when ventilated are so strong and I think all patients react differently. It can take a long time to come round. Thinking of you all. It really is a horrible experience knowing a loved one is going through this. Take care of yourselves too.

Marcita profile image
Marcita in reply to Blur2019

Thank you. Wishing your mom a speedy recovery ⚘

Mguzman1 profile image
Mguzman1

Wow take care of yourself. I also shut off social media I’m trying to stay positive and in God’s good grace. I had someone texting me to give me his condolences. I was very angry I told him MY MOM IS ALIVE!!! Don’t text me!!! I’ve been very sensitive and my attitude is in and out everytime my text goes off my heart drops. My sister created a chat for updates on my mother is just us and her grandchildren. I was the emergency contact person for my mom. But when the Doctors called me to tell me she had to go on a ventilator and that her kidneys weren’t functioning I went crazy and couldn’t make a good decision for my mom like that. So I told my sister and brother to deal with the Doctors Because I couldn’t. Yesterday my brother called me with the Doctor on the phone they needed permission to put a line on my moms neck to disburse Blood pressure medication through there because her arms and leg vains aren’t good enough for that medication. I FaceTime her earlier and that’s so hard to see her like that but I am catholic and I believe my mom can hear me. I feel like my voice can help her wake up sooner

My family and I Pray everyday at 8pm we created a Webex and we take turns praying. I will pray for you Marcita and also for youDrADS may God give us all strength and Bless our love ones always.

Marcita profile image
Marcita in reply to Mguzman1

How is your mom?

Mguzman1 profile image
Mguzman1

She’s stable yesterday they lowered the oxygen and the medicine for the blood pressure. She’s on antibiotics for the staph ant they are giving the dialysis this. My sister is calling to get an update for today. My sister FaceTime with her and she said my mom was flaring up her nose as she spoke to her. I believe my brother is FaceTiming with her today and tomorrow is my turn. We stay in prayer 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

How’s your mom doing?

Marcita profile image
Marcita in reply to Mguzman1

Mom has been extubated but still not communicating so doctors are a little worried and will investigate her neurological condition.

I'm scared. They also said her body temperature is a little high. Not quite a fever yet.

😔

AKAICUsurvivor profile image
AKAICUsurvivor

I hope you get better news today

Copse77 profile image
Copse77

I am replying to Marcita and all of you here who have family members in this terrible situation. I have been through a similar situation and I know how hard it is just waiting when each day brings new infections or setbacks. Remain hopeful is the best advice we were given by one kind consultant. My brother was in his 40s and his youngest child was 6 when he was critically ill on ECMO and dialysis. It took several weeks for him to wake up from an induced coma. Maintaining a daily timeline just to note small improvements will help you to focus on the positives when everything else seems bad. I had to look at little things like that such as reducing oxygen and try to remain positive. My mum always says everyone is an individual and responds at their own rate so please don’t be disheartened. Thinking of all of you and hoping that your family members have a good recovery from someone who has been there. Best wishes.

Marcita profile image
Marcita in reply to Copse77

Thank you, that gives me hope. Unfortunately with this corona we can't even check on her and visit her 😔

Copse77 profile image
Copse77

I have sent you some private messages. If you look at the top of the page where it says chat you will find the information.

Marcita profile image
Marcita

Day 12th since stopping sedation update:

Doctor said her kidneys still have inflammation but she's doing ok and doesn't need dialysis now.

They will not do a CT scan yet because apparently she has improved a little since yesterday. She's alert and following with the eye (???). They are observing her closely so she doesn't get any infections and even though not fully awake she might leave the ICU and have someone visit her.

He also said she cries if she feel pain. Is this a good thing?

Mguzman1 profile image
Mguzman1

So happy she’s coming around little by little. My mom is still very sick and the doctors aren’t giving us any hope. I still have faith and hope. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Marcita profile image
Marcita in reply to Mguzman1

Don't lose hope please. It's a bumpy road. Lots of ups and downs but fortunately our doctors always tell us to keep the faith and pray. They are honest she is/was a severe case but never ever told us to stop believing. Doctors don't always have the final say... Miracles do happen!

🙏🙏🙏

Marcita profile image
Marcita

Mom was dispatched from the ICU. I dunno how I feel about that. I'm so scared... Still not communicating. Breathing on her own and tube fed.

14 days since stopping the sedatives.

lonleyhelpless profile image
lonleyhelpless in reply to Marcita

Hi, moving from the ICU is a big positive thing. Please stay strong, its more likely just a matter of time. Wish you all the best xx

thirtytwo profile image
thirtytwo

Don’t give up. They wouldn’t give up on you if you were in hospital. I’m actually in Ireland and I’m so lucky to have come across this group. Just hearing everyone else’s stories, and knowing there are others out there feeling as confused and helpless is comforting. My partner was in an induced coma for 32 days. Since Tuesday he has been stable and coming around from sedation. He is conscious now and showing good signs of cognition. He was a fit healthy active strong man - no underlying health conditions. Everything that could wrong went wrong for him. Sepsis, kidney failure, irregular heart beat needing to be shocked back into rhythm, liver problems. I don’t know how he has come through. Our next step in the journey is weaning off these drugs, getting his lungs strong enough to get off the ventilator and addressing the massive muscle wastage. We have a long road ahead but I’m so grateful to help him in any way I can.

I got some lovely inspiring words when I was going though this and what I said up top was the most helpful. They would never give up on you if it was the other way around. It was a rollercoaster and even now I’m still scared to say he’s improving. I’m sure we all know that when we say that something goes wrong the next day.

Keep on to your hope, try to quieten your mind, do one task a day to feel you’ve achieved something, (shower, empty dishwasher, something small) keep a diary of your loved ones progress.

Love to you all xx

Emily_ profile image
Emily_

Marcita, just came across this thread and wanted to check in on you. I hope things have gotten better.

Marcita profile image
Marcita in reply to Emily_

Thanks for asking. She's good and fully conscious, she eats, drinks and breathes on her own and doesn't require dialysis anymore. Our issue now is to treat some bedsores she has and make her move again. She's not moving some parts of her body.

Itzmehere profile image
Itzmehere

Hi Marcita

How is ur Mom now? My father going through the same condition which your mom had. It’s about 3 weeks he just opening his eyes only no alert yet. He is still in ventilator and dialysis continuing. Brother got chance to visit him ;when he call father, tears fell down from his eyes but couldn’t open. Am much worried. How many weeks it tooks your mom to become fully conscious .

Marcita profile image
Marcita in reply to Itzmehere

Hi, my mom is Covid free now. She's good. Eats and breaths on her own. Doesn't require any life support. She's struggling a bit with depression because she can't walk due to a stroke. But other than that she's good.

She took many many weeks to get her consciousness back. Many days to start responding and speaking. The doctors were concerned but she was just weak and taking her time. Your dad will be fine too. Don't worry.

Texbenji profile image
Texbenji in reply to Marcita

Marcita, when you were waiting for your mom to wake up did she ever open her eyes and move her head to your voice? My mom will open her eyes but isn’t tracking you and seems to be just looking out into space. I know she can hear us but she still seems to not be there. She’s been off sedation two weeks and had septic shock two weeks ago. Her liver and kidneys shut down but her liver is nearly back to normal again. Kidneys still on dialysis M-W-F.

Ajd7225 profile image
Ajd7225

Omg this post has given me sooo much hope my mom has been on the ventilator for 8 weeks due to Covid, they put the trach on day 18. They stopped sedation for about a week and are concerned about her not waking up. She opens her eyes but doesn’t follow commands. They did an mri and everything looks fine but they are still concerned. Covid affected her kidneys, lungs, and pancreas. Her kidneys have recovered . Her pancreas recovered but now has a large cyst on it. And her lungs now has some issues. Please pray from my strength and my mother’s complete healing her name is Anita. Sending love and prayers to each of you. This is sooo hard but I am trusting God.

Jackydel2020 profile image
Jackydel2020 in reply to Ajd7225

How is your mom? I’m so sorry you have to go through this. I am in a similar boat with my brother

Ajd7225 profile image
Ajd7225 in reply to Jackydel2020

She’s doing ok, she’s stable and no longer has covid. She finally made it to a skilled facility to start rehab but keeps going back to the hospital 2 weeks ago it was for her respiratory. And now I’m sitting next to her she’s here bc her blood sugar was in the 700’s and they are trying to get it under control. She’s still bed ridden and unable to talk, she has started communicating some with her eyes but still not following commands. Today is day 112/ 4months/ 16weeks. I thank God she is not critical and is able to be in a reg room and I’m finally able to be by her side every step of the way. We weren’t able to visit her until day 77. This has been the hardest thing in my life to deal with but I’m trusting God for her complete healing. Sending prayers to your brother and your family at this time.

Jackydel2020 profile image
Jackydel2020 in reply to Ajd7225

Wow I’m sorry that your still in this tough journey! Your mom sounds like a true fighter! God willing she will make a full recovery in do time. I have seen a lot of these stories... recovery takes time a patients! I’m so happy your able to be next to your mom now! Even though she is having some issues she is not alone!! Hang in there and soon I pray your mom recovers from these last few things! Your doing great by being with her through this!

Jackydel2020 profile image
Jackydel2020 in reply to Ajd7225

My brother he is on ventilator and Ecmo day 25. Both still at 100%. I pray that he begins to have healing so we can begin the recovery process. He young 48 and has 5 beautiful kids that’s are waiting on him. ❤️🙏🧎‍♀️ God hear my prayers

Nicole19x profile image
Nicole19x in reply to Jackydel2020

Hi how is he doing ? My Grandad got rushed into hospital a few days ago he’s on a ventilator in ICU they’ve tried to reduce his heart medication and sedation twice and both times he isn’t taking well to it, the second time he pulled his tubes out, I’m really worried as I don’t know what this means does anyone have any ideas? Hope everyone is okay and staying safe in these difficult times ❤️

FamilyHistorian profile image
FamilyHistorian in reply to Nicole19x

I’m 72 back in Nov 19 and again in Dec 19 I went into hospital until March most of which was in ICU I had pneumonia and one of my replacement valves had to replaced. Additionally I have rheumatoid arthritis and these drugs were stopped

I got very agitated and was regularly pulling my tubes out despite being sedated. This not uncommon. They also tried to reduce the sedation and ween me off but I wasn’t ready for it. I was sedated/ventilated for nearly 2 months

Take care of your self

Nicole19x profile image
Nicole19x in reply to FamilyHistorian

Hi thanks for telling me this it’s gave me hope that he might pull through eventually, the doctors called today they tried to reduce his medication again and he didn’t take well to it again, his oxygen levels have gone from 50% him 50% ventilator to 30% him 70% ventilator and his heart is under distress, they have laid him on his front and are discussing putting a tube in his throat instead now fingers crossed he’s going to pull through and be okay 🤞🏻 Stay safe x

Texbenji profile image
Texbenji in reply to Ajd7225

Aj, how is your non doing now? What you described is similar to my mom but she’s still in icu on life support. Opens her eyes moves her head to your voice but doesn’t seem to be quite in there yet. I am worried about brain damage but she is not yet stable enough to move her to do a mri or ct. what worries me is she looks your way but is not staring at you.

I know it's 3 years later but I wanted to write this in case someone needed to see. This thread helped me so much when my dad was in the ICU on a ventilator. When they took my dad off of sedation he didn't wake up right away. He is a peritoneal dialysis patient and drugs leave his system much slower. After reading many stories von here, this seems like the norm for many people dialysis patients or not. They told me my dad would never wake up, would be brain damaged because his EEG showed slower waves ( because he was sedated). He was responding more and more to me each day but they would write in their notes they didn't see it. (Important note: get the app or login for your family member's health information. I looked at it many times during the day and all test results were there and even the drs notes which was vital). They were about to put a trach in my dad but the day before they said he's doing so well we are going to take him off the ventilator. It took as many days as he was sedated for him to wake fully up. Also the nephrologist was using the highest solution bags during dialysis to clean his system and it still took almost a week. All this to say that you can't always go by what the medical staff is saying. They don't know our family like we do. Do your research and see what other people have been through and their experiences. My dad had no brain damage, he just needed time to wake up.

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