Husband: 2 cardi. surg. in 4 wks. Was sedated/on ventilator until yesterday, got a trach. He woke up angry last night, won't respond. Help!

[worriedinalabama]

He previously responded to commands while semi-awake on the ventilator. Early in his stay, while doing a breathing trial, he actually wrote notes asking for his "Wife," and then wrote to me, "Soon," that he wanted to be out of the hospital. I am worried what happened -- is he confused, angry, hallucinating? This experience has been so frightening -- not sure if he even remembers why he is in the hospital. Please help.

[Sepsur]

I hope this answers some of your queries- if not please ask again.

The sedatives really really affect you!!! But this wears off in time ( everyone is different). I was in ICU in total for 12 weeks, 8 in a medically induced coma - recovery takes time & patience ( for everyone) - what your husband is behaving like is not unusual

Attached is a great link on delirium

icustepschester.org/informa...

[FamilyHistorian]

I’m not a medical person but what you and your husband are experiencing are normal whatever normal is. Whilst there are common themes everyone is different. I only joined this group in the last few days but it really helps to read other people’s posts.

You were lucky that he was able to write a note. While I had my trachy and before a voice box was fitted they tried to get me to write down “messages / instructions”. I’m right handed but could only use my left hand and all my words whilst in the right order were spelt backwards. I knew what it said but no one else did and I got really frustrated that they didn’t understand.

[Sir_vivor]

The answer you've received from Sepsur is accurate. I was in a drug induced coma for 6 weeks and when I awoke, I was extremely confused and angry. I didn't understand what had happened to me, I was scared and would have strange dreams. The fact that he wrote notes asking for his wife is a good sign. Just remain calm and patient. Give him a good week to recover. Hope this helps. Let me know if you need any further information.