Low blood pressure and vent

[pitachinachick]

It has now been 16 days since my husband suffered a massive heart attack. After the attack his BP dropped dangerously low although his heart never stopped. He has not awoken but is now on trach. They hope to gradually wean from vent and from sedation. Until now extubation has been impossible even though his machine is on lowest settings. Other than that there has been no reaction from him. Tests are being run to determine if brain is damaged. Eyes remain close and unfocussed if they are open. He does not respond to directions but does respond to pain. There are occasional times when he lifts arm but this is not consistent. Has anyone heard of low BP leaving permanent damage? Could this be delerium as well?

[Sepsur]

It can take a little while for people to come round from an induced coma.

There are a few pdfs on this link that may answer some of your uncertainty.

Delirium guide & critical guide especially

icustepschester.org/informa...

[DrARDS]

Give it time. It’s a dreadful period, but fingers crossed it improves🤞🏾

[FamilyHistorian]

Back in November I was admitted to our local hospital with pneumonia and a failing heart valve. It had only been checked a couple of weeks before and because it was tissue replacement it should have lasted another couple of years. I had a heart attack in hospital but was sent home to await an appointment however I was back in within a few days and then rushed to the QE Birmingham. I had my rapidly deteriorating valve replaced before Christmas and then was sedated and on ventilation for 6-8 weeks. My family were called in once as I wasn’t expected to live, I had a trachy and I wouldn’t come round. My body wasn’t ready! I came home middle of March. Times will be harder before getting better, expect a change in personality, there may be physical issues, loss of weight & strength, learning to talk, swallow & eat. Additionally there will be mental issues commonly nightmares and hallucinations and I have lost my memory for a couple of months before the op. You have to remain optimistic. ICUSteps supports both patients and relatives