How can we help someone in ICU after bypass

[Disney2020kittie]

Hi,

Our dad is in hospital having suffered a heart attack two weeks ago. He’s 78. He had the bypass on Tuesday and in ICU, on oxygen and very drowsy. Can anyone help us understand the recovery process and also how to help him while he’s in hospital. We obviously can’t visit him and so it’s hard, he’s never been in hospital and we’re worried he may give up with the pain and confusion.

[Sepsur]

Welcome @Disney2020kittie

Have a look at the critical care guide on the link I supply you at end of this post - it will give you a straightforward view of ICU & practical tips for you as a family.

I was in ICU 4 yrs ago - so my situation was different in as much as my family could visit and talk to me, reassure me & hold my hand whilst I was unconscious.

To be honest, I don’t know how aware I was of them although I did have incredibly vivid dreams about them ( not always that pleasant but that’s another story). I know certain hospitals are encouraging relatives to phone in and speak to their loved ones even though they are still comatose.

Maybe you can suggest a radio station he normally listens to,

I had photos of all the family on a wall - all this was done to ‘orientate’ me after waking from coma.

Our experience of the staff in ICU was that they were brilliant & beautiful souls - your Dad will be being looked after by the best people. In ICU he will be getting all the practical help he needs.

At present, I suggest, you all look after yourselves, sleep, eat and exercise well - because he is going to need all your energy & strength later on to help him rehabilitate.

icustepschester.org/informa...

[FamilyHistorian]

Totally agree with Sepsur. I’m 72 and had pneumonia and replacement of my replacement valve. The op was before Christmas I was ventilated for6-8 weeks, had a trachy and wouldn’t come round from the sedation. I had photos all the wall and the staff used to ask me questions about the people and dogs. I found it difficult to answer but I changed the tactic and practiced some facts about one of them and then told them after before they asked. Everyone is different and it is probable that you are only at the start of your journey. I was lucky and had visitors coming out just before lock down.

Chester is organising a zoom meeting this Tuesday just for relatives as some, including my wife, don’t want to talk about their experiences in front of their loved ones.