My experience is very similar. My partner suffered cardiac arrest 8th June. Sedated for 2 weeks but responding to pain tests. MRI was suggested as clear as was CT scan. Although he did develop a chest infection which delayed the removal of ventilator. When they lifted sedation he pulled out his feeding tube twice and had quite awful hallucinations which he remembers very clearly. Upon deciding on a angiogram, they found he needed a triple heart bypass ( not the cause of his cardiac arrest).
Nearly 3 weeks on from his op, he’s doing very well and is currently making his own breakfast even.
We feel very lucky for him being so well based on cardiac arrest stats and possible disabilities after. We also feel very lucky that the heart problems were found as a result!! I can’t thank the NHS enough, so many different departments to thank at two different wonderful hospitals.
I hope this gives other some hope that dark moments (which there were a few with complications) can and do pass. Concentrating on recovery, we are very very hopeful and grateful for the future and second chance that won’t be wasted.
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JulieB_
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Great to hear your husband story and so pleased to hear that he’s doing well. My Dad had similar experiences, he is now doing well still in hospital but progressing really well which has been a bit of a shock. Was your husband a bit confused when he finally began speaking? My Dad is only confused about a few things and has memory from before his arrest, I just wondered if you had any experience of this.
Hi Becca, Bob was very confused for about a week after sedation was lifted. I found that a little prompting in the right direction and recalling better times, work, video clips from friends and family were a real help. I was very worried but I knew he was over the worst and we could work with memory and confusion easily enough. Bob said after the week of confusion he felt like his brain ‘rewired’ and things became much clearer. There is no rush for this although I realise it is upsetting to think of a loved one so confused. Take your time and don’t worry. Be happy with the slightest bit of progress and presuming brain scan is clear... it’s just a matter of time . Message me if you need anything at all my love . Thinking of you all xxx
Just to add.. things can also progress very quickly too so don’t be disheartened. One day can be seriously bad, the next the progress can be unbelievable 🤗
Indeed it is - because I had lost so much weight - I had to have a fry up every morning - even in hospital - boy did I make some enemies & envious ones at that
Bob did too. Just over 2 stone in 2 weeks bless him. We don’t have to change diet while he’s in recovery and tbh it was never so bad but smaller changes moving forward are probably for the best as paranoia /worry sets in. Good luck for the future my lovely xx
Julieb I was lucky I only had my valve replaced. However I was sedated ventilated for 6-8 weeks. I came home mid March.
What I would say to you is your partner may still have a lot to go through which I am sure you will do together but don’t forget to look after yourself. My wife was / is constantly on alert in case I make an unexpected noise or even just cough the strain on partners can be considerable!
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xx
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