Covid Coma: In and out of consciousness

[Color27]

After 73 days, I finally saw my mom in person! Waddling with my 7 months pregnant tummy, I waited for her outside in the cold at the ambulance parking lot for 1.5 hours just to get a glimpse of her. She was being transported from the ICU to a long term acute care hospital. I asked her if she can hear me and she nodded her head. I told her to get better soon and we miss her so much and she nodded her head again. I asked her if she was in pain and she shook her head. She was also trying to move her mouth as if she wants to talk. I was so happy, that was the very first time she responded per the nurse. They said they would talk to her but she doesn't respond to them. I was so happy at the miracle I've witnessed. Neurologist said she would never regain consciousness due to the extent of the stroke (3 strokes in different parts of her brain!) but she obviously understood my question and responded accordingly. Thank you God!

My question to those who have gone through or have witnessed recovery after a coma, is it normal to go in and out of consciousness? I had the nurse set up video call with her today and she looked totally dazed. She was not responding and although there were times that her eyes were on the monitor, she looks like she was looking right through it. No eye contact. No new medications.

[Sepsur]

It’s good to read that you see great progress with your Mom.

Have any of the medical team looking after your Mom mentioned ICU delirium. It is quite common, and there is a suggestion that Covid patients suffer it more frequently. There are 3 forms, hyperactive, mixed & hypoactive delirium. I had hypoactive delirium which meant I remained incredibly still, I was withdrawn, drowsy and stared into space. It is the most common delirium in older people too.

[Color27 in reply to Sepsur]

Last time I spoke with the ICU neurologist was when he told me she would never wake up or regain consciousness. Since she was transferred to a smaller hospital for ventilator weaning (looks more like a rehab), I’m not sure if they have a neurologist in staff. I’ll ask. Delirium definitely makes sense. Is there anything I can do to help her?

[Sepsur in reply to Color27]

There are a combination of things that staff do to orientate people. Does she have a favourite radio station? Play certain music? Favourite radio shows or songs? Can you get photos put up of you & your family with your Mum.

It’s important to get into a proper sleep pattern too.

Generally- people come out of it once their body has rid itself of toxins, sedatives etc etc and got into the correct circadian rhythm

It’s also important that she drinks plenty is hydrated with the right amount of electrolytes in her system. I think infections play a part too, so proper antibiotic treatment for any infection. These were some of the things that were used on me BUT most importantly I saw my family everyday. Can you speak to your Mom on a video call regularly?

[Color27 in reply to Sepsur]

Thank you so much, for your suggestions. Will definitely try those out. I just got off the phone with the nurse and she said she still doesn’t respond but makes eye contact. They allow us to do video call 3x a week but starting next week they will allow 1 same person to visit Monday - Friday. Thank goodness for that. My dad plans on visiting her everyday. We hope that helps orientate her back by seeing a familiar face.

[Sepsur in reply to Color27]

Fingers crossed that it works out for you all 😊

[BabyRhino]

Hi Color27, what you describe sounds hopeful to me. My husband began to respond to the sound of my voice before anything else. At that time the nurse would get no response from shining the torch in his eyes, but he began to turn his head towards me when I spoke. I began to play favourite tracks to him and could see that he was concentrating on the sound. Eventually there came a time when I pointed at something as I was talking and he turned to see what I was talking about. Fast forward and he is now home and getting on with life.

[Color27 in reply to BabyRhino]

This gives me so much hope. Thank you for sharing 🙏