Vegetative state from stroke that caused brain hemorrhage

[butterflybee1218]

Hi all,

My father was admitted to the ICU on 1/8/21 after he had a stroke all of a sudden that caused brain hemorrhage, they think because of his high blood pressure. He was moved from ICU to a rehab hospital last night specifically for his needs regarding his brain injury. It has been 19 days, and it seems as if he’s still in a vegetative state. The doctors haven’t officially diagnosed him in the state, but its the closest to how he is behaving. He opens his eyes now and then, and will move around slightly. He currently has a trach in and had a shunt placed in his brain for the stomach to absorb the extra fluid in the brain. All of his brain scans are coming back normal, he is showing signs of brain activity which is great. I understand it is different for everyone when it comes to recovery, and when dealing with the brain it is a slow and steady process for healing. I’m keeping hope that he will wake up soon and become more alert. I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this with themselves or a loved one, & if they got better eventually & woke up. I expect the recovery to be a long road, I just want him to wake up so he can start it. Thank you all xx

[Sepsur]

There is a pdf on brain injuries on this link - I hope this is a useful resource and reassuring.

icustepschester.org/informa...

[butterflybee1218 in reply to Sepsur]

Thank you, Sepsur! I will give it a read x

[titiday]

Hello!

Im sorry to read what you are going through. My dad had also a stroke. He had a trach and was also in a "vegetative" state. Doctors didn't think he would wake up. He used to open his eyes but it was like he was not there. He couldn't move at all and had no reaction whatsoever. After 3 weeks of no sedation there was still no reaction at all!!! But... slowly he started opening his eyes, but that time was different cause we could see life behind them!!

It took him a while to wake up.. like 3 - 4 weeks. Then the recovery started. That was three years ago and He is now the same as he was!!

Bodies take time. I know you want to see him already out of this and I understand how it feels! But what he needs now is time and LOVE!!!

Wish you and your dad all the best!!

[lynnmarr in reply to titiday]

Thank's for sharing. My husband opened his eyes 13 days ago, but also is not cognitively there? It's so hard! He was on high sedation for 52 days. I patiently wait too!

[titiday in reply to lynnmarr]

Im so sorry! I understand perfectly what you mean. 52 days on high sedation is too long for a human body! My dad was also almost 3 months on high sedation because after the stroke he got a pneumonia! No eating properly, not moving (muscles disappear), not sleeping (cause being in a coma ist not a proper sleep!), they are really weak, but that doesn't mean they cannot recover. We wish it was like in the movies when people wake up after a coma and start talking immediately... but it is not like that. Time.. it takes time! He's fighting for sure, cause he is still there! So fight with him too! =) Be there for him and tell him you love him! I'm so convinced that helps A LOT! Love heals!

Wish you the best in this hard time! Remember, a happy ending ist possible after a loong dark night!

Prayers for you.

[Sepsur in reply to lynnmarr]

57 days - no significant long term effects beyond what most people get, fatigue, poor memory and a little weakness. I’m alive and can live with that 😊

[butterflybee1218 in reply to titiday]

Hello!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and reply. It’s so reassuring knowing that your father fully recovered from the state that is similar to my dads. I am so happy for you & your family, I can’t imagine how relieved you were when you knew your dad was finally awake! I cannot wait for that day to come for me, it will be the best day of my life. This has been such a stressful time, especially since it was so unexpected and out of the blue. I am certainly taking your advice and letting my dad know that I’ll be there when he wakes up! Due to covid, my mother is the only one that can visit him right now. But, she facetimes me and when i talk to him, sometimes he will completely open his eyes, & even if he doesn’t, his eyelids move and you can tell that he is trying! Today he was moving both of his legs a little, and we haven’t seen him do that since all of this happened. I’m learning that it just takes TIME & LOVE, like you said. My dad is still in there and he will come out soon! Thank you again for your reassuring and encouraging words. 🥰😀

[FamilyHistorian]

I was sedated / ventilated for nearly 2 months following heart op, pneumonia and sepsis. It took a long time to come round. My doctors were much more accepting that it would take time.