cardiac arrest, sedation and delirium.

[xEmmax123]

my dad suffered cardiac arrest 2weeks ago was under sedation for 8days with ventilator in place, he has been off sedation for d6ays now, but seems so delirious and hallucinations seems to be what he's going through at the moment.He woke up very quick after the sedation was stopped and sometimes smiling when we are speaking to him, he tries to talk but can't seem to hear what he's saying most times. I have been playing music for him and he seems to sing under his voice to the words of the songs.He hasn't been sleeping at nights and today he looked completely knackered, didn't get much responce from him at all just staring at me.I'm just trying to figure out has anyone been through this and eventually the hallucinations stopped and become more aware of where you are and what has happened. I definitely think he has delirium but would love someone's experience or if they have been throughanything similar.

[Gooddaysunshine]

Having been there as a patient, I can say that delirium is normal, even though it is strange and disconcerting for patients and their families. Causes include strong medication, the weirdness of recovering from coma, oxygen intake issues, and for me there was the added layer of complete sleep deprivation. I found it impossible to sleep in ICU with beeping machines, coloured lights, clanking and bangings, noisy nurses, and moaning patients.

That causes all sorts of strange ideas and hallucinations, including paranoia. But eventually it passes, and then you are aware of your surroundings and exhausted as the madness fades away.

[xEmmax123 in reply to Gooddaysunshine]

Thank you for the reply, yh he has not slept maybe 30mins a night the nurses has been saying since off sedation. It's just so horrible to see him like this I'm used to him still working and driving about, now he doesn't seem to know who he is at the moment.

[FamilyHistorian]

Hi Emma. You can read more about me in my profile. However back in Nov / Dec ‘19 I had a heart attack, pneumonia & sepsis I was in a coma for nearly 2 months. I also had a tracky. Yes it does take time to recover and become fully aware. Everyone is different and are effected by their hallucinations in different ways. You may find that your father doesn’t want to talk about it, hopefully in time he will as this helps a lot. I had to relearn to swallow, speak and walk.. Critical Care Support Network run a number of activities all on zoom. On of which happens to be tonight (Tuesday) at 8 pm. You would be made very welcome. Contact [e-mail]

[xEmmax123]

Thanks for the reply, yh the taking time to recover is so hard for me to see i understand though but this delirium could be weeks right?? he looks like he's lost weight too and he was thin enough b4 hand. Some days he's bright and u get a reply and the next minute he's back to that staring state and looking at what ever we can't see.

[Sepsur]

I had 11 days of it and then suddenly snapped out of it - never had any flashbacks or reoccurring dreams - I’m 6yrs past ICU.

If you can get into visit, try and knacker him out at night - talking too much & asking questions - then he might sleep which in turn will help him orientate. Photos of family members, pets and a familiar radio station will all help

[xEmmax123]

Yes we are in to visit everyday, he doesn't seem to recognise me but knows there is someone there following me about which ever side I go to, some days he is singing and tapping away to music the next he seem away with it. Is this also common in delirium?Thanks