Recovering from Major Surgeries and Extended Sedation

[Autoprof]

Hi, My wife was hospitalized over a week ago for a perforated intestine/colon. She had infection/Sepsis. She had 3 surgeries within 4 days in which time they kept her heavily sedated. They used Propofol, Fentynal and Morphine during the time she was brought in to the hospital. She has been off sedation for 6 days now. All her vitals are in the normal range. Still ventilated but, they take her off it during the day and she does well. I am worried about her not waking up fully. She is showing small signs of waking such as eyes opening, moving hands slightly, facial movement. It seems the last 3 days there have been very small improvements. I have read about others with similar situations. I am praying every day that she can start communicating. Can anyone share their experiences with regards to waking and recovering from this? How long can it take?

Thank you

[elsieadams]

I was hooked up to life support after my appendix ruptured due to an undiagnosed abscess. When I first came back to life I had very little movement and no idea where I was or who I was. I could not move very much and went back and forth into sleep. It took about two weeks before I could with assistance get up and out of bed. I still did not have very much clarity and suffered delirium for another week or so. Having so many surgeries in a short time like your wife is very traumatizing to the body and brain functions. It has been over two years and I still have some days I can not function. Lots of prayers that your wife starts making more progress day by day.

[Autoprof in reply to elsieadams]

I am glad to hear that you are better. It must have been a difficult journey. My wife is opening her eyes more as of yesterday. They tried a trial of shutting down the ventilator bur after 3 hours she was getting anxious. She was able to nod her head when asked if she was anxious. When I was there, she looked at me but, I am not sure if she comprehends what is going on. It is so hard to see her like this. It breaks my heart. Thank you for sharing your experience and I wish you the best of luck in your recovery.

[FamilyHistorian]

We are all different. I had double pneumonia, sepsis and open heart surgery. They tried to bring me round after a few days but with no joy. My family were told to give me a couple of days, then a week, then may be a couple of weeks, then a month to - he will wake up when he is ready. There were times when I started to come round but I wasn’t aware of what was going on. In the end it was nearer 8 weeks. During this time I had a tracky, drains, feeding tubes and tubes in every orifice except my ears. I couldn’t speak nor swallow and because of muscle loss I couldn’t move. 2 ½ years later I am much better but still recovering

[Autoprof in reply to FamilyHistorian]

Yes, the doctors and nurses have said that about how everyone awakes differently. The surgeon was hoping she would wake sooner but, is optimistic about her progress the last couple days. I cannot image what your family felt while you were in the waking stage of 8 weeks. I am glad to hear you are doing better while still recovering. I wish you the best. Thank you for sharing your experiences. It helps me to understand and be more patient about her progress.

[FamilyHistorian in reply to Autoprof]

This may sound daft but you really need to care for yourself. Your wife is being looked after now and you will be on tender hooks once she is home and will be exhausted. I can’t imagine what it was like for the family.

[Autoprof in reply to FamilyHistorian]

Yes, that makes a lot of sense. I have been trying to keep busy and we do have an Autistic adult son to care for. My wife usually does most of his personal care so, this keeps me pretty busy. I have 2 other adult sons and some close friends that will be able to help once she gets home. It has been a stressful 2 weeks for all of us.

[Sepsur]

It took me 11 days to fully wake after 57 day coma - they tried to wake me a couple of times but I couldn’t remain independent of the ventilator

[Autoprof in reply to Sepsur]

Wow, 57 days in a coma. It must have been difficult for you and your family. I am glad to hear you are doing better now. Thank you for sharing your experience.