ICU Delirium 4 months later

[brookmh80]

A close friend/family member (43yrs) went into cardiac arrest in early April, with many weeks of being intubated. Came back to his mother’s home in May, but is still having cognitive/memory issues now (Aug). Our friends group is rotating daily visits to try and assist his recovery, but we’re seeing very little progress. Anyone else been in this situation and what was the outcome? We’re very concerned for our dear friend. Thank you for your time

[Austinrreneau]

I went into poly organ failure in june 2022. I was in an induced coma for a month, 2 months in recovery. Intubated, tracheotomy, sepsis, the works. It takes a long time to recover. He’s probably very confused from the sedation and the trauma of being that sick really is hard on your cognitive functions. In my case i had intensely vivid hallucinations during my stay in the icu while under propofol fent drip. I couldn’t even lift my arms when i became aware again. I couldn’t talk because of the tracheotomy, couldn’t move, it was scary and very confusing. It’s all going to be very hard on him. Just keep talking to him, make him aware your there. That’s what helped me hang in there. I’m 44 so roughly the same age. *hugs*

[Sepsur]

if the situation isn’t improving, your friend may well need professional help. For some people PTSD &/or trauma memory don’t mend of their own accord.

[downthemoor]

I wasnt intubated but was very ill and have lost 11 days of my life - 5 days before ICU and the 6 days in. My memory is totally shot , from being a very capable person who organised everyone else, I struggle with cognitive and memory issues after 8 months. I am now under a psychologist which is helping with my mental state but not the memory /cognitive stuff nor the physical stuff. In the early days I was reading, doing crosswords etc to work on my brain but now I'm stronger physically it seems to have got worse. Ive been given advice to follow pacing guidelines for CFS/ME as its apparently the same effect on the body and brain. This booklet helps show how everything you do..from getting up, talking, showering etc all takes energy and shows how to balance mental and physical activity. Im pretty low at the moment, totally get where you're coming from, but I can assure you 4 months is VERY early days. Hope this link helps...criticalcarerecovery.com/x2...