Too Much Sedation??? My husband can't wake up!

[pjmj]

So today (Jan 9, 2025) is 29 days in the ICU --- - on Day 27 (Jan 7th, 2025) my husband finally had the tubes down his throat removed and a Trachea put in place. The Doctors said he is breathing about 70% on his own and the machine is doing the rest. He needs the machine so that he doesn't struggle and put his lungs and heart under stress again. His heart has remained on proper rhythm with any help since day 7.

His First 14 days in Hospital, he was sedated. And then trouble waking up. Then By Day 27 - my husband has had 4 minor surgical procedures - all required, what they called a light anesthesia - so between every procedure - just as he starts moving and showing signs of waking - there was another procedure with sedation again.

My biggest concern is that he still has not awaken fully awaken at this point. his eyes open and close, but no real focus.

Has anyone experienced anything like this. I can't lose hope - he's my literally my best friend - not just because we are married.

[Makemybrainshutup]

I can't answer your question but I can sympathise. My husband has been in the ICU for 7 days and I don't know how I can do this. He's my best friend too and I feel so alone.

[pjmj in reply to Makemybrainshutup]

Don't despair - ask lots of questions in the nicest voice you can - and ask for CT scans for everything that they cannot answer - that I I found out about the infection - a NICELY but assertively & repeatedly asked for a CT scan - and then it was done - and the infection was a major issue that caused it all.

KEEP requesting tests.

[emkev87]

Hey I'm really sorry for what you're going through, it's honestly the worst. My husband was in ICU for around 3 months in 2023 so I get it. My husband is a big fella, not so much fat, just tall and well built so it took a lot of drugs to sedate him. I'm not sure how much your husband is on but mine was on a concoction to keep him out. I have blocked a lot out if I'm honest, like you it was the worst time of my life, but have recently found some notes on my phone. He had his trachy fitted 15th April and it took until around the first week of June for him to fully come round. I'm not saying your husband will take this long, It can take time depending on the sedatives. My husband was on fentanyl, ketamine and something else beginning with an M. It just takes time and I know it's heartbreaking and so so difficult. Your husband's body has been through a lot, and I know you start to lose hope but the staff know what they're doing and slowly but surely as his body repairs he'll be weaned off them all totally and come round improving day by day. You've got this and so has he 💪

[pjmj in reply to emkev87]

Thank you! My husband's sedatives were much lighter - but he has also been in and out because every time he starts to move and come out of it - he has another procedure that requires mild sedation - AND we begin the wait allllllll over again.

[Jamesbounds]

as others have said it all depends on the person there’s no right way or one way sort of thing. We’ve been up and down with mum, she’s awake now and heading in right direction thank god for answering our prayers. Mum was in and out of it for around a week after they stopped her sedation that was the worst part for me I had times where I just couldn’t go in. It’s a horrible time for them too but my mum has said she does remember people being there so you just keep talking to him. Sit by his side and tell him stuff he will remember id say. I’m praying for you

[pjmj in reply to Jamesbounds]

Yes, I with him everyday! - i read to him - I put on videos of HIMSELF singing - he has an amazing voice. And I put of our church's worship team singing - they are all of our kids singing. And we made videos of our grand kids talking to Papa. Anything to stimulate his brain. 3 CT scans prove there was NO stroke and NO issues.

[Lux95]

Just another affirmation that it can take time to wake up, and it varies greatly from one person to another. Hang in there!

[pjmj in reply to Lux95]

Yes you are so correct - this is what everyone has said of there loved ones - AND the actual people who have gone through similar medical situations.