Mom is in hospital for 5 days with bacteria... - Meningitis Now
Mom is in hospital for 5 days with bacterial meningitis.They say we can't talk to her or touch her because it is bad for her. Is this true?
I am so sorry to hear about your Mum-is she in a coma?I am not sure why they are saying not to touch or speak to her, as this is exactly what is advised. I was in an induced coma for 9 days,on and off. They kept trying to extubate me ,then having to put me back under. I am not sure if I heard all the time, or only as I was having sedation reduced ,but I could hear peoples voices and feel touch. Hearing and touch are the last senses to go. Unless she is conscious and finds it painful to touch, I can't understand why they would say not to. Can you play her favourite music or talk soothingly .I have a memory of a nurse(I couldn't see or speak) stroking my brow with a cold cloth and just saying " Its all going to be ok ,you are doing grand".Do keep posting -there are lots who will understand what you are going through. Sending you a big hug.
Thank you so much for your response daffodil. My mom is in an induced coma, meaning that they have her on sedatives. Once a day, they let it wear off, and check for an "appropriate" response. She is not in pain from touch, as she is sedated.They say if she was not sedated, that it would stimulate her too much. But then they say that she should have no touch, or music, and no speaking, they say it makes meningitis patients not heal. It just doesn't sound right. I don't want to desert her in the hospital...i just don't want to be causing problems, if that is true, but i can't find that anywhere...it seems soft talking, soft music, and reading are, or should/could help...or at least not hurt...just sad, confused.
I was in an induced coma for 2 weeks and although I have very vague memories my family never left my side, on one occasion my children put headphones on me and played a song that is very dear to my wife and I, and although I was comatose I was seen to cry when this song was played, I was also told that I was very well behaved for a particular nurse who worked nightshift and to this day have never met her, I think stimulation of any kind reasures the patient that their loved ones are with them.
I hope all turns out well for you,
Best wishes
legless7397
Thank you somuch for your reply legless7397. Thank you for the reassurance. Both you and daffodil give me hope. Her nurse yesterday agrees that talking and reading are good for her. So perhaps it was just that one nurse's opinion the day before that. Just really upsetting. I'm feeling more reassured that we are doing good for her. Between my dad, me, and my sister, i think we will be a good support team for my mom. Thank you for the encouraging words and hugs.
What they are probably trying to do is keep her brain stimulation very low so to help with healing. Meningitis is a brain injury. I don't know why they say don't talk or touch as when I was in the hospital, I was never in a coma but definitely wanted to see and hear my family.
Bacterial Meningitis can be contagious in the early stages STAY AWAY!
My mom just woke up! She is awake, aware, and just has a sore throat, from the ventilator, and a backache from being laid flat in a hospital bed for a week. She is awake!! Thank you to everyone who offered reassurance and encouragement!! Thank you!
Great to hear that your Mum has pulled through,but recovery may be slow,so keep posting for support.This Xmas will be different but I'm sure the best ever now that your Mum has pulled through the worst of this awful disease.Check out the main Meningitis Now website for all the free support that is available to you and anyone else involved -counselling,1-2-1 contacts by phone,email,text,letter or even in person.grants ,helpline,and much more.MNow is an amazing charity and a lot is done by volunteers - I volunteer on 1-2-1 ,forum and fundraise for Mnow,as it my way of giving back to others,as I received such wonderful support from the Menigitis Trust,way back in 2008.Sending you and your family warmest Christmas blessings.
XX daffodil
