Wake up time after sedation

[C1688]

Hi, dad had hemorrhage stroke 7 days ago. Doctor drained the blood out of his right side of the head and left the bone out at the moment. Surgeon said brain looks good and only a few damaged on the right side. He's off sedation 3 days ago, squeezing hands and moving right leg a little bit and blinking. To us, he seems responsive.

Neurosurgeon said level of consciousness is 7 which is borderline comatose. However another neurosurgeon said he never seen anyone out of sedation with little response before and said he maybe never recover!  They want to move him out of icu.

Our family is so shock. We were so hopeful before and now mom is panicking thinking of the worse. Do you have any positive stories you can share to us? I know in my heart, dad is still fighting but just slow. Miracles do happen right? I'm so worried for my mom. Thanks.

[strokesurvivor48]

never never give up

[strokesurvivor48]

i f you can prevent your dad from going to a care home , do so for your dad. to me i understnd how difficult to watch other parents taken there and it sadens me that not more children can look after their parents,  i  know its a challenge but this is the time your dad needs you thr most. BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TAKE CARE OF HIM,  AS i have witnessed too many get into depression and not do well, love our dad as he loves ou and took care of you

[C1688]

It has been 3 and half week since my dad admitted to hospital for hemorrhage stroke. Since then, he had his part of right skull removed to relieve pressure, bleeding on both side drained, tracheotomy, stopping and continuing blood thinner meds for his heart valve.

Doctor said short term goal is to put him back on warfarin for his heart valve problem and make sure there won't be bleeding due to change meds and remove tracheotomy tube.  But removing tube won't be anytime soon due to phlegm.  And long term would be to look for nursing home.  He mentioned that dad doesn't have to be stable before discharge.  Isn't that risky? Did I understand it correctly? Why would a hospital discharge a patient who is not stable yet?

He also said that there's more likely dad will be bed bound. So far I think he's doing a lot, opening and moving eyes, moving right arm and leg, moving neck, coughing phlegm.  All those in 3 weeks. I know it's slow but I think he's improving. He does seems sleepy sometimes though.

Has anyone experience the same or has advice or stories of encouragement for me? I'm 5 months pregnant too which is a bit stressful sometimes.

Thank you.

[caregiver222]

Trephination,or removal of a segment of bone to relieve pressure from a bleed, is a procedure that goes back more than a thousand years. If performed quickly enough after the incident there is a good chance of recovery. In most cases, the blood is not within the brain, but between the skull and the membrane surrounding the brain. Basically, you need at least ninety days to make an evaluation. They want to clear their ICU beds as soon as possible. The main thing is to provide daily stimulation, hand holding (the wrist or the shoulder) and love and affection. Get her earphones so he can listen to music. Show him photos and provide gentle massage. Don't stand in front of the bed, but always have a hand on the wrist or shoulder when visiting. You will be surprised how much a person in such a state can understand, even though they may not be able to respond. It's far too early to give up hope.