Every case will be different, so it would be advisable to follow medical advice. In my case, I needed to be monitored closely after I came out of my coma.
AWAKE FROM A COMA OR HEAVY SEDATION: Apparently it was a miracle that I woke at all. It took Colin over 18 months to tell me that my bed had been placed at the back of I.C.U, which was regarded as “No Hope Corner” – Charming! As soon as Colin alerted the doctors that I had opened my eyes and started grunting, the reaction was, “Impossible!”. This is just to demonstrate that there is always hope if a patient has been classed in “Critical Condition”.
IN MY CASE: I was immediately rushed to have an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan. This is a procedure of radio waves and powerful magnet linked to a computer to create detailed picture images of organs and diseased tissue. In my case, it was of my brain to see the extent of damage. Colin would tell people I was always brain damaged anyway! Cheeky Monkey.
BACK IN GENERAL HOSPITAL CARE: You will find that once out of critical danger, the patient will be released from I.C.U. (Critical Care Unit). I was confused and pretty weak but allowed to have more visitors and extended visiting times. It is important to know that the patient will be confused, tired and very frightenened. However, your presence and any messages of support delivered will be very reassuring.
MEDICAL NEWS UPDATE: You will get updates on the patient’s condition. As I mentioned before, each case is different. In my case, Colin and my family had the news that I was left 1/2 paralysed and had problems speaking. That kind of information can be devastating and difficult to deliver to your loved one. Timing would never be right, so it would be up to you to break the news as gently as you can when you think the time is right The patient will need some space to absorb and accept the diagnosis. Your role would be to go forward and look into how you can be of help in the patient’s recovery from then on.
TIME IN HOSPITAL: Again, a patient’s time in hospital will vary, depending on the need of medical diagnosis and attention required before a Doctor shows any willingness for release.
In My Case: Colin told me that I wasn’t a very good patient, which may explain medical staff attitude and patience toward me. In my defence, I wanted to prove everyone wrong and wanted to claim my independence back.
There is nothing worse than feeling totally helpless as a patient. Your independence and dignity will be totally vulnerable and threatened. The Medical staff are not the enemy – you are! I have been ashamed to admit that I was a pretty difficult patient. The time in hospital is again down to the patient’s attitude and willingness to follow instructions. In my case, I think they were very grateful to kick me out!
FOOD ALLOWANCE: When I was allowed to independently take-in any food, I personally hated the hospital offerings but Colin and visitors had been under strict instructions not to bring me any “Treats”. I was under a strict regime and was only allowed to take in liquids until I passed my “Swallow” test that got me off the feed tubes and be able to have soups and drinks on my own. Advice: Check with medical staff if you are able to bring in any food or drinks that wouldn’t be against medical advice and diet restrictions.
REHABILITATION OR PHYSIOTHERAPY: It will be up to the medical staff to decide on this section. However, you must be aware that they will be busy and not able to monitor at all times. Colin studied that it was important that a patient shouldn’t lie in bed all the time and should have different positions, movement and sometimes get out of bed to stimulate the body’s circulation.
In My Case: I had umpteen tubes attached to me so it took a while for them to be extracted, or when I naughtily removed them myself! Prior to that, my bed position was regularly moved so I wouldn’t be constantly lying down – at times I would be made to sit at different angles.
Movement and Exercises: You will get updates of when a patient could cope with the start of any rehabilitation. I personally hated it and resented my lack of self-control. I was moved around a bit in my bed and all I wanted was to be left alone and sleep. I guess there will be times when the patient should be “bullied” into these kind of tasks. Not easy when you just want to make them feel comfortable and cared for. Advice: Please ask the medical staff, in case they already had done the regime earlier, so not to over tire or vex the patient or later staff when shifts change over.
I was not a good patient, but please view next page 3 for more information at link: https://www.rebootinglinda.com/in-a-coma/