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About Wesley
Expertise
I can translate the jargon and answer the complex emotional and medical questions related to an ICU stay. I am a constant student of the changing face of Medicine, and hopefully I can help you come to a better understanding about what you can expect during your stressful time. I find that once the language is explained a little clearer, the puzzle comes more into focus. Usually, just to know that you are not alone may help. I am familar with all facets of critical care except transplant and neonatal care. Questions about Sepsis, ventilation, gall bladders, hemodialysis, complicated cancer surgery and alcohol withdrawal, suicide/overdose attempts are welcome. Students are welcome

Experience
12 years as an ICU nurse and 2 yrs on Neurosurgery. Mentor, teacher, been there in your shoes myself.

Education/Credentials
BSN from Clemson, 15yrs grunt medic in the ARMY.

You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Medical Specialists > ICU/Critical Care > during and after effects of induced coma

ICU/Critical Care - during and after effects of induced coma

Expert: Wesley - 10/31/2009

Question
Three years ago, I caught flu which quickly deteriorated my lung capacity (i am chronically asthmatic.) It developed into pneumonia and doctors induced a coma and placed me on a respirator. I still was not recieving enough oxygen so was given a tracheotomy. I developed ARDS, and was kept in the coma for a total of 21 days. I woke up still on the ventilator and remained so for a further two weeks (approx).

Whilst under sedation, I experienced vivid and disturbing halluciantions that resembled a nightmare from which I could not escape. I believe at one point I felt my tracheotomy being carried out, although I have been told this is not possible. I remember hearing things that people subsequently confirmed they had said. I still remmeber the hallucinations as vividly as if they were memories of real situations.

Three years on, I have some short-term memory problems, in that I often ask a question two or three times, forget I have watched certain films of novels, or have trouble recollecting certain words.

My question is this : is this (both the hallucinatory expereinces and my memory problems) a common experience for people who have been in this situation? And what are the explanations behind them?

Answer
Well this is all quite possible.

Some people, for a undetermined reason, become 'zombies' but not sedated. Unable to speak, move nor interact but able to hear, see, taste, feel and remember. It is well documented in medical literature. The reason some people don't react 'normally' to sedation is most likely due to a flaw in metabolism at the neurological level. Something to keep in mind if you need surgery in the future.

The short-term memory loss is common among people who have had hypoxia. This is a brain injury caused by lack of oxygen. To determine the true extent of the injury you should inquire of a neurologist who has interest in this type of injury.

There are support groups for people who have been awake during surgery, see if you can find one close to your home and talk about your experience with them. You may be surprised at what they have to say.

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