“evidence based” assessment and interventions for neurological status - Heart Disorders Message Board

dadandus · 12-24-2005, 09:35 AM

We are a desperate family in need of current “evidence based” assessment and interventions for neurological status i.e. Heart attack with brief loss of oxygen. Brief means less than nine minutes.
It is Friday evening here in Texas and I need some help. My Father suffered a heart attack last Saturday evening. After cardiology operated, my father never woke up. Here we are six days later, Holy Day weekend and nowhere to turn. Our neurologist has given us his "Clinical Observation Speech," and we are in need of a second opinion. I am not asking for any free medical advice, but am asking, "if a person who has been observed, during all visiting hours, by Family Members Alone, 'could we be SO WRONG?' " We have not received the ''hand squeeze" yet, nor have we seen him "open his eyes" for more than ten minutes at a time. BUT while I read the book, "90 Minutes In Heaven," to him this morning, he opened his eyes and seemed to be listening. His eyes were not a stare into space, being wide open, and they were not opened like a peep. They were open like he was sitting and having a conversation two weeks ago with me. This lasted approximately six minutes and then his eyes started to close like he was tiring. His eyes would be closed completely at about ten minutes. There being eye movement under the lids still. Is it fair to say this is reflex actions?
At this time we are looking toward a second opinion here locally, but the process will be slowed due to the Holy Weekend. I Pray and hope you will respond either way.
Thanks and God Bless
George

trekgirl · 12-24-2005, 09:53 AM

What you all really need is grieve counsiling to deal with the sudden death. It is never easy to lose someone, even through surgery. When one goes through surgery, there is always a chance that one might die before surgery is complete or even after. Bypass surgery, though might be common, but no two people survive it the same way. So you need to search within yourself to grieve, not to ask what went wrong. It could happen to anyone at anytime. I have been through two bypasses, one as a child, the other as an adult and have a aortic valve replacement, St. Jude's valve. Get counsiling to deal with the passing. It will help. Denial only makes things worse. Bless you and your family through this difficult time.

dadandus · 12-24-2005, 10:40 AM

Thanks for your speedy response and evidence of compassion. We thank you and may God Always Bless You. At this time our father is still with us. We have a family member who is a psychologist and is helping with the grief process. However she has asked for feedback from this site specifically regarding evidence based practices.

dadandus · 12-26-2005, 08:31 AM

Thanks Jack, this is a good start. Yes it would be nice if doctors frequented this site. By chance would you know of a site to throw our question where doctors would have the opportunity to respond? May God Bless You.
Dad's family

Timber · 12-26-2005, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dadandus

By chance would you know of a site to throw our question where doctors would have the opportunity to respond? May God Bless You.
Dad's family

Dadandus, I believe that it is against healthboard rules to refer members to other websites, so no one here will be able to help you find a site like the one you described.

I think it would probably be in your best interest to talk to your father's doctors about your concerns and/or continue asking questions here as many of the people on this board seem very knowledgable and helpful.