Ventilator breathing on there own but not alert much

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Can I please get some advice.

Age mid 70's. ER with aspiration pneumonia, septic shock, Staph infection. The ventilator was placed, been on the vent for six days. The ventilator says the patient is breathing on their own. The doctor says, not fully alert. Strong medicine no sedation for 2 days with very high blood sugars. Patients' eyes won't open sensitive to light. Unable to move arms and legs due to a past stroke. EEG and MRI normal brain function. Neuro doctor came in assessed the patient and is recommending a trach to be placed. But the ICU doctor that left before the weekend shift said they were going to try the ween the patient off ventilator over the weekend. Now there is a change in command with the weekend doctors. The patient's treatment is being changed. What would you do in this situation if you would told conflicting things? I am not being heard. What are my rights as a family member?

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2 Replies

  • Posted

    I believe you have every right to be heard and have an opinion, if you prefer the advice of the doctor that has been treating her for the last 6 days and not the doctor that has just seen her, say you prefer to wait for the doctor that has been treating her for the last week. Doctors are NOT allowed to ride rough shod over family, you are not questioning treatment just prefering to have the doctor that has seen more of the patient.

    Good Luck

    • Posted

      Hi Reglois,

      Thanks for the reply and giving me a little hope. I will do that. 😃 The neurologist came in gave her opinion and that seems like hope is now gone. Please pray that she will recover. You have been very helpful. Take care.

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