Andy’s story

I had never heard of Medical Delirium until I suffered from it.
It’s hard to know where to start, but in 2008, at age 45, I suffered a Grade 5 Brain Aneurysm which burst and resulted in 6 weeks in an induced coma, followed by rehabilitation at Hampstead. I had hoped that would be the worst thing to happen to me and my family, but in 2019, after urgent Heart Surgery at age 55, I woke with a severe case of Medical Delirium.

Apparently, the surgery went well and I was up and mobile late that day and had walked to the toilet and back. About 48 hours after surgery I removed a tube from my chest, made out I was going to the toilet, but instead struggled with staff and tried to abscond by making a run for it. I was chased by a lot of staff/security and after a short time collapsed in the corridor and was returned to my ICU bed and woke this time with a breathing tube in, unable to move, talk or see properly as nobody had realised I need my glasses to see. Later I was informed that I had in fact suffered a stroke when trying to abscond. I'm told this happened during a 3-day period while in ICU after the heart surgery. Due to the Medical Delirium and the effects of having had a stroke, the exact order of happenings become hazy for me, but I do recollect being very confused and frightened and just wanting to get out.

During my stay in ICU I was hallucinating, hearing knocking noises on the back of the bed (air mattress) and I was very scared and tired, but I couldn't sleep as I thought if I did, they would kill me. I was convinced they were going to hurt my wife and I was trying to tell her, but couldn't talk due to breathing tubes; during this time, I became very frustrated, scared and anxious. One of my children (Rachel) finally realised that I wanted my glasses and this was the first little bit of communication I had, which helped me calm down quite a bit at that time. While trying to abscond on another occasion, I recall trying to hide after a code black was called for aggression in radiology, when 16 or so guards cornered me eventually and then a short struggle began before I was overpowered and restrained.

All this caused me to have a Special Nurse around the clock and a security guard when I was on the ward. It was hoped that the Delirium would pass soon, but it was stubborn and as I was not being treated for a heart condition anymore, I was taking up a valuable bed. After about 4 more weeks, I was finally transferred to the Port Pirie Hospital where I then stayed until my wife and family believed the Delirium was reducing and they felt comfortable enough with my progress and attitude for me to come home (as I had now come to realise that they might be right and I may have Medical Delirium). I continued to take the anti- psychotic medication prescribed for a few months until being able to gradually ween off them, after having a video link up with a doctor from Hampstead and getting the go ahead. I continued to have some Sundowners (a feeling of sadness and doom/ being irritable and difficult) in the evenings for a few more months, but this has gradually diminished to the point I know now why I am feeling that way sometimes.

Perhaps the level of Medical Delirium and duration I suffered was impacted upon in my case, due to the previously massive assault my brain received in 2008, but this is just a hunch. The effects on my wife, children and family have been difficult and I will forever be grateful for their love and support during my times of need; without that support I don't know what might have happened, as I struggled with reality at the time. A family's worth cannot be underestimated.

Thank you to a very special RAH Cardiothoracic 4F Unit, Inga, Shaun, Patrick, Mary, Lourdes, Ralph, Greg, Gabby, Tilly, Ulana, Fran, Chi, Louie and Dr. Rachel, along with the security guards I got to know! Too many names to remember and mention, but thanks to you all. Survive and Thrive has been very good for me also.

Andy