My very good friend is in the hospital in Intensive Care after a horrible accident while out Cyclying. He is on his back without being able to move AT ALL. He has a breathing tube down his throat which makes it impossible for him to speak. His only communication (when he is not completely sedated) is by blinking his eyes and sometimes by squeazing a hand.
When he is alert, he gets VERY aggitated and wants to pull the breathing tube out. He is very strong minded and very independent. The doctors say that he cannot continue to get aggitated like he does or else he will cause even more damage to himself including death.
My Question: What should I tell him when I speak to him? Remember, he is Strong minded (Hard Headed) and is obviously extremely scared, frustrated and sad. He may not be able to walk again and he knows that. What can be said to a person in this situation to give him hope and to have him calm down in order to get better? Thanks so much for your responses.
2006-09-06 06:46:14 · 4 answers · asked by Eli 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
First thing first, I am sorry about your friends accident. I am sure you are scared too. Its very common to have the feelings he is having, you need to treat him just the way you always have. Talk to him in your regular voice and tell him that if he wants to continue to get better he is going to have to let the machines, doctors and nurses do their jobs. Tell him you know it is frustrating and that it is okay to be scared. Tell him your are there for him, you'll be there for him and that what is happening now is what is best for him medically. The doctors know what they are doing. It's going to be a long road but he is hard headed and that will help him, as well as having friends like you.
I'll say a prayer for him!
2006-09-06 06:52:20 · answer #1 · answered by T-Bird 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a tough one. My cousin was in a coma after encephalitic fever after being in desert storm. (He was a marine who was also in Viet Nam) He came out of the coma, but will never be the same. He couldn't talk either. The dr told us to tell him jokes, because if his brain could make the connection to "get" jokes, it was a good sign. He did smile. Also, if he's religious, you might try scriptures, etc.
2006-09-06 06:55:12 · answer #2 · answered by shermynewstart 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say "Hey there - we all miss you. Be good and work hard to get better so we can have our bestest buddy back!"
Be calm and gentle. See if you can calm him if he gets agitated.
He'll need to work on his breathing so as to get off the tube. That's the first struggle.
(Oops I didn't mean to say back!)
2006-09-06 06:52:49 · answer #3 · answered by Orinoco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say, "You should grow a backbone!"
Ha ha ha
Laughters always the best medicine!!
2006-09-06 06:52:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋