Two months ago my friend took a cocaine overdose and was rushed to hospital. I was told she had stopped breathing but was brought back. I went to see her a few days later but she was not fit for visitors. She is still in hospital. I was told that she came around and started to eat but something happened ( a fit maybe) and now she doesnt recognise people and is fed through a tube and wears adult nappies. Can someone please tell me what they think. Is she brain damaged. Will she ever get better. Im afraid to go up again. I dont want her family to think I am being nosy by calling to their home. I know she has been moved to a private room. Is it normal to stay in hospital this long. Do you think she will improve? I keep dreaming about her. I wake up thinking there is something I should be doing to help. Can anyone help me?
2006-10-13 12:34:35 · 12 answers · asked by Teresa M 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Just to add that no I did not know she was taking drugs. None of her friends and family knew. She was with her boyfriend at the time. I dont know what was meant by the British public not being there for ill friends. Im not the British public. Im Irish. I did go to see her. I rang the intensive care unit day and night and as soon as she was in a ward I went up to see her. When I was told she couldnt have visitors I didnt like to go back. Especially after what I have heard. And no I dont do drugs. I never have. Never will.
2006-10-13 12:45:34 · update #1
It sounds like she's done herself some serious damage unfortunately. If she stopped breathing for more than a couple of minutes it's likely that she has some brain damage, which may or may not be reversible.
I understand it's distressing for you to see your friend in this state, but you're doing yourself no favours by just worrying about what's going on and imagining the worst. Are you on good terms with her family? Maybe contact one of them and tell them how concerned and frightened you are. I'm sure they'll be glad of the support, even if you can't bring yourself to go and see her in person. How about writing her a letter - get all your feelings down on paper and maybe get one of the nurses to read it to her if you feel you can't approach the family?
If you do decide to go and see her, you don't have to do anything 'special' you know! Just sit and hold her hand, chat to her as you would have before this happened...tell her what you've been up to, what music you've been listening to etc.
Most importantly - don't give up on her, she's your friend. Good luck, I really hope things work out :)
2006-10-13 12:58:20 · answer #1 · answered by Nurse Soozy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello. I'm sorry to hear about your friend and I have to say that I am moved by your obvious concern for her. To be honest, from what you've said, thing don't look too good. I think the best thing to do would be to contact her parents. Far from thinking that you're being nosey, they are probably wondering why close friends haven't contacted them and are probably feeling quite isolated. I suggest that you go to her house and ask about her. They will probably be comforted by your concern.
Finally, and I'm not trying to wave the big stick, but there is a clear message for you, your friends and anyone else who reads this message. "Drugs will f**k you up"!
Having said that, I sincerely hope your friend makes a full recovery.
Take care.
2006-10-13 12:58:42 · answer #2 · answered by brainyandy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Teresa, I'm sorry to hear about your friend.
Please, don't be afraid to go to her house to enquire about her. Take a few flowers with you for her Mum and just tell her how you miss her daughter, your friend. I am sure that your friend's Mum will appreciate your support and will not think you are just being nosey.
You could telephone the hospital, but if you feel able, I think a visit to your friend will be even better. You could take a tape of her favourite music, or just sit and talk to her. Have you another friend who would go with you? It may make the initial visits a little easier.
Good luck and God bless.
2006-10-13 12:47:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You must go see your friend, her family will not think you are being nosey, what is it about the British public that keep away from friends and family who are very ill? I am not putting you down in what I say I appreciate your feelings but you must go and see her, it may what she really needs, it does appear she may be brain damaged and that recognition of friends voices, faces etc can make a quicker recovery, so you will be doing more good by going, please do not be scared.
2006-10-13 12:40:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Darling, I fully understand how upset you are for the wellness of your friend. It seems to me you have taken on a little too much responsibility for what has happened here. So the first thing is to try to calm down just a little bit and realize this is a choice she made, not you. You have just learned so many new things about her at hospital, you are still very upset by what you know. It is important to try to find a way to step back within yourself and reel in a little bit, and try to get your bearings. The reason I tell you this is that it is a true fact we cannot be of help to anyone if we ourselves are not centered, calm and strong, already. When I am upset, it takes awhile for my entire nervous system to calm completely down so I can do the right thing. So what I am simply suggesting to you is that you do whatever you possibly can to calm your nervous system down about what you know of your friend so when the moment comes that you may be of real help to her in her recovery, you will be centered and strong and a good friend, capable of bringing your love and concern to her in a way she can receive it, and benefit from it. I know this is very hard to hear in writing, but the most important thing for you to read right now is self care. Start taking care of you so you can be a solid source of help to your dear friend who clearly has her hands full just now. I hope my words have not upset you further. All I am advocating for is a quieting period for you, so you can regain your composure and get your bearings, and so you will know the right thing to do from here on. Sent to you with love and good energies from Chris in South Portland, Maine, U.S.A. (I am 63 years old, and I know you cannot advocate nor be a healthy and strong influence for anyone until you have gone to work upon yourself and gotten completely centered and quiet inside yourself.)
2006-10-13 13:03:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
A crammed animal is mandatory. And, i'm not in all probability specific appendicitis is, yet are you able to've candy? If i became caught in a scientific institution, i could prefer one among those Over-sized Lollipops. stable success!
2016-10-16 04:14:46 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does sound as if she has suffered some real damage. It's very sad. Rather than torment yourself, why don't you call her family, explain she is your friend and you are concerned and find out what's happening. They might be glad someone is interested and a friend.
2006-10-13 12:38:02 · answer #7 · answered by Saskia M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She's in a vegetative state except with some brain activity. I think she might be able to get better, but its like a coma. She's had major brain damage too. Its best to think positive. I'm sorry. I hope she gets better.
2006-10-13 12:52:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
My prayers are with you and your friend, go see her , it will surprise you what people recognize, even when the doctors say they do not. It is too soon to know if she will get better, but better or worst she is your friend.
2006-10-13 12:45:05 · answer #9 · answered by RY 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your really her friend, just go to the hospital and find out what you can, even if you're told to go away, at least you will know that you were there for her!
2006-10-13 12:40:33 · answer #10 · answered by Jelly B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋