My mom recently came home from the hospital (against medical advice... but cried until my stepdad agreed to take her home. She was intubated and given Ketamine and then sedated with propofol for 5 more days. After they took the tube out she was cooperative (totally out of character for her in a hospital setting) and talked in sentences that at times didn't make sense. We didn't get answers from nurses but figured if she was happy it was okay. Now, less than a week later... she is very depressed and has had very bad hallucinations that snakes are in her body and throat (bad memories from pulling intubation tube out?). She's given up it seems at times and has hit her head repeatedly to 'get that snake' out of her head and generally doesn't want company. (Side note- she wants everyone to wash their hands so the snakes won't get us as well). Before going to the hospital a few weeks ago... my mother may have had a slew of medical issues but besides depression her mind was in good working order. My questions are... is this temporary? What's the best way to deal with it? Anything we can do to help her other than reassure her we love her and won't let any snakes get her. Also, is this major depression a normal occurrence after such an experience or should we try to get her ongoing help? Thanks in advance for listening to this... I love my mom very much but she can be quite stubborn but she doesn't deserve to be treated like a child... she still deserves dignity.
I know the original post was from 2 months ago, hopefully others can benefit from the above answers.
Why was she intubated, and for how long? Was she put into an induced coma during that period?
This is kind of a long shot, but perhaps you could ask a friend, or even a herpetologist, to visit, and "rid" the house of snakes. The latter would be more comfortable handling snakes, whether visible or not, and perhaps could reassure her that he's removed all the snakes (maybe even taking out some fake snakes?).
I've been wondering about the "snake" and the intubation, and if the latter procedure made her feel as if something foreign had been stuck in her mouth? I think there's a connection there, but I''m not sure what it is.
I'm not a medical person but it does seem surprising that Ketamine was used, although I understand that it is being used as a sedative (in addition to illegal non medical uses).
Something triggered hallucations, that's for sure (I'm assuming she didn't have them before hospitalization?).
I think I'd have your father order a copy of the hospital records to see if she was being given something else. Psychotropics come to mind; I've seen and heard of a variety of abnormal reactions after being given them by staff.
Is she by any change taking Ambien to assist with sleep? It can cause delusions, but those I know who've have them had hallucinations fairly close in time to taking Ambien. The hallucinations weren't consistent on a day to day basis.
Does she have a doctor in whom your family has confidence? Perhaps she/he could offer some insight, especially as to medication interactions.
I'm sorry to read about such a frustrating experience. I hope others have some suggestions as to what might be the cause.