When a person is taken off a ventilator, what happens next?

My friend's mom is in the hospital and has been since June. She has a staph infection in her blood, has had two heart attacks and a massive stroke since her admission. Her son who has Power of Attorney has had her on and off a ventilator for the last month thinking she would get better. Her mental state has been reduced to almost nothing. She was taken off the ventilator on 9/20 so does anyone have any insight as to how much longer she will be with us? I don't want her to die but I don't want her to suffer either. She is 65 years old.

My problem is that I live 550 miles away from my friend and her family. I told my husband I am going to the funeral but being away from them is hard. I've been a part of their family for over 30 years. My friend lost her dad less than a year ago and just had a miscarriage last Friday...it was twins. Thank you for all of your kind words of support. This just really sucks!

I've seem people live a long time off the ventilator. Normally the person quits breathing when it is turned off but you never now for sure. ....

After the ventilator is off, either the lungs will be strong enough to breathe on their own, or they'll fail. It varies on time, thats where it can be hard. I have seen patients live for months after they are off the vent., but with her infection, it probably will be more like days. Good luck and God Bless. Also I am sure they are keeping her heavily medicated so she isn't in pain

Her body will slowly die. Remember the news coverage of Terry Shiveo? They took her off the ventilator, and she lived close to 2 weeks, if I'm not mistaken.

The time varies on the infection process and the lung functions of the patient. If her lung function is good she could live a long time, or until the next infection strikes. So to pick a time frame is hard. The care gives could maybe shed some light on what they think will be the time frame but it would only be a estimate patient surprise you at times and have survived a long time without ventilator support.

I am so sorry to hear about your friend's mother. This will be a very intense time for you and all who love her. This is a time to reach out for all your supports, physical, mental, and spiritual.

The conflict between wanting someone we love to be set free from their misery and not wanting to lose them is a common struggle. It is normal. But that doesn't make it any easier.

The short answer to your question is that there are no set rules as to how long a person will last after being taken off the ventilator. Sometimes dying people will even rally a bit before they die. The best thing you can do is keep in contact with the nurse for her status. You will notice that her breathing will get slower, more laboured with many stops of increasing length. Often near the end there is involuntary jaw movement that is sometimes mistaken by grieving families as "last words" from the person they can't figure out.

Hold your friends hand. Hold her mother's hand. Let her know what she means to you. Tell her good-bye, give her permission to go. If she is religious, make sure you engage in faith activities that will comfort her(eg prayer, scripture etc).

We believe people can hear up to the end so talk directly to her, find comfort in the knowledge that at one level she knows you are there, and don't say or do anything you don't want her to hear(eg don't argue about the will with other people in the room)

Be good to yourself and your friend. Cry when you feel like it, but also laugh, and give yourself permission to take breaks from the heaviness you feel.

In my faith's tradition we talk of a God who has special concern for all who are going through difficult times. It is my prayer that you will experience God's comfort, which often comes from the caring people he sends to be with us.

I hope this helps a bit.

Rev. WRLondon
Ontario

This is why it is important to have advanced directives or living wills. If she had a massive stroke and is living with no ability to improve and no quality of life, then the care should be palliative.