my father in law has had his thyroid removed, has diabetes, has a stint in his heart a bad back and weighs about 300lbs. He had to be taken to the er with shortness of breath, hallucinations, he has had a lot of confusion for awhile but it was much worse. he already took 40 a day lasix. Hehad fluid around lungs and heart low o2 levels. They upped his lasix to 80 put o2 on him. They had to keep the o2 at 15 otherwise his levels wouldnt stay up. Lung infection also discoved. Heart only working at 40% then co2 up to 90and unresponsive. Now on a ventilator co2 down to normal. what is likelyhood of brain damage? Any other input apprectiated. Family is trying to make some hard decisions.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Honestly speaking, chances of survival are very less. Rising carbon dioxide level is suggestive of respiratory failure. Accumulation of fluid in the body is suggestive of heart failure. Confusion, unconsciousness, hallucinations etc. will cause brain damage. And this kind of brain damage is permanent. So his all major organs are failing. This is not good sign. If you remove ventilator, I don't think he will survive. So family has to take decision about taking off ventilator. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your father-in-law. Thanks.