paranoid delusions after heart surgery - how long for?

[mimsum]

my mum had major heart surgery last week, the operation was more complicated than originally hoped and she was on the table for 10.5 hours - since she came round she has been very agitated and confused, is having paranoid delusions and auditory and visual hallucinations - she's 70 and up until the advent of the heart disease which necessitated the surgery has been in exceptionally good health, both mentally and physically

does anyone know how long can we expect this behaviour to last for and has anyone had this happen to them or one of their relatives?

we've been trying to explain to the staff that she's not really a batty old woman, but I'm not sure they fully understand how totally out of character her current behaviour is

[mumonthenet]

no experience here mims but could her confusion be a side effect of the drugs they're giving her?....painkillers, sedatives, antibiotics. It's not uncommon I believe.

Think you should talk to her consultant about it and insist they look into it.

[asicsgirl]

my stedad had this for a day or two after heart surgery. can be very scary! i think it was because of the drugs so yes, agree with mumonthenet, talk to consultant.

[asicsgirl]

stepdad, even