Relative in ICU with heat stroke and is not going to make it

[SmokeyMountainRain]

Posting for traffic. Has anybody been through this? Close relative, relatively young 50s), was found incoherent last Wednesday. Rushed to hospital straight to ICU as she'd fallen into a coma. They've kept her asleep, tried to wake her twice and she cannot breath on her own whatsoever. They've ran repeated scans which show due to the heat stroke damage the part of her brain that tells her to breath is severely damaged. They've pretty much said she's incompatible with life now and we will have to turn the machines off this week unless by some miracle she wakes up. Her core temp was 41 degrees for 4 days, she's now at 40. Not responded to any medication, antibiotics etc.

She wasn't even doing anything strenuous. Just in her flat watching telly. Has anyone been through this? Does anyone have any advice? I don't even know what to think and feel it just seems so so cruel. No brain bleeds or blockages on the scan. Substantial brain swelling and damage.

posting for traffic as can't see any similar threads

Any advice or miracle stories please send them my way. Thank you x

This. I’m in a rented flat (SH). Fairly new build and sweltering in summer. I’ve got health problems, batting in years, so I take precautions. Decent air coolers 24/7, lots of fluids, not rushing around, and cold towels on my neck.

We all have to protect ourselves.

Havent been able to open windows wide since 2004 when they were fitted It was a beautiful tree And shaded one of the bedroom windows nicely

It’s not always that easy unfortunately

That’s awful OP I’m so sorry.

I’m in Scotland so whenever it’s “heatwave” here it’s never danger to life territory and I must admit I’ve rolled my eyes at heatwave warnings for the UK on the BBC. HOwever I was on holiday in the SW of England last week and oh my days. I’ll never be dismissive again. Definitely not “just a bit warm”.

That is exactly what a PI lawyer would think: landlords have a duty of care. That is why I asked if she was an ambulance chaser. As all flats are different, I didn't think she was just a fellow renter comparing rental flats.

The OP's relative may well have been using blinds and fans. We don't know. No point trying to blame the desperately ill family member.

My MIL (59) was a smoker had copd. Got pneumonia, she went into ICU like ops, got sepsis, coma and died, there was brain damage - they said she was brain dead. You don't want to think the worst but they are preparing you because they know it's highly likely. Sorry are are going through this op. Did your relative have COPD? You need to pray 🙏.

Exactly. You cant keep cool in temps of 35c There have been many news articles in the last week pointing out that the temp in flats can be 10c higher than the temp outside

That’s terrible. Trees are vital for cooling.

Yes. It was 10C higher in my bedroom than outside early Saturday morning. I live in a Victorian terrace and had the bedroom window open all night, but the bricks seem to absorb heat and then heat up the room to hotter than the outside temp. I dont know if it's worse when a house doesn't have cavity walls like Vic terraces don't.

I’m so sorry you’re going through such an awful time OP. <<hugs>>

I knew that heatstroke can kill, but it’s usually the very old, the very young and those people with underlying health conditions rather than a healthy middle aged person, so it’s quite likely that the smoking might be a significant factor?

I am so sorry OP. We had to call 999 for a client who was on the phone with us for energy advice ,who very quickly became confused and said she was feeling dizzy and complained about how the heat would see her off. I wish there was more public health awareness campaign on heat risks. We are producing our own factsheet on this, which is a sign of the times as we are an energy advice charity and talk about how to keep warm in winter, hah!

I had to switch my mother off due to brain swelling after unexpected heart failure. It sounds as though you have more information than I did. My only advice is to make sure you are happy they have explained everything to you. I felt like I had very little idea of what was going on as the Doctors always seem rushed and it’s hard to think straight when you are in shock. It’s very tough for all concerned and I hope you and your relative get all the care you need x

It wasn't very sensitive at all to post your question without any context, on a thread by a poster whose family member is extremely ill in ITU. I'm not surprised you got some comments.

I'm really sorry OP. It must be incredibly shocking for you. I didn't know this could happen to someone unless they were very dehydrated or had an underlying illness.

The red weather warnings made it clear that it would also affect healthy people

The landlord cannot be held responsible for the weather, as long as the flat/house was well maintained, people in rented property have the same responsibilities as owners.

Overheating homes now come under Awaabs Law if its SH Would you like a link?

I'm confused why you'd ask this? help me understand your reasoning to ask this.

RTFT

How awful . So sorry to hear this OP.

Sorry OP that sounds awful. Heatstroke can be serious for people of all ages and the problem is it can make people confused so they have no idea how ill they are and then it is too late..

They are talking here in France (where I am on holoday at the moment) of the possiblty of still finding very ill or even dead people in flats becuae of the heatwave last week.

Try reading the rest of the thread and you will find out.

OP I am really sorry. If she did survive she would not be the person you knew, her brain has been badly damaged. They are giving you time to come to terms with this, there really is no hope of a full recovery. Had she ever discussed organ donation with you? I've no idea if it would be possible in this situation but if it is some people find it a comfort to know their relative helped others.

Important words here are "from my own experience"

Working on ICU for 12 years, there most definitely isnt 99% of patients dying.

Well this thread has taken a turn. Fuck being a LL. Seems no one can take responsibility for themselves anymore.