Coma Awareness Foundation

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An Introduction 
 
Coma is a gradual process, a transition.  We want you to know there is something you can do but don't want to give you false hopes for a spontaneous full recovery.  It's not like the movies, they're not going to open their eyes, sit up and ask what's for dinner.  The medical staff will do all they can and sometimes that means keeping them stable and watching for signs of change.  Doctors and medical staff honestly don't know what to expect during the time in a coma but it is your time to reach out to your loved one with The First Steps.
 
Please consult with qualified health professionals before trying The First Steps.  You might hear some discouraging comments from doctors and staff.  They might say the responses you see are involuntary and don't mean anything.  Don't be too hard on them.  Doctors will agree that talking doesn't do any harm.  Coma patients can rarely tell us what happened during their time in a coma but new research studies show improvement is much faster when loved ones are involved in treatment.  So talk to them and start right now.  Research results and coma stories tell us - the sooner, the better.
 
Explore the information offered here and on the linked pages and please don't hesitate to contact us with questions.  We'll be happy to do what we can to help.
 
The First Steps
 
Most doctors will say talking to the patient isn't going to hurt anything.  Some will even tell you to talk to them.  If you want to touch the patient, however, let the medical staff know what you want to do and ask if it will be okay.  There will be restrictions in the early stages of healing.
 
What we cover in The First Steps should be okay in the ICU when the patient is stable.  We encourage you to start as soon as you can.  The medical staff will be happy to let you know if there are restrictions, but most will say it won't do any harm.  Talk to the coma patient.  Try The First Steps and watch for Signs of Response.
 
Remember, for most coma patients, this is a very traumatic experience.  They don't know what's going on.  You can help them understand what's happened, that you're here for them and how you're going to help them.  More than 50% of coma patients were involved in some type of accident.  To help you understand their situation, read the Coma Exercise.
 
The Next Steps 
 
There are many levels to coma.  In The First Steps we cover things that you can try in the deepest levels of coma to start seeing some responses.  In The Next Steps we cover things that you can try to advance the awakening and expand on responses.  Sometimes, if you don't get much response to The First Steps, The Next Steps will get a response.  It really depends on the personality of the patient. 
 
Always ask the medical professionals if it will be okay to try something.  Ask them if they have had responses to their actions and let them know what you've seen.  Again, remember, they might say the responses are involuntary, but if they say it's okay, continue with The Next Steps.
 
Hope with awareness 

You want the best for your loved ones.  Please be aware this transition may not end the way you want.  Listen to your medical professionals carefully.  Educate yourself to make good decisions. Prepare for all situations.  This is a time of transition for you as well.  Surround yourself with loved ones.  Listen to your heart.  Be hopeful but realistic and believe in yourself.
 
 
Please visit www.shopsilike.com to help make a difference.
 
 
The contents of this web site are for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, visitors should not rely on the information provided herein as a substitute for consultation with a qualified health professional.