How soon should i expect progress in my loved one after being intubated and sedated for 5 days? he is on day 1 of being off the vent, and he has difficulty swallowing and he seems disoriented still. when should i start to worry? how long is too long?

It must be difficult to see your loved one in that state. I wish I could provide a detailed answer but there are so many variables to answer your question which are best answered by the doctors there in the hospital.

More will be needed for a meaningful answer. Hoping for the best while preparing for all possible outcomes would be the best approach keeping emotions and sound judgment together. The fact that he is off the vent is a good sign, above symptoms are relatively common in ICU’s, lingering following meds to sedate him. Avoiding complications and being patient will help in recovery.

Not knowing details of what appears to be a complex and critical course, can only reply generically, and focus on positive changes. If there is no permanent brain alteration, functions should continue to improve over next few weeks. If there is a specific brain injury, healing could proceed progressively up to 18-24 months. Sometimes, an EEG helps objectify status.