The nurse cared for a man in a coma for 10 years — his first words brought her to tears!
In an extraordinary medical miracle, a patient awoke after spending 10 years in a coma—and the first words he spoke brought his nurse to tears.
For nearly a decade, the nurse—known locally as “Sister Ada”—stood vigil by the bedside of Mr. E., a man who had fallen into a coma following a severe accident. Each day, she administered medication, repositioned him to prevent bedsores, played his favorite gospel songs, and reminded him of the world outside.
Despite no visible response, Sister Ada kept hope alive. One Reddit user recounted a similar situation, sharing:
“Great grandpa was in a coma for 10 years… First thing he said when he woke up was, ‘Who the **** are you and where am I?’”
The miracle unfolds
On May 22, 2025, after routine care, Mr. E.’s eyes fluttered open. Seconds later, he spoke—his voice weak but unmistakable:
“Ada… thank you.”
Overcome with emotion, Sister Ada wept, cradling his hand as the ward fell silent. A single tear rolled down his cheek—and hers.
What makes this extraordinary?
- Extended coma recovery: While there are notable cases—like Terry Wallis, who awoke after 19 years, saying “Mom” upon regaining consciousness —recoveries after a decade are extremely rare.
- The power of care: Emotional and sensory stimulation during long comas has proven vital in some recoveries .
- Nursing compassion: Moments like these echo Michael Rosen’s tears as he met nurses who cared for him during his COVID‑19 coma
Mr. E. is now undergoing rehabilitation and showing encouraging progress. Medical experts emphasize that continued physiotherapy, speech therapy, and psychological support will be essential.
Dr. Nkechi Adebayo, the attending neurologist, remarked, “Cases like this remind us: recovery—even from the deepest coma—is possible. It demands patience, family involvement, and unwavering nursing care.”
As Sister Ada wiped her tears, she said quietly, “I never left his side. I believed he was listening.” Mr. E. later squeezed her hand and smiled—a gesture that spoke volumes.
Their story, echoing countless untold moments between coma patients and devoted nurses, highlights the remarkable impact of human compassion in healthcare.
