Husband in Critical care with covid19

[Popsicle1]

Hi my husband has been ventilated for 5 now after contracting covid,he is frontline NHS. He was firstly intubated, then more recently was fitted with a tracheostomy.He was doing really well with weaning but then got another chest infection.He was previously on 35% oxygen on CPAP mode and is now on 50%-60% oxygen on CPAP mode.I m so worried for him and so sad and lonely without him.I feel worried sick all of the time!! In my head I believe that compared to 5weeks ago he is in a stronger position but realistically know that anything can happen as I keep getting told.

Just want some positives as well as the negatives!!

[LeopardGecko]

I think that the fact he now has a tracheostomy is a good sign. Infections are common in critical care and my husband seemed to have a string of them. It felt like they always happened after a positive step forward which I think made it harder for me.

Are you able to do video calls with him? I'm sure he would love to see/hear you. If not, maybe you can record a video message for the staff to play to him.

Most importantly look after yourself. He needs you. Try to get out for walks, maybe take up a hobby to distract yourself, eat little and often if you have no appetite and maybe try to mindfulness/meditation. I also found it helped to write a diary each night to clear my brain as much as possible before trying to sleep.

[Letspray]

Our relative has been on the ventilator since last Thursday. Our family were devastated as this is something of an unknown for us. We were totally new to what severe Covid can do to a person. We’re constantly all sitting around the phone to ring after the doctor does his morning rounds to let us know how did the night before. It’s nerve racking to say the least. However we were allowed a special visit ( one of us that is ) and it has put our minds at rest. The NHS equipment and staff are second to none and the care is the best in the world. Rest assured they are taking care of your husband and they are dealing with all the obstacles the damage COVID has done. The light at the same be of the tunnel will appear I’m sure. Stay safe.

[Sepsur]

You are not on your own - if you feel like it - we run a friends & relatives drop-in meeting on zoom every Tuesday night

[Popsicle1 in reply to Sepsur]

Thankyou,I think that would be really good.How do I go about joining the meeting,could really do with the support right now🙂

[Sepsur in reply to Popsicle1]

email [e-mail]

[Psp007]

Hi everyone sorry to jump in! My dad is on a trach day 9 and 7 weeks in hospital. Totally life shattering and feeling myself depressed and so unhappy with everything. I am trying to stay positive and reading some stories on here that give me hope! Can I ask about the Zoom I would live to be part of this

[Hidden in reply to Psp007]

Hi sorry to hear what you are going through. Just wondering had your dad been vented for all that time untill he had a trachy fitted?

[Popsicle1 in reply to Psp007]

Hi ,totally understand how you are feeling.If ever you need to vent just message. Sometimes the helplessness of the situation just eats away at you doesn't it. Be as strong as you can and keep going, but don t be afraid to just let it all out too.

[Psp007]

Hi, Dad was vented for weeks and 3 days until he was stable for a trach!

[Hidden in reply to Psp007]

Thankyou for that. My dad is two on a vent 22 days. He was taken off for 24 hours but had an infection. Then was meant to have teach fitted last week. he now has a 3rd infection intubated being proned daily it's so stressful. Thanks for replying.

[Copse77]

I am really sorry to hear your husband has been so poorly. I too have been through the rollercoaster that is ICU when my younger brother became critically ill with sepsis so he was unconscious for a month on a ventilator. As someone else said infections do occur and it is frightening. I remember waiting for a couple of hours in the intensive care waiting room after being told I would have to say there and wait as he had a new infection and they would come back to tell me when I could see him. It’s horrible I know. I was advised to keep a daily timeline and record each day. When you are having hard days as you are now you can look back on the positives and keep focused on them. I wish your husband a good and strong recovery. Take care of yourself.