Finally home from hospital

[Dazbazbez]

At last my hubby is home from hospital after being in for a month with chest infection and carbon dioxide retention,he has brought home a Nippy 4 machine which he has to use overnight he is tolerating it really well now and it seems to me he is really benefiting from it, he doesn't seem as breathless as he used to be, and seems more positive ,he has severe copd but this small improvement in our lives is welcome, he would normally just pick me up from shopping and we never did anything together like we used to,even if its just a trip to the garden centre etc, i know its not much but it makes a difference when you are living with a long term illness ,i am wondering if has always retained co2 because he is only tested for it when he goes in hospital with bad chest infection.can anyone tell us how many hours they use it for etc, it would be very helpful.

[Damon1864]

So pleased he is finally home, have a lovely day and take care of yourselves 🤗 Bernadette xxxxx

[astragal]

Good morning

It is good your husband is back home. I know from my numerous hospital stays it can be stressful for relatives as well.

I had a bad chest infection last December, it wasn’t treated when taken to A and E, so it progressed to pneumonia and respiratory failure. Various medical staff did not diagnose the respiratory failure until I became unconscious and an ambulance was called.

I was unconscious for hours. Eventually I received iv antibiotics and was put on a Bipap for 5 days. Sent home.

In January unresolved infection returned, admitted to hospital and a nurse who hadn’t read my notes gave me high amount of oxygen. Went into a coma , awoke in intensive care.

After a couple of weeks was sent home with Nippy ST.

I was asked to use it for minimum 6 hours overnight, which is seemingly standard.

I tend to keep it on around 7 to 8 hours at night and 1 hour in the afternoon.

I have got used to it, it is much better than the hospital one. The mask I use is a Resmed F20, the quick release magnetic catch is useful and no plastic over forehead, so I can watch tv.

I was dubious initially if I needed it. But I must admit it has made a difference.

The two review check ups showed my co2 to be in the normal range, so it clearly can be beneficial.

From what I have learned it’s just going with how you feel. I was told if I have a nap wear it, or was getting any symptoms use it more frequently.

I added a heated humidifier as my nose started blocking up , this worked well to settle that . Also it eases congestion if you have a cold or hay fever. Harefield supplied the container and tubes but I had to buy the heater base.

Opinion regarding cleaning equipment varies, no doubt your hospital advised you. I find vinegar cleans things well and rinses better than washing up liquids.

Sorry for the long reply, but I hope that helps. Hopefully your husband will find it as beneficial . Best wishes for a good Christmas.