4 weeks in - tracheostomy planned

[AJH1709]

So we are now 4 weeks in and this morning my dad was meant to go down for a tracheostomy. Unfortunately that hasn't happened as the surgeons were dealing with an emergency. My mum seems to be getting increasingly more depressed about the whole situation. I try to tell her to keep positive, especially in front of him and the staff! I'm so worried they are all giving up on him. The latest is they are still not sure of the site of the sepsis, his temperature still keeps spiking and concerned he is getting weaker. I am just hopeful that after the tracheostomy he can be sedated less.

[Brady1234]

Tell you mum to remain positive we know it's hard 😕 The doctors won't give up on him, just think his in the right place.they will do the trakki if I remember your not sedated to much as it's a common procedure.is your dad on antibiotics? My dad had a temp but it's now gone down with antibiotics x

[AJH1709 in reply to Brady1234]

Hi - My dad is on four different antibiotics but even though they are taking regular blood cultures they say they are still unsure where the source of the infection is. He is due to go on Wednesday now for the tracheostomy - they need to take him to theatre as he had the stent fitted only a couple of weeks ago and he is at a high risk of bleeding. Also one of his lungs is partially collapsed so they say it is riskier to carry out the procedure on the ward. He has blood in his chest but they don't think he is fit enough to have that surgically removed so they are just seeing what happens with that. x

[Luckyone]

Don't be to alarmed I went through a similar thing, my wife kept being told they would do the tracheotomy tomorrow but I was so unstable it took 19 days before I could be taken off the ventilator, they also emptied the drugs cupboard trying to find something that worked then my immune system decided it would carry on attacking my body that left the doctors looking for answers, asking doctors around the world, the answer finally came from a doctor in America to great relief from everyone, I only found this out later when I read the diary my wife had kept for me hoping I would be there one day to be able to read it, I would always recommend keeping a diary of that missing time it can be a great help farther down the road in your dad's recovery. Be aware of when he's taken off of sedation as patients can see things very differently to real life, hallucination can be a problem until the effects of the drugs start to clear the system, most of all be there for him and never give up hope, the doctors will do all they can.

Bill

[AJH1709]

Thanks Bill

Just wondering is there a maximum time for someone to be kept in ICU - I'm guessing not!! Guess they just keep trying and trying everything like you say until something works (hopefully). We have had trouble getting the doctors to talk to us but the nurses on the ICU are brilliant and say we must keep pushing for updates. I waited for five hours the other day as they told me the doctors wanted to talk to me - I didn't leave the department, no food, no drink and they didn't turn up. That got me down. The next day my mum waited for about the same length of time and then they sent a junior doctor who got all her facts wrong and I don't think even knew my dads case and was just talking in general. Sometimes we do feel a bit let down. We have now found out that the physios recommended splints for his weakening ankles last week but the message never got passed on.

[sammy90]

Hi AJH1709

I'm managing to spend time with baby Andrew during going to the hospital to keep the bedside vigil in the ICU.

Also just to let you know that you & your family especially your dad are in my thoughts & prayers always.

Samantha

xxx

[AJH1709]

<3 thank you xx and you are in mine - lets hope we both have some good news soon x

[sammy90]

Hi AJH1709

i was asking the intensive care staff in the hospital where my close friend daughter Annie is at the moment following a hit and run incident 3 weeks and 1 day ago, almost the same question as you've asked us "Is there a set time limit for a person to be kept in a ICU?". They answer was "No", hope this is helpful for you.

Also AJH1709 & Sammy90, hope there is good news for you both soon and I'm always thinking of you both including your families in my prayers everyday.

Laura

[AJH1709 in reply to sammy90]

Hi Laura

I guess every patients case is so different it's impossible for them to answer. It's just so frustrating isn't it!! When you see little or no improvement - and scary if they decline!! I don't like that it's all unknown and we are not in control. Best wishes for your friends daughter x

[sammy90]

Hi AJH1709

Please ignore last post

One of my friends who has an account with the community accidentally posted using my account instead of hers.

Sorry for any inconvence caused

Samantha

[sammy90]

Hi AJH1709

Firstly I would like to say sorry for accidentally using one of my best mates account who is a member of this community

I was asking the intensive care staff in the hospital where my close friend daughter Annie is at the moment following a hit and run incident 3 weeks and 1 day ago, almost the same question as you've asked us "Is there a set time limit for a person to be kept in a ICU?". They answer was "No", hope this is helpful for you.

Also AJH1709 & Sammy90, hope there is good news for you both soon and I'm always thinking of you both including your families in my prayers everyday.

Laura

[sammy90]

Hi AJH1709

This is Laura and I've accidentally used my best friends Samantha's user name Sammy90 account again by accident, my user name is Kerr28 and the above reply is to your post above.

Sorry for any inconvence caused

Laura

[AJH1709 in reply to sammy90]

It's no problem at all Laura - sorry to hear about your friends daughter. I have responded to your original comment.

Amanda x

[AJH1709 in reply to sammy90]

LOL you are having a nightmare

[sammy90]

Hi Amanda

Laura says thank you for your understanding, she has been having problems signing into her account, so I have said to her that she can use mine for the time being until the problem has sorted itself out.

She has been at the hospital (different hospital, than her family friend daughter is in) with me for the last couple of hours helping me keep the bedside vigil.

Samantha

xxx

[AJH1709]

Glad you have such a lovely friend supporting you xxx