My Dad is very sadly in intensive care on a ventilator with Covid-19. Very difficult as obviously can’t visit and reading the news and stats his prognosis is not good.
I thought I’d read on here about other conditions with similar presentation in terms of what’s going on in ICU.
He currently is ventilated on high levels of Oxygen. This is now day 6 of ICU but day 16 of symptoms.
His heart is in Atrial Fibrillation and was on admission to hospital.
He is on haemofiltration dialysis as his kidneys were starting to fail.
His CRP levels are static and very high.
Is there any hope of recovery? Is ICU a series of ups and downs rather than stable throughout? I feel like for the first 4 days he was as stable as we could’ve hoped but he seems to be worsening. I cannot even fathom the outcome being negative it’s too much to bear.
Please share your positive stories to give me a bit of hope as I’m really struggling to reconcile all this while not able to visit or barely even speak to anyone in the hospital.
Thanks
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Heartgal151
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I contracted avian flu 4 yrs ago, by the time I arrived at A&E - probably 4 days after contracting flu - I had double pneumonia, multiple organ failure, including kidney, heart & respiratory failure, sepsis moving into septic shock & severe ARDS - I remained on dialysis for 7weeks, I was proned 3 times and remained in an induced coma for 57 days. I was not expected to survive. Numerous times my wife was told to come to say her goodbyes. By week 6 all glimmer of hope was removed ( she tells me) because they told her I had a type of incurable and ( at that time) untreatable leukaemia that made my survival impossible. Eventually I was moved off all life support and left ICU after 90 days.
Well - I lived normally up until 16/3/20 when we had to all isolate for 12 weeks being super vulnerable.
Glad to hear you are OK. It’s so difficult to be optimistic especially with COVID where so little is known. He has been proned several times as this seems to be one of the preferred treatment options for COVID as they respond really well.
When this happened, I was 52. I’m now 56. Yes age is always a factor but so is pig headed determination - how stubborn is your Dad? I hope this all ends happily for you all. Rehab after is another massive hurdle - best left to explain on another day. Your loved one will need all your support then - so look after yourselves NOW. Unfortunately- this is a long haul fight.
I am not a medical proffesional but my mother just went through something similar due too covid 19- 3 weeks in ICU medically induced coma not breathing (at all), major liver failure, kidney failure - I even took a week off as the doctors wanted to turn ”off the machines. She is now slowly in the process of ”waking up” which is a risky process in itself. So there will be daily major ups and downs. The doctors frankly dont have a clue in most cases so all you can do is be strong and take day by day.
So sorry to hear your mum has been through the same thing. What age is she if you don’t mind me asking? My dad is only in his 50s so this has come as a bolt from the blue.
This is now day 7 of ventilation. I know it’s going to be a rollercoaster it just seems that every day is a step back rather than forward and I’m terrified xx
She is 68, no previous medical problems. Its a nasty virus which can reactivate itself ( which happend to us ). In the beginning its was only bad news. - only after the virus is gone you can expect good news ( after 6 days of fever and syntoms plus ca 18 days in ICU with incubation). As for Kidneys there was major Kidney failure but they changed her position in bed and it was improved. Survival rates are improving overall so positive and hoping your dad will manage this.
He is Day 7 in incubation but day 17 of symptoms. Started with just a raw throat and progressed from there to the point an ambulance was called. I’m hoping the virus is starting to go now as his CRP levels are not moving whereas before they were rising every day.
When are they starting to think about taking your mum off ventilation?
She was on 80%, now almost back to normal. However breathing ( muscles ) are not 100% yet. The only clue I have is that the virus seems to attack the lungs in short waves - as we also saw rapid improvments/decline in oxygen uptake.
just to be sure - the doctors where I am from normally refers to lung capacity ( ie the higher the number the better ) we also had some confusion around this. Better double check with the doctors to avoid confusion.
Thanks for asking. Huge if not miraculous improvement. Just off the ventilator today. Mental state unknown but she is clearly awake and respond to contact from the doctors. Should be out of ICU eow.
Hi. This gives me hope. My dad has been up and down for the past 5 weeks in ICU. They have now tested him and he is negative for Covid-19, but is back on full ventilator support. I have started to feel disappointed and discouraged but hope that now he's negative, the body can start recovering from all the issues it has brought about
Thanks - they want to do a ”trachy” then move her out of ICU. They stoped all medications since 4 days and everything looks ok except breathing which is a bit uneven. She is on dialysis to clean the blood. She is awake but in a ”zombie” state but everyday is a bit better
Good question. My father spoke to the doctor but it was communicated as a way to help her to train, get better and move out of the ICU. What is the reasoning for using the method on these kind of patients ? Simplify breathing?
I added an article below - they did this late in the process but it saved my mothers life ( the doctors wanted to turn of the machine the day after)
Im not entirely sure. My understanding is if they think the patient will need to be ventilated long term, they are more keen to place the Tracy, but it’s not without its risks and is another surgical procedure for them to undergo.
Yes proning has helped my Dad too. I only wish they continue to do it, as they seem to think it’s effects don’t last and they’ve explained there are risks as per your article.
I was admitted to hospital in December with viral pneumonia like COVID-19. I was on a ventilator for 2 weeks and my prognosis was initially poor. My body did eventually fight the virus but I left hospital unable to walk and had to re-learn everything again. I’m 37 and was on a ventilator for a very long time for someone of my age. I am now living an normal life and looking forward to getting back to work.
Your Dad sounds like he’s fighting the virus as best he can and hopefully he will soon turn the corner and start to recover.
Have you seen any of your records? Were your CRP levels high? For the first 6 days his still seemed to be rising despite antibiotics, ventilation and now dialysis. Yesterday they were static and I’m hoping on today’s call they might have went down slightly which might signal the virus being defeated?
Do you remember much from ICU? It’s awful as we obviously can’t even visit or anything but I asked a nurse to put the phone to his ear so I hope he heard 🙏🏻 Xxx
Yes my CRP was sky high. Antibiotics didn’t work on me either as I had a virus like your Dad has. They give antibiotics to treat any secondary infection as a result of the virus. My kidneys also packed in for a period of time. I remember odd things from ITU but I remember the vivid dreams I had more. Normally when someone came into visit me and spoke to me, they then appeared in my dream. For example, My brother came in an hour or so after I was put on the ventilator in his full police firearms gear as he was on shift. I then started dreaming about him carrying his guns around in A&E. I also vividly remember a nurse calling my name and telling me what they were doing and feeling the cold air on my back when I was turned on my tummy to help my lungs.
Try to keep positive but I can’t understand how hard it must be not being able to see your Dad. They thought I was goner after seeing the state of my chest CT but I’m here and living a normal life! Feel free to message me with any questions, I’m a radiographer as well so have a medical background.
Sending you, your Dad & your family lots of love and positivity,
His CRP has risen today so microbiologists may start another antibiotic.
He’s been offered onto the COVID trial ran by Oxford Uni so having to make the impossible decision on whether to enrol him. He is still on 60% oxygen, have no idea if that’s good or bad at this point to be honest. It’s so heartening to hear from someone who has recovered and I’m sorry you had to go through all that. Xx
I went into a clinical trial whilst I was in ITU. I had a very high oxygen requirement for a long time. I had barely any normal lung left to breathe on. Having seen my CT, I can see why they didn’t expect me to make it. I would send it you but not sure how much sense it would make to you? I also needed inotropes for the first few days that I was in ITU to support my heart function and blood pressure. I really was critically ill for a very long time. But, I’m here and when I walked back into the hospital in 4.5 inch heels a month after being discharged, the staff were so happy and surprised. They really can do amazing things for people xx
I’ve not seen my dads scan but been told his right lung was an absolute mess. He’d already had an admission in November for pneumonia caused by a tooth abscess so wonder if that’s what made him more susceptible.
Do you know what trial drug you were given? It’s a randomised control trial he’ll be put on so we will have no say on what drug he is allocated and neither will his doctors do your report might not help but would be interesting for me. I’m the type of person who has to read or know everything, good or bad, as it helps me process the situation more.
That’s amazing I’m sooo glad you recovered and are living a normal life. I’ll never take my family or a normal life for granted again xxx
So glad to hear your story which is 10months ago. Please wanted to ask if you had a stiff lungs? As was told my husband has a stiff lungs and damaged alveoli. He is been on ventilator for 26days now with covid- pneumonia, heavily sedated and on paralysis drug. On 95% oxygen, drug to increase his BP, and on antibiotics. I asked if he has been proned, they said they didn't want to because of his big Tommy, which may affect his bladder as he is too poorly, as they are considering the risk.
I have gone to see him as they said he may not survive due to lungs damage.
Hi!My lungs were very ‘stiff’ and barely moving. They asked a respiratory consultant to see me in ICU as they had run out of ideas of how to get my lungs going again. From what I understand, I was given a massive dose of steroids which helped to get them ‘breathing’ effectively. Once my lung function improved, they were able to loosen the secretions and suction them off for me. My oxygen requirements then started being reduced and I was eventually able to be woken up to come off the ventilator.
I remember vaguely being proned which helps to stop pooling of any secretions in the posterior of my lungs.
I wasn’t expected to survive and for a couple of weeks, my condition remained unchanged and I wasn’t improving. I was lucky in that the rest of my body (heart, kidneys etc) were in good condition. Once they managed to get my lungs back to functioning well, I improved relatively quickly. I have no long term damage to my lungs as far as I’m aware. I last had a CT in March 2020 which was normal. I am due for another CT soon.
I really was in a terrible state when I got to hospital, I needed drugs to support my heart function as I was going into right sided heart failure on admission. It took me a long time to recover physically and mentally from what happened to me but I’m here!
The doctors and nurses really can do wonderful things for patients, they saved my life. I hope your husband improves and never give up hope until the professionals tell you otherwise.
Oh bless you. Thanks for responding, never thought you would after that long. I am positive and hopeful he will pull through, reading testimonies here. But the issue is about the proving...The doctor just called me now for update, saying he was responding to proning a week back, but since the stiffness of the lungs, he isn't responding anymore, so they just have to stop proning him so it doesn't cause more damage. As for the steroids, will ask if they are giving him.Thanks wants again.
Your story has given me hope! I am so glad you fought hard and made it!
My 37 yo brother (no pre-existing issues, relatively fit) has been in ICU for 30 days (on ventilator for 29 days) with covid-19 and several times doctors' have told us he might not make it. He is requiring a high amount of oxygen and pressure and his infection markers have started to spike. I know doctors try to not give false hope but for the last 4 days it seems to me they sound disinterested/given-up and speak so easily of him dying which is heartbreaking but reading the stories on here is giving me hope.
The doctors were sure I was going to die and having seen my chest CT, I can understand why. My lungs were in terrible shape but I eventually fought the virus and won. I hope your brother does the same xx
I don’t remember the name but I think my husband has the paperwork so I’ll have a look. Do you know the name of the trial they want your dad to participate in? If you do, you should find the abstract for the research online.
I am exactly like you and I’m obsessed with being in control and knowing everything! You can imagine how I feel about completely loosing a whole month of my life and not really knowing what happened!! It actually caused them a problem with my sedation as I’m such a control freak. I would fight the sedation and be pulling at everything as soon as I was vaguely alert! I had to be sedated with 4 different drugs in the end (propofol, midazolam, alfentanil and clonidine altogether!)
It’s the Recovery trial. There are barely any findings at the min as obv for COVID it’s all so new. I think at this point anything that could help is worth it though. I’d really like to see his CRP coming down and at least a gradual decrease in his oxygen.
I’m totally like that too I am a control freak. I trained as a nurse years ago too so I have some understanding of everything going on which I think makes me more determined to research etc. Morbidly I find it all very interesting.
When he’s had his sedation decreased they’ve said he’s been reaching out etc but when they tell him where he is and what’s happening he seems to calm which is encouraging.
I just feel constantly on edge waiting on my phone to ring coz obviously things change so quickly. I just need him well and this all to be over xx
My Dad developed severe pneumonia whilst in ICU and was ventilated a total of 4 times. He spent 6 weeks in there but now has been in general ward a week and much stronger. He has a long way to go but he is getting there. Yes ICU is a serious of ups and downs and it is made so much more stressful for everyone right now with no visiting allowed.
I remember the odd movement like when they proned me to help my lungs and times when I woke up slightly and started crying. The first real memory I have is waking with the ET tube still in and hearing on the radio it was Christmas Day!
I also remember the very vivid dreams I had during my drug induced coma. Some of them were hilarious and some were terrifying. I suffered badly from ICU delirium/psychosis and I had hallucinations when I woke up. For example, I used to see my kids at the door and shout for my husband to take them away. Children weren’t allowed in so they were never there.
Physically, I could barely move when I woke up. It was an effort to move my hands and my legs just didn’t work. I remember them getting me out of bed for the first time in 3 weeks and I passed out! I left hospital unable to walk on a Zimmer frame. All my muscles had wasted, I had no fat left and I was 6 stone. I also had numbness in parts of my feet and used to drag my left leg when I walked. I actually discharged myself from the general ward after ITU as it was awful and I hated the food and couldn’t sleep. They wanted to keep me in because I was a fall risk but I knew I would recover better at home and I was right. I had physio come out to me and give me exercises to do and I pushed myself to get up and walk which I think helped me a lot. When my strength started coming back, I recovered physically extremely quickly probably because I have youth on my side.
The psychological aspect of coming so close to death and loosing a month of my life have been much harder to deal with however. I still get a lot of joint pain and my hair has started falling out now which I’m told by the guys on here is pretty common. My recovery was very quick really and they couldn’t believe it when I strolled back into ITU 3 weeks later with gifts!
Nobody really knows why I turned the corner. One night in ITU, I started spiking very high temperatures and my metabolic rate went up. They stuck a cooling blanket on me and gave me morphine and the next day my oxygen requirements lessened and stayed that way. Before that, they were looking to give me a tracheostomy but were dubious about giving a young woman a neck scar. They were also able to use a ventilator setting (APRV) that only younger people can tolerate because of the pressure used to re-recruit alveoli. Basically my body eventually fought the virus and won!
CRP levels coming down, oxygen coming down and best he’s been since being in ICU.
I’m trying sooo hard not to be too optimistic as appreciate things can change so quickly but I feel a weight lifted considering 2 days ago we were told to plan who was coming to say goodbyes.
He is now well enough to join the Oxford Uni recovery trial
My husband is also in ICU with similar ups and downs. It is hard to remain positive and we all have to try to be strong. I text my husband everyday hoping when hebis back he can see what happened everyday. This also helps me with my emotions.
I’ve been keeping a diary for my dad too, and also allows me to track his progress. I ask about his oxygen, blood pressure, CRP, proning hours and dialysis every single day. Let’s me keep an eye on progress and good for him to see how much he’s fought xxx
Oh no what have they said? Night time is such a worry for me as I feel like I’m waiting on the phone to ring! Hope everything is OK, it’s a rollercoaster xx
Don’t be too disheartened by that. It’s so scary I know but my dad was the same on Monday, he was actually 100% on his back and 90% on his front. It’s come right down already. These doctors know what they are doing, it’s just so hard when it’s out with our control xxx
Yeah this is day 10 in ICU. Up until this point it’s been very up and down and barely any positive news so this is this best day he’s had which has come from now where as on Monday we were told to think about coming to say goodbyes. So he can rally from nowhere, day 8 is still early on! Hope for better news for you tomorrow xx
Hi, my husband is in ICU on a. Enti,at or, we are on day 10 of the ventilator, tiny steps of progress have happened like reducing oxygen slightly on ventilator to help patient breathe a little themselves. Scary times but stay positive there are a lot of good results even on the elderly
Hi. Yes it's Covid us heart and kidneys are holding up and they have lowered the oxygen level from ventilator so he can breathe a little himself, small steps, there will be up and down days stay positive
Hi, my husband had been on ventilators its Covid and then taken off after 11 days 3 days later has been put back on ventilator, blood pressure medication and little kidney support, does anyone know if it is common to go back on ventilator after being taken off. Good lick
Hey, sorry to hear this. Has his breathing deteriorated? Please ask as much questions to the nurses / doctors .. wish you and your family all the best! Xx
I dont think i can carry on like this, my mental state is gone, my nervs, anxiety and stress level are sky high. Dont have the strenght get out of bed.
Going on to 3 qeeks since he was rushed in to hospital, its day 5 since my dads was taken to ICU in an induced coma, he hasnt improved or worsened stable but on 50% oxygen.
How is your Dad? Reading this 8 months later as my Dad is exactly the same. Was put on a ventilator yesterday to be reviewed in 6 days (will be in a coma over Xmas). He is on 100% oxygen and currently his kidneys are Ok. Reading this has given me some peace of mind but would be great to hear he is better now
I’m so sorry to hear your dad is in ICU over Xmas.
My Dad got out of hospital after about 8/9 weeks. Tbh his return home was terrible the hospital put nothing in place for him and his rehab was only through sheer bloody determination.
He was very weak and tired at first but very determined. He walked out of the hospital (took a very long time but determined not to have a wheelchair) and was up and down the stairs at home within days.
Pushed for longer and longer walks every day.
Now 8 months later he has been back at work (a manual job!) for about 3 months, he goes to the gym, runs and does basicallt everything he done before. He does get breathless occasionally and deals with muscle aches but is on no long term medication and seems to have been extremely lucky considering.
He now eats well, makes a point to exercise and has stopped vaping. It’s changed him, for the better.
It’s really difficult and we were told he wouldn’t make it but please don’t lose hope. We held on to as much hope and positivity as we could and I’m sure that got him through.
Whilst he was in I gave the hospital photos and a letter which told them all about him, his family, his life etc. That meant they could continually talk to him about us and he felt calmer. He can remember some parts, it may be worthwhile doing something like that? Xx
Hi Peggystars1, how is ur dad doing? Is it Covid? My dad is in ICU, has been for 6.5 weeks, he has a tracheostomy and has been having less sedation and more awake etc. Hope ur dad is getting better x
Hi there, yes it is all caused from Covid. That’s great to hear about your Dad, I’m happy for you. Can I ask, was your Dad on a ventilator as well? My Dad is still on the ventilator, with his oxygen around 60%, he has been on it for 4 weeks now nearly. How did the tracheostomy go with your Dad?
Hey, how is ur dad doing? How old is he? Did he have any underlying problems? My dad has been on a ventilator since 22nd December, he had the tracheostomy about 3 weeks in, although we were told he was too weak and not going to make it but he managed to show small improvements which enabled them to perform the tracheostomy thank god. This has given him more time, he’s nearly off the sedation and is doing well, he is agitated and frustrated but the nurses have said this is quite normal and should pass. He’s been moved on non invasive ventilation yesterday and today and is breathing quite a bit himself. Cannot believe the improvement he’s shown, it’s amazing. We thought it was over more than once. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions and we are still going with it. I wish ur dad better and hang in there, things can get better xx
Hello, thanks for your message. How is your Dad now? Did I read today on a separate note that he was put back on a ventilator? I’m so sorry if that’s the case. This just all feels so endless. It’s agonising. Can I ask, did the doctors tell you that your Dad’s lungs have suffered from being on the ventilator?
We got a call this morning saying that his lungs are so fibrous now that the pressure needed to inflate and deflate his lungs is still high, they have not been able to improve it. He’s been on a ventilator now for 28 days.
He means the world to me, I love him so much. I’m sure you feel the same way about your Dad X
Hi I'm crying tears of joy and worry's whilst reading these story's, the doctor recommend this site he said so I don't feel the only one going through this nightmare! my dad is day 6 in ICU on ventilator, he is 59 healthy no underlying conditions and this has just gone from bad to worse! He started off with no cough jus very weak.. one morning I rung him and noticed he was out of breath bad 7 days In to isolation 111 were great sent out an ambulance straight out and he was on oxygen for the first night, vent there after, it's up and down he's been stable and I believe he's only been proned once but today I got a phone call to say his lungs weren't improving, I'm in bits along with my two little ones. Theyve said he has a 50/50 chance that's just completely took me is that normal so early on? I know every case is different but I just need a light at the end of the tunnel, x
The tunnel may be long but there is light at the end of it. Some of us were sedated and ventilated for months (not necessarily for covid) and are now at home leading “normal” lives. I had my ups and downs and the family were called in twice. I kept getting infections which needed different antibiotics etc.
Hang on in and make sure you look after yourself.
That's so uplifting to hear you are recovered, I really hope so I'm so worried as are all our familys going through it the doctor said he's in for a long road may it be recovery or just ICU I just cling on to any hope and seeing survivor story's is so heartwarming!
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but I pray for everyone affected xx
Tracheostomy patient not waking up after sedation in ICU , covid came negative. 
Covid 19-ICU and not able to breath on his own
Husband beat covid - home after 123 days. 
