I am absolutely thrilled to say my dad has been stepped down from ICU and onto a ward for rehabilitation & monitoring of his anti coagulation in the hope for no more internal bleeds or anything else for that matter .
They lined the corridors with drs, surgeons, nurses, physio therapists and the pharmacist and clapped for him & filmed it all for my mother & i to see 🙏🏻❤️
Some of you may remember i posted a while back about my dad having contracted covid in hospital after a successful triple heart bypass and mechanical heart valve fitted.. the covid ripped through him causing him multiple problems along the way including pneumonia, x2 heart attacks , broken sternum from CPR, deep sternal wound infection , 2 internal bleeds on separate occasions requiring emergency surgery, plural infusion, pneumothorax and the odd acquired icu infection, and terrible bouts of icu delirium!
He was initially put on a ventilator for 2 weeks then had a tracheostomy fitted and was weaned successful after a long time of ventilation !
I wanted to give u some hope in the depths of your dispare , we were told many times the odds were stacked against him, and things were not looking good, the dreaded call in the night that the next 12 hours were critical ... too unstable to do a CT scan etc ... those times i went quite on this group just searching out information and trying to keep myself and family afloat!
Keep the faith & have hope in your heart !
A long road in rehabilitation ahead but a huge thank you to everyone who contributes to this group - including those who have lost loved ones
x ❤️ x
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jayniej
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Wonderful news, really happy for you and your family. Indeed never give up hope. Where there is life there is hope, your dad is a testament to that. Isn't it wonderful the ringing of that bell, it gives the staff as much pleasure as it does for us. He has certainly fought a battle and the wonderful NHS have never given up on him either . x
i have been checking in on your dads story - i haven’t been very active on the group due to lots of small ups and huge downs and the anxiety it all causes which i am sure you know too well about
but how is your dad?
i wonder if you are able to see him at all?
We were able to see my dad briefly and it most definitely helped us and him!
They brought him to open ‘ double doors’ and called it a drive by -
we were able to keep a 2 metre distance and chat to him , please ask if this is at all possible .
He is doing well, making slow but steady progress towards coming off the ventilator, i mean he has been off it since 6am yesterday and they are looking to downsize his trachy tomorrow hopefully.
He has bouts of delirium and in those moments he just wants to come home and wonders why were aren't there and that upsets me.
I know this will lift and I sure hope that soon he will be in a position to leave ICU too xxx
That is really good news! I am pleased he is making progress, we are thankful for even the smallest of victories are loved ones make but it sounds like he is going in the right direction 🙏🏻
Delirium is awful my dad had terrible bouts of it too. So much so he had to have a sedative called zopriclone but this didn’t work well for him and made him go very crazed ( he now wears a red band so it is not administered to him) he is currently on another sleeping med .
Are u able to visit? They wouldn’t let us into the hospital but they did bring my dad to a opened double door for us to see him & talk to him for a few minutes this most definitely helped us all
Yes I am so glad he is showing improvements and hope the delirium lifts soon.
We haven't been allowed to visit but I might ask if there is any chance we can see him through doors or even once they manage to step him down to a medical ward🤞🏼
yes worth a ask they may not have thought of this idea.
My dad had his trache in when they first brought him out to us, so he couldn’t speak and was all wired up to the equipment and mobile ventilator in a huge wheelie chair with a high back .
Literally a few minutes but did lift all our spirits 🤞🏻🙏🏻x
bless you we have been very fortunate to have had that privilege as you know under the circumstances it is strictly no visiting but to visit from outside for a few minutes is a game changer & something all units should consider especially for long stay patients x
Hey, so dad was discharged to a normal ward on 1st June 🙏 he’s able to eat solids now and all is going well! He’s tested negative twice now for covid and we were fortunate enough to visit him over the weekend. I was allowed to see him on Saturday and mum today which was soooo amazing and we are hoping they allow more frequent visits going forward 🤞 since he was discharged from ICU we always thought he’d be home in a couple of weeks, but I think the muscle wastage is now one of the toughest hurdles so will defo take some more time, but the main thing is he is so close to coming home ❤️ Really praying for everyone’s speedy recovery 🙏 and for all our loved ones to be home healthy and happy soon xxx
i bet that was just the tonic needed for you all! 💕
We too have been fortunate to see dad but from outside, they brought him to the double doors & we were able to speak to him from a distance which was so uplifting .
My dad has suffered terribly with delirium and confusion at times which i worry will hinder his progress with the physio & rehab team as he is awake alot in the night, he does have a sleeping aid but sometimes its hit or miss .
So pleased your dad is doing so well, such a trooper.. 🙏🏻❤️xx
my dad was given zopriclone for a sleeping aid but he reacted badly from it and it made him worse at night time so has a red band on now to prevent anyone giving it to him again.
He is on another one now that is a antipsychotic drug which seems to help but hit or miss so it seems! 😩 xx
His heart rate was high last night and they did an ECG which was abnormal.
Spoke to doc this am and she said she isn't too worried as he didn't have any chest pain or show distress but they will get a cardiologist to review and do an echo maybe.
It's one thing after another for them..
I do hope his heart is ok and nothing to worry about xx
This also happened to my dad- a rapid heart rate even on resting even with out showing signs of distress- turned out to be for him A-FIB ( a fibrillation )
Something people can live with for the rest of their lives but controlled by heart medication, still a worry and it never sits easy with me - but the echo will be able to determine whats going on & hopefully you will know more by dinner time 🙏🏻 xx
Dads in Chelsea and Westminster, but we don’t yet know if the visit was a one off or if we can do the same next weekend! Fingers crossed!!
Dad also had a-fib, and doctors said a lot of people have been living with it their whole lives without knowing and esp after such a critical illness and their age, it isn’t uncommon to have such issues. Hoping all is ok with your dad today 🙏 xxx
So glad your dad has been able to step down onto a ward.
My dad is in a side room and i too have been worried about delirium & the confusion he gets quite often.. i am told he is by the nurses bay and they can see him & he can call his bell..
This is only his 3rd night being stepped down and he has had very little sleep , they say its the new the surroundings & he will adjust in time ontop of the confusion/ delirium..
i call every night before i go to sleep and first thing in the morning to get an idea on how his night has been , not to mention the numerous calls through out the day i am just so anxious about him ..
I hope your dad settles well & call the ward anytime you feel , i know u may already feel you can do that though , but still a positive step in the right direction for your dad xx🙏🏻❤️
I'm glad you call the ward often as I was doing this on ICU but was worried about it when they moved him to the ward however I called last night and again this morning and nurse said he was fine overnight, slept some too.
Yesterday they gave him a yoghurt to eat, first bit of real food in after 10 weeks!😊
How long has your dad had the confusion now that you are aware of?
Are they getting him physio whilst he is on the ward?
yes he gets physio twice a day i think but wont do any today as he didn’t sleep at all lastnight so he is exhausted 😩 he had a lot of confusion last night & delirium & he pulled out his NG tube and pic line !
The dr has reviewed him and upped his sleeping medication and thinks it us just a case of delirium as everything else seems to be ok!
I think both our dads are now at similar stages, as my dad has only just been allowed a yougurt too - ( we are up north)
This delirium is so hard for them and for us to hear, I really hope it passes for them both soon.
I spoke to the nurse at 1 and she said he was fine, hasn't had any physio or OT today and not sure if there will be any later. I really hope he does get some on a daily basis as he had been sitting in a chair everyday for last 4 days in ICU so don't want him stuck in a bed all day as this will upset him more I think.
It's really hard not being able to be there as if I was there he would have company but also we could practice simple movements together.
Hope your dad gets some good rest in today and tonight so he is ready to go again tomorrow
Yes its such a shame we cant go in & just sit with them .. 😩
How is your dad getting on?
Today dad only had 1 physio session and the OT came round - there is talk about maybe moving him on to a rehabilitation unit nearer to home .. he still has his NG tube in and slept a little lastnight, but did unfortunately pull it out so it needed to go back in today xx
Dad is ok, he seemed to be having a better day yesterday in terms of delirium.
He is very weak and that is getting him down but we try and reassure him he will get stronger.
They did a CT scan of his head yesterday as his right leg and arm is weaker so I imagine they want to rule out a stroke, 🤞🏼 all is ok, I'll find out later..
bless him, i am sure he will recover in time if he has had a mini stroke, they appear to be very common.
How is he getting on with his eating?
My dad has had some soft food today ( mashed up hotpot) His NG tube came out again lastnight so they have left it out now as he managed his medication thickened up with that thick & easy quite well this morning! The nurse said they fed him it with a spoon & was the first rime in a very long time he has had anything substantial.
My dad is quite down , has bouts of confusion & just wants to get out of there! I am sure your dad feels the same!
I do hope he can go to the hospital you work at - for rehabilitation that would be wonderful for you both ..
is there any mention of rehab at home at all? Our local rehab had no beds available and its looking like my dad will come home for rehab once medically ready xx
I bet your dad enjoyed the food he managed to eat. It's very disheartening when they are down mixed with the confusion, It's hard for us too . How is your dad's mobility ? That's a shame about the lack of rehab bed's in the area, initially my husband was going to one about 15 miles away from us , I wouldn't have minded as it has a great reputation . He is now in one , very local, but we can't see him still, it just makes it easier to drop and collect treats and personal items from.
I remember reading your story - you’re husband is a fighter 💪🏻
It is a shame my dad unfortunately can not go to a local unit as they are full & have no beds but no mention of any others.
The physio has said he could possibly come home once redeemed medically well & have the local rehab team visit him.. obviously we would love for this to happen 🙏🏻
Sorry to hear you can not visit your husband, i understand your pain as we are not allowed in either which has been very hard for us all !
We got a outside visit once when he was in ICU but the policy is changing all the time so hopefully they will relax a little soon for us all!
The confusion dad has been suffering has really been disheartening.. he suffered terribly with delirium like your husband too. Apparently the confusion is normal after a long stay in hospital, numerous operations and a cocktail of drugs but for us as family it is a hard pill to swallow as you know only too well x
They did an mri today but haven't had any contact with a doctor today so will try tomorrow to find out how ct and mri went, yes i guess if it is a mini stroke, rehab will hopefully help restore his strength on his right side!
They gave him some very soft mac and cheese today which he had a small amount of and managed it well.
He has been less confused last 2 days but makes the odd random comment!
He is down about not being able to stand on his own 2 feet or go to the toilet himself. Also just wants to come home.
We might get him transferred tomorrow which will be good but his care at current hospital has been fab
No rehab at home just yet for dad, if they send yours home for rehab atleast he'll be home but ensure they give you a support package to help at home. If it would help to know what kind of things to ask for/look for, drop me a private message.
Ahhh that’s amazing ❤️!! Try and speak to the ward manager or nurse in charge and beg them for a weekend visit (I know it’s a little quieter then) and insist that it will help with his delirium etc 🤞even for 30 mins!
It can be lonely. Dad says it’s very boring and his physio is now just once a day......walking around his room with the walking frame. I think they are planning to transfer dad to a rehab hospital and we are praying this happens ASAP 🙏 I still call the ward during the day and before bed
Hi glad your dad us doing well 💕bless him pushing his zimmer round his room . .
The nurse said to me today that they may transfer dad to a rehab closer to home or even rehab at home as the team will come into the home & do sessions with him !
This will be decided over the next few weeks i am assuming as he still has a few issues ..
All being safe and well in between now & then .. xx
I am hoping dad can be transferred back to the local hospital that I work at and then that might make it easier for him and also means I might be able to get a visit in.
It makes me so happy to hear that your dad is moving around his room with his frame, he has done a great job with getting mobile hasn't he?
Yes, bless him with his zimmer physio has taken a small step back as most of the team are now returning to their usual duties and departments so it’s a case of less than 15/20 mins per day so that’s why we are hoping he can get a transfer to a rehab hospital as soon as possible. Issue is he still needs oxygen through nasal when doing any physio and that limits the amount of Rehab hospitals who accept patients with oxygen requirements. Otherwise, the ward have been gems in letting us see him sporadically ❤️ Hope both dads are also going in the right direction and the delirium is calming down xxx
how lovely Dolphin011 you can get to see him - the hospital my dad is at is a specialist heart & chest hospital & are extremely strict with the no visitors policy 😫 .. I do hope they find a suitable rehab unit for your dad soon that will except him with his oxygen requirement but hopefully by that time he could of been weaned down and then off the oxygen maybe?
He is doing so well by the sounds of him! 👏🏻
The nearest rehab to us is full no beds & no mention of trying any others! They say he could come home to my mother and have a team come to the house , we would love for this to happen once he is medically fit for discharge 🙏🏻xx
That would be wonderful for you both if he was transferred to the hospital you work at 🙏🏻
i have taken sometime off work i just haven’t been able to function properly.. really wish i could as i too work in a hospital and they could probably do with me in right now, but i just cant do it with having 2 young children off school and the stress of dad being up & down for so long now
how is he getting on?
(sorry i thought i had sent this message today xx)
So dad wasn't shifted today, delays in swab results being available and also is blood sugars were very low so probably made sense to keep him there tonight and 🤞🏼 transfer tomorrow.
Fingers crossed things level up for tomorrow but atleast you know the plan is in the pipe line 🤞🏻and it will be better for u to visit etc ...💕
So i had to do a-lot of chasing around today to get some clarification on dad as we were hearing different things but did managed to get some clarification that the physio is happy to discharge him for rehab at home - and this can happen as soon as he is clinically ready . Although they have not long started dad on a low dose of warfarin so they need to wait for his level to be right and some monitoring ( due to him bleeding internally twice before during his long stay in hospital)
also tissue viability nurse needs to check his chest wound on monday- but all being well he could be home very soon .. 🙏🏻🤞🏻xx
That is fantastic news. So proud of him. Now th real hard work starts with rehab. He will do it as he has shown the grit and determination to pull through. Well done. X
Absolutely brilliant news !!! My husband had a mass of problems and was in ICU for nearly 6 weeks . Today is 3 weeks since he went into a rehabilitation ward and although very frail and lost a lot of weight he is making very good progress . Everybody on this site especially sepsur has been with me when I was filled with fear , lost hope , felt like I was the only one .
Hope your dad makes super progress and gets home speedily , and I wish that for everyone on here for there loved ones and hope that everyone has a happy outcome Praying for you all xx
No Hun , they let me have a garden visit both with face coverings and 2 meters apart but at least I see him . Not since Tuesday though as weather pants !! How’s dad doing think about you all the time as my hubby and your dad been in hospital same amount of time ? Pray for you both xxx
That’s just wonderful news I’m made up for you all. There are so many similar stories of patients not being expected to make it but despite the odds and all the challenges they do. It’s a virus so little is known about and it’s that that gave me hope during the most desperate times. When I was told my husband was not going to make it I clung to the fact that they don’t really know and, like your Dad, he has got through numerous set backs. Still with third pneumonia he isn’t out of ICU yet (day 71), but I’m hoping it will be this week. You and your Dad will have challenges ahead but you can finally let out that big breathe you have been holding xx
Thank you rockey89 yes when there is life there is hope 🙏🏻 to get through the numerous set backs that have been thrown in there way proves that , and i am sure your husband will be making his way out of ICU very soon .. xx❤️🙏🏻
Thank you stevet11753 i bet that soup tasted wonderful! My dad is desperate to eat he says its the psychological factor not putting a drink to the mouth or food is very depressing and being told he is getting everything he needs from the tube still doesn’t quite cut it for him .
I read your story a while back when i was searching for anything to help work out all these medical things being thrown at mum & i down the phone!
You have been through the mill yourself & im glad you can help others in the depths of dispare for there loved ones 🙏🏻❤️
Wonderful news! After spending 4 weeks in the hospital with Covid 19, my Dad is starting his 4th week in a rehab hospital. He still has a little confusion and memory loss from his ICU delirium. And he is getting a little frustrated by his slow progress. I’m keeping a rehab journal for him so he can see how much he has improved in the past few weeks. Just an idea for you to do as your dad’s rehabilitation progresses. Good luck! xx
That’s an extremely helpful thing to do because I got so angry with how slowly I improved - threw my rattle out of the pram quite often. My wife would remind me how far I had come ( which was always true)
Thanks for asking. My mom is good. She's Covid free. Doing physiotherapy to gain ability to move again. She's progressing slowly each day. She might have a plastic surgery soon to fix the wound in her back. Other than that she's good. Just need to walk again 🙂
I lost all my core muscles which made everything really difficult - you’ve just got to encourage your Mom as much as possible - to get active that will also help her prediabetes / I became type 2 before Christmas because of steroid treatment. 4 months later - I’m no longer considered diabetic. Regular exercise & cutting down on Carbs worked for me.
He is getting there, starts to wake up slowly slowly, he is a bit more alert but can’t move anything and he is very very tired! On the right path tho 🤞🏻🤞🏻
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My Dad is fighting Covid on a ventilator
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Never give up hope
COVID-19 patient in ICU on a ventilator.
Mum 75 yo in ICU - covid phumonia and infection - stable but doctors give no hope 
