Hi all, my father has been in a wonderful rehab center since 5/23. He is slowly, very slowly, regaining certain muscles. For example, the nurses sit him up and he can hold the seated position on his own for 1-2 minutes, and can sway his body left and right. He could only hold the position for 8 seconds a couple weeks back. He can kick his legs a little now as well, and could not do this at all a few weeks ago. He can move his right arm freely up to the elbow, but his left arm is lagging behind -- hard for him to pick it up on his own.
He had gotten trach and pegged before coming to rehab. Both things have since come out and he's been cleared to eat any food.
So things are (very slowly) improving, but I think we're just looking for some hope. It seems to me like this may be more than just deconditioning, probably nerve involvement, because it's been 2 months and he is not on his feet. He gets discouraged sometimes and wonders if he'll ever be walking again. We keep him encouraged and remind him to take it a day at a time, but I guess I'm just wondering... is this within the range of normal post-ICU/post-covid experiences? Do most people in his circumstance regain enough strength to walk?
It seems like most people whose stories I have read are back on their feet relatively quickly, so I'm just looking for an idea of expectations.
Thank you for reading.
Edit: For some context, he was ventilated on March 30th, and was on vent for 31+ days. He got a trach on 4/30 and was sent to a Rehab center 5/23.
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mso94
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Hi woo2, thank you so much for the kind words of encouragement. I agree it's important to keep hope! I often write motivational quotes on the board in his room to keep his spirits up, I just wish I could find the best way to keep him motivated, but I think having us around and cheering him on definitely helps
Please try & forget whatever is normal’ this is a false parameter. Is it possible to carry on improving from whatever level of disability you find yourself? Yes, I believe it is. The level & breadth of recovery is dependent on the damaged caused to nerve, muscles etc how fit the individual was prior to admission, age & personal determination.
I was told it can take upto 14 days to recover for everyday that you are in hospital. I came on in leaps & bounds for instance when I got home. If I wanted something - I had to do it - the staff weren’t there to help me.
All you can do is support & encourage. I woke after a 57 day coma unable to move a muscle - they had all wasted. Eventually I left hospital 2 months later able to walk BUT I was fairly fit & 52yrs old. I could climb a staircase once a day. I could hardly get on & off loo. I could get in Bath but not out. I couldn’t kneel crouch or lie on the floor or get off the floor unaided. I even needed a shove to get up from bed at first.
4 yrs on - I am fully dexterous & have full mobility. All the neuropathy has mended. I do have some weakness & fatigue on occasion.
Hi Sepsur, thank you for the response and your retelling of your experience. Your story certainly gives me hope for my father.
My dad was 57 upon contracting Covid, and he just had his 58th birthday whilst in rehab. He was very active beforehand. I think he gets quite discouraged that his recovery is taking a while, but our support for him never waivers and I will not let him see it waiver, regardless of how long it may take.
That said, I do have my moments behind the scenes where I worry about the timeline; at times it gets hard not to compare to others, but I am hopeful! Especially because progress is being made, even if it's fairly slow.
My dad is the same he was admitted 5/2 has been in since right now he’s at the stage where he eats soft foods and he is out in a wheelchair for his tests he is slowly regaining strength it has been a very slow process. PT/OT have been amazing and slowly you’ll see he will be better. I don’t know how fast because of our situation but just thought I’d share this w you hang in there.
Hi there, thank you for the comment. <3 We're all in this together, and we'll all get through this. I'm wishing your father the speediest of recoveries.
I agree with what the others have said. I am 72 and had a heart op just before Christmas with other complications. I was sedated / ventilated for 6-8 weeks, had a trachy and was on fluids. I lost a tremendous amount of weight which included my muscles wasting. When I was ready to come round I had to learn to swallow, speak and walk in fact it was more basic than that as I had to learn to move my limbs. I came out of hospital mid March and still recovering. It takes time. I am still have to be careful about what I eat and technically on level 6
Hi FamilyHistorian, thank you for your response. I'm sorry you had to go through that. Your story is giving me so much hope. I wish you all the best for your continued full recovery.
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