Tracheotomy

[Ren2985]

Hi everyone, my dad has been on a ventilator for 17 days now. We zoom called him yesterday and his eyes were open and he was somewhat responding to commands. Today, they said they will go ahead with the tracheotomy procedure and they said it will help his recovery. May I please have some encouraging words and maybe what to expect after this? Thank you to everyone in this group! You guys are getting me some of the lowest times

[BBDEBS]

If you Google ECMO and pregnancy, you will find a link to one of the most amazing news stories. I won't share info on here as not my story to tell. But I promise you, whether ECMO or simply trach, it will do him the world of good. X

[BBDEBS in reply to BBDEBS]

Add in swine flu, she is one of the most incredible ladies I know

[LeopardGecko]

It might take a little while for him to wake up after the tracheostomy as they lower the sedation and everyone seems to take different amounts of time. Having the tracheostomy means that he will be able to be fully awake and therefore be much more involved in his recovery which is a good thing.

Once he is awake he won't have a voice but the staff will eventually fit a speech valve which will enable him to have a voice (this might be very quiet at first). My husband could only have his speech valve for short periods of time which he gradually built up as he got stronger.

He may need a swallowing assessment to gradually build up what he can eat and drink as his muscles will probably be quite weak.

They will then be looking to lower the level of ventilator support he requires until he is able to have the tracheostomy removed.

I hope your dad continues to improve 🙂

[Ren2985 in reply to LeopardGecko]

Thank you for this info!

[LeopardGecko in reply to Ren2985]

There is a relatives group tonight on Zoom if you wanted to talk more about everything. It's run by ICU Steps Chester.

[Beanyynwa in reply to LeopardGecko]

Hi everyone, I would highly recommend relatives to join in this support group-:ICU Steps Chester. It has helped me so much especially when I was very distressed and confused. My younger sister contracted coronavirus and has been on a ventilator since 26th February 2021. Our beautiful Mum died on the 8th February 2021 and we did not have a chance to begin grieving before our sister became ill. It was another trauma. The members of the group have been so welcoming, empathetic and helpful. I have learned so much from them and through their knowledge and experiences. My sister had her traceostomy on last Wednesday and when I attended the zoom meeting the night before, I was able to ask questions and share my concerns as the surgery was complex for my sister because she has a short neck and a lot of tissue in front of her trachea. Thank God it went well.

At each stage of my sister's recovery I am able to ask questions and members provide information, reassurance and support. So glad I found them and feel huge gratitude. Thank you all at ICU Steps Chester.

[Sepsur]

Trachy is a good sign - I had mine fitted the day before the removed sedation - which took me 11 days to properly wake. I did experience ICU delirium - which might be your next treat - it happens with about 50% of patients. Follow this link to some useful PDF’s on intensive care & delirium

icustepschester.org/informa...

[Ren2985 in reply to Sepsur]

Thank you Sepsur I tried to open the link but it’s not working

[Sepsur in reply to Ren2985]

Weird - try this : icusteps.org/assets/files/i...

Health Unlocked takes you initially to another page - just press the link again if prompted

You get a redirect notice 😊

icustepschester.org/informa...

[FamilyHistorian]

Hi REN

I was lucky as I had my trachy early on during my time in icu. I wasn’t tolerating being intubated. I was in icu before Xmas ‘19 with pneumonia/ sepsis and a failing heart. They replaced my aortic valve and fitted the trachy just after Christmas. I was sedated / ventilated for nearly 2 months during that time they tried to ween me off but obviously I must have been so ill that I wasn’t ready to come round. It was awhile after coming off the sedation before I was fully awake. The effect on being in icu is extraordinary and I won’t go into that now but will say is that during this time you are just as important and you need to look after yourself. Once your dad comes home you well have a lot more to contend with and please be aware that he might not want to reveal what he has gone through.

[Sensationalsoldier]

Hi Ren how is your dad doing?

My dad had his trachy yesterday and the doctors are slowly bringing him round and reduction sedation.

I just wondered if you have managed to get any communication as of yet?

Thanks

[Ren2985 in reply to Sensationalsoldier]

Hi there, yes my dad had his trach put i. On Monday. They have started to reduce his sedation and he’s responding to yes no questions. We FaceTimed him today, and I know he was probably experiencing some delirium, which was hard to see.

How is your dad today ?