Muscle weakness/tracheotomy

[Ren2985]

Hi everyone,

My dad was fitted with a trach on Monday and they are reducing his sedation and he’s somewhat responding to commands now. From being on the ventilator to fitter with a trach, it’s been about a month. The nurse told us today that his arms and legs are very very weak. They have started physio with him though. Could I ask what to expect moving forward and how we can help with motivating him move his body? I know it will take time, but just what else we can do in the meantime . Thanks

[Sepsur]

Encouragement, is all I can think, remind him of all the things he loves to do. I’d keep a note book of daily, weekly physical progress too - so you can show him when he gets disheartened. He will feel a fatigue that you will not be able to imagine and he will experience moments of disillusionment because he will not be able to see how far he has come, he will only see how far he has to go.

[FamilyHistorian]

Hi Ren

I would say first of all look after yourself. Your dad is already being looked after! You may have more ups and downs to contend with in the coming months especially once he comes home.

I lost somewhere in the region of 5 stone and what is important to realise is that it’s just not fat but muscle in the whole of your body. You have muscle where you don’t know it’s not just for movement but also in the lungs and heart. The physios work on you when you are sedated then once you come round that will continue but you then have to deal with the psychology of getting fit the fear of getting to the edge of the bed and standing up.

In my case I had to learn to swallow and speak again. It all takes time. One of the side effects is memory loss also my sense of humour which used to be wicked is now evil and my brain doesn’t control my mouth so at the minimum there are times when I can be insensitive!

One of the things my family did was to create a photo board which as I have said before included all the family including animals which helped me learn who they were. Very difficult for both sides. Some say favourite music etc helps I can’t answer that

Keep strong

[LeopardGecko]

I think I asked almost exactly the same question at this point in my husband's recovery! 🙂

He hated the physios at times (but loves them now) and could be really stubborn about not doing things which I think was partially down to him lacking confidence but also feeling exhausted.

I sent in a tablet holder for my husband to try to encourage him to select a programme for himself to watch and just tried to remind him of everything he had achieved so far. I think it took him quite a while to start realising the huge journey that he had made already and often felt quite useless.

Part way through his time in hospital, I was able to visit so I would try to encourage him to things like writing a birthday card for his mum etc but I know that you don't have the luxury of visiting now. Almost 6 months on, he is now walking with crutches and should be home tomorrow!

I'm so pleased that your dad is progressing in his recovery 🙂

[Ferham in reply to LeopardGecko]

How wonderful to have him home after all this time, delighted for you .