Any experiences from COVID ICU patients in their 70s? We seem to have a small window left.

My dad’s symptoms started Boxing Day, in hospital since Jan 5th. His oxygen requirements kept going up and up until he had to go on a ventilator on Jan 19th.

He had a stroke a 4 months ago and had an operation to remove a blocked section of artery in his neck, but was making good recovery in regaining his strength and mobility and was completely self sufficient. Other than that, he had no other health conditions. Prior to his stroke he would go on long daily walks and used and exercise bike at home.

He had a course of dexamethasone early on in his treatment.

He took part in the RECOVERY trial and I think he received convalescent plasma early on.

In ICU the first week he was on 80% oxygen, blood pressure meds as it was low. Antibiotics for an additional infection. And was getting proned. He also received one dose of tocilizumab.

The second week gave us a lot of hope, he was no longer getting proned, oxygen was down to 40%, no fever, maintained his own blood pressure, getting physio on his lungs, they were reducing his sedation during the day and he was breathing with minimal support from the ventilator.

Week 3 and he’s taken a few steps back. He was showing signs of infection again and was started on antibiotics. Microbiology confirmed there was bacteria 5 days ago, now confirmed as clear. But there’s still inflammation. He’s now on 50% oxygen, blood pressure dipping again, and quickly tiring when they’re reducing the ventilator support. He’s had regular chest X-rays, but no CT scan, not enough clinical reason to warrant it. He’s only getting support for his lungs, no other organs affected at the moment.

He’s 75, been battling COVID for 42 days, 18 days on a ventilator.

The doctor called tonight and said he’s now on day 2 of a 3 day course of high dose of steroids, tapering down to a lower dose, but this 3 day course is the last chance, that if that doesn’t work, he’s unlikely to get better.

Can anyone share any thoughts?

Is there anything I should be asking?

I’m particularly keen to hear about anyone his age or older who’s been ventilated for a similar amount of time or who has had inflammation in the lungs from COVID for a similar amount of time.

He’s suffered so much, I wouldn’t want it to have been for nothing.

[Rach2Sym]

I was a fit 72-year-old (male) when Covid got me last April. I had two weeks on ventilation and then two weeks in high dependency. I'm well back to walking every day, but unsure if my lungs will recover to their previous level. Keep faith. ICU is a dodgems, where life-threatening conditions crash into you, but the wonderful staff keep steering you through. It was weeks before I understood how awful this period had been for my family, while I was unconscious and then delirious. Take care of yourself - he's in the best hands.

[Hidden in reply to Rach2Sym]

Thank you for sharing. I’m so happy for you and your family, and really happy to hear you’re back to walking. Can I ask, how long was it for you from onset of symptoms to coming off oxygen? Thanks

[Rach2Sym in reply to Hidden]

From first symptoms to ICU was ten days. Then two weeks ventilator, followed by two weeks High Dependency, the first of which I was still mostly unconscious and giving cause for concern. Throughout, my wife phoned several times a day (staff are busier this time round) and heard the phrase "not out of the woods yet" only too often. But.....everyone is different, even though there are some recurring patterns. Hold tight. Nurture his and your support group.

[Hidden in reply to Rach2Sym]

Thank you once again. The doctor’s calls have been really pessimistic the last few days, but I was told he was on minimum support overnight which has lifted my spirits slightly.

[GabiNick in reply to Rach2Sym]

Can you tell me how long did the delirium last for you. I'm so scared about that part with my husband. I was so scared when he was on life support but am finding the recovery period just as scary. Everyday I get a different person. One day he remembers me lovingly and then another day I get him delirious so much that I get accused of everything under the sun. I've actually started recording my visits. To tell you ot is very difficult for us in a different way

[Rach2Sym in reply to GabiNick]

Post ICU delirium doesn't affect everyone, each of us reacting to the cocktails of very strong drugs and length of time we needed them. Delirium isn't an illness - it's a positive stage of recovery. However, it can be very distressing for the close family who are desperate to make contact. Wherever the delirious mind wanders, that place is absolute reality - don't try to talk you husband out of it - just be there (phone, face to face etc) - he will come back. During two weeks in High Dependency, I was mostly unconscious for the first and in weird stages of wakefulness (??) for about six days, including periods of violent anger and despair. It was weeks in rehab and at home before the jumble of experiences and memories fitted back into some sort of reality. Despite the seriousness of my situation at that time, when we look back now, we have fund of extremely funny situations to laugh at.