My dad is currently in ICU fighting covid for the past 7 days on a vent, (proned on first 24 hours not needed it since)it's been a roller coaster yesterday the doc rang sayings things weren't good, then his oxygen level dipped to full vent then earlier they said he'd developed an infection and was on antibiotics, and then a few hours later received a phone call from the nurse saying they've lowered his sedation and they are going to try and let him do some breathing on his own tommorow? I was so confused I couldn't speak through tears so lost an opportunity to ask questions I'm just wondering what I should be thinking? Is this normal? Will he take a bad turn? If anyone had experienced anything at all as a survivor or as a family member could you please give me some help! X
Too soon to be good news?: My dad is currently in... - ICUsteps
Too soon to be good news?
It sounds promising. My journey was rocky all the way upto the moment I left ICU, I also had a few episodes down on the wards & when I got home. Recovery from critical illness isn’t easy or straightforward BUT it is possible and from the most desperate of situations. We have to remain hopeful, not unduly pessimistic or unrealistically optimistic
I'm clinging on to anything I. To scared to call for an update it's like I get a bit of positive and get knocked back down. Thanks for the reply
I can fully understand how scary it is. It’s always easier said than done, but try and get on with the day. Maybe make a small to do list everyday and do the worst thing first.
Thanks for your advice I will start to do these things it's really good to speak to people who have been through ICU not just for covid but for anything it's the worst thing for anyone it's good to hear you are recovered after a long journey. Thanks for replying
Anytime @KittyLove27
I always am slightly hesitant of revealing the full picture because I don’t know if my story illustrates a triumph of impossibility over grim reality or it just scares the bejesus out of everyone.
I came in with sepsis moving into septic shock with numerous severe contagious viral infections ( at the time uncertain as to what)
Appropriate antibiotic sorted it quickly and it looked like I would be woken around day 4 of sedation.
I then succumbed to severe ARDS & a heavenly multitude of other infections. I was proned numerous times over 57 days.
Day 57 I came to.
Day 120 I left hospital
Hi Kitty. I think this rollercoaster is kind of normal. I was on a vent. Then they tried to bring me off day 5. My wife was elated. Then I had to go back on same day, eventually coming off day 9. This Is a really emotional journey for you. Trust in the medics and try to look after yourself as best you can. Best wishes, Pete
Oh I bet your wife was in bits that's wonderful you was on for 9 days I'm so glad it wasn't any longer I'm just so nervous how are you doing now? And was it covid? Thanks for the reply.
Hi kitty. Yes it was covid and yes, my wife and family were pretty traumatised by it all. I think the impact on family is far greater than even they acknowledge. Its you fielding the calls and doing the worrying for others.
I now have the classic post- icu symptoms and what they call long covid. Mostly it is fatigue, lack of concentration and brain fog. I am in touch with other ex icu people and what is weird is how variable it is.
Best wishes to you. Cheers pete
Wow so you are first hand covid survivor! I'm so over joyed for you and your family! Yes I've heard alot about long covid I know few people who have been in ICU the youngest beings early 30s on a vent for 4 weeks to a lady in her 50s being in a coma for 6 months it's so different with everyone my dad is 58 and no health conditions you don't expect this! Was you proned at all? Thanks you for replying.
Have a look at this page too 😊
healthtalk.org/intensive-ca...
Thankyou I will do, he did half hour breathing yesterday whilst then changed his tube but yesterday evening he was on high again because his infections causing mucas there hoping when that clears he might improve 🙏
Of all the tortures we had to endure in ICU / probably my least favourite was suctioning the lungs 😊
Dad’s Day 5 in coma
Traumatic Brain Injury
Covid 19 3 months sick again
Dad has delayed response to swallowing reflex when being weaned from tracheostomy… anyone have any similar experience? 
Covid19- ecmo- ventilator-multiple organ failure 
