Covid and Bloodgasses?

[Psp007]

Hi all,

I'm not clear about something and wonder if you can help?

We just spoke to nurse who said that my father has been static for the last week at 50 Oxygen but that his CO2 was raised in his body. She also said he was taking some breaths with ventilator. We saw him on factimed just now. He looked so weak and almost like he was gagging.. they suctioned it out but he just looked uncomfortable. Should I be worried about what she said re blood gasses? He eyes also looked so puffy and he looks the worst I have seen. I'm scared and as hes not even responding much accept with eyes open and close.. are we keeping too optimistic.. can't give up he is 64 and yet to see my kids grow up and walk sister down the isle in July this year :-(((((

[LeopardGecko]

The suctioning is completely normal. I believe that when you are ventilated, you are unable to cough up any secretions on your own so need this assistance. My husband needed quite a lot of sectioning while he was ventilated.

I'm not too sure about the figures. I know they were aiming for my husband's blood saturation to be between 88 and 92 when he had covid and his oxygen requirements fluctuated.

Critical illness is an exhausting business, so it's normal for your loved one to look tired so don't worry too much about what your dad looks like. It is also not a smooth ride so the fact that he has been static this week isn't necessarily bad news.

Keep up the optimism and look after yourself xx

[Psp007 in reply to LeopardGecko]

Thanks for the positivity and encouragement... hope your husband is doing better now.

[LeopardGecko in reply to Psp007]

He has been home for 5 weeks now and is doing well.

There is a relatives group run by ICU Steps Chester tonight if you wanted to join that. They are a great bunch who got me through my husband's long hospital stay. Some of them will probably have a much better understanding of covid and blood gasses than me (my husband acquired covid while in critical care so I only know a little bit about that side of things).

[Psp007 in reply to LeopardGecko]

Thanks so much for sharing, i joined the group and it was wonderful to be with other experiencing the same journey.

[Mimi407]

Hang in there. Do not lose hope! Praying for you and your dad