Questions about the ventilator? It’s very hard to... - ICUsteps

ICUsteps

7,815 members2,474 posts

Questions about the ventilator? It’s very hard to get to speak to the doctors so if anyone has any thoughts

Letspray profile image
12 Replies

So my relative is now on 30% oxygen has a peep of 5 and the pressure is 15 and saturating between 87 and 91 on the ventilator. So far so good however I just want to know what these figures mean? The hospital did say they are initiating the breathes and they are on a low setting on the ventilator but I just want to know are they close to the end of the ventilator? I’m fearing they will be very weak and how they will cope after the ventilator? Any thoughts from similar experiences will be very much appreciated.

Written by
Letspray profile image
Letspray
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
12 Replies
LeopardGecko profile image
LeopardGecko

I'm not completely sure about all the figures. My husband had got rid of his tracheostomy and then caught covid and was on CPAP as he was too weak to be ventilated again. I don't have the figures for coming off the tracheostomy but coming off CPAP and going to nasal oxygen, they wanted him at around 25% (21% is normal) and they wanted his SATs at 88-92 but ideally higher.

When he was coming off the ventilator they gradually increased the time he spent off of it with the cuff down on his tracheostomy and speech valve fitted. They said they were aiming for 12 hours continually off then 24 hours before being able to come off the ventilator completely. This was really hard work for my husband - I've just asked him how he was after the ventilator but he can't remember if he was particularly tired but his whole body was weak due to spending 3 months in critical care up to that point.

I hope this helps. Happy to try to answer anything else if I've not been clear enough. It does sound like they are moving in the right direction though 🙂

Letspray profile image
Letspray in reply toLeopardGecko

How long was he on the ventilator?

LeopardGecko profile image
LeopardGecko in reply toLetspray

He was on the ventilator for almost 3 months.

Letspray profile image
Letspray in reply toLeopardGecko

I’m very happy he made it off it. I’m just so worried all the time. Do you have any questions I should have for the doctors? About when or anything from your experience that can help with mine?? ( thanks so much )

LeopardGecko profile image
LeopardGecko in reply toLetspray

When my husband was weaning off the ventilator I just asked how long he had managed off it each day just to see how he was progressing. I was unaware of all the different figures for everything at the time so I didn't ask about SATs etc. I would suggest not getting too fixated on the figures as they can fluctuate and it could make you feel worse if there is a little set back. Are you in the UK? There is a relatives group on a Tuesday which might be helpful.

Letspray profile image
Letspray in reply toLeopardGecko

I am in the UK. What’s this relative group on Tuesday night how do I join is it a phone in ?

LeopardGecko profile image
LeopardGecko in reply toLetspray

It is run by ICU Steps Chester. If you email them they can send you the information. It is on Zoom from 8-10pm every Tuesday. I found them really helpful and supportive.

Sepsur profile image
Sepsur in reply toLetspray

I’ll message you with email 😀

in reply toLeopardGecko

Hi there, nurses have begun weaning my dad he's on 35% ox has delerium my question is when did they really push it as in the vent trials with your husband🙂

Letspray profile image
Letspray in reply to

Yes my relative has been stable on 30% oxygen and they aimed for 1 hour to trachy mask wean but they did so well he achieved 2 hours today and they hoping that they complete 3 hours tomorrow. I know they switch off the ventilator but when will they be able to fully come off of the ventilator and what will happen next ?

Sepsur profile image
Sepsur

The weaning process can be painfully slow, sometimes people only tolerate a short time unsupported at first. I moved through the various phases intubated, trachy, CPAP, peep, nasal prongs & nebulisers - the last two followed me all the way to discharge - periodically.

Try not to get too hung up on all the figures - we all tolerate different sat levels etc - even when we are well.

Mimi407 profile image
Mimi407

Dont worry about the numbers. Ask questions like is this moving in the right direction? If this positive pattern continues what would be the next step? What goals does he need to meet? This will help you understand the process more ❤️ best of luck hope we all get our miracle

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

PARALYZED AND WAKING UP during sedation?

Hello. It is my prayer that you are all doing well here at ICUSteps the GREATEST support group. ON...

Why is it necessary to wake us?

Does anyone know why we can't be put into an induced coma while on a ventilator, and just woken up...
patchworker profile image

Damaged lungs after ARDS

Does anyone on here have experience with severe ARDS after pneumonia and having damaged lungs as a...
Emrad1909 profile image

Pancertis organ failure

My husband is currently in icu on a ventilator. He had severe pancertitis which now has turned into...

THE ICU

For patients, the ICU, which is often referred to as the ITU can be a very very strange place. The...

Moderation team

Rhyl1 profile image
Rhyl1Moderator
Rhyl1 profile image
Rhyl1Partner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.