So 18 days ago I wrote on here to say my husband had tried to end his life. As a consequence of that he ended up on ICU sedated and on a ventilator. The Dr's were struggling to keep his Sat's up. He required high levels of oxygen and high pressure from the ventilator for almost 4 weeks. His kidneys failed and he needed dialysis. At the beginning of last week totally out of the blue his lungs began to start working a lot better, so much so he was at a safe level to have a trachea fitted. His kidneys are OK now and he no longer requires the dialysis machine. He's also being weaned of his sedation meds as his body went into withdrawl when they stopped them completely. I was able to visit him yesterday. He's obviously extremely weak after almost 5 weeks in ICU (4 of which in an induced coma) he smiled when he seen me which melted my heart but even better he could communicate with me. Although he couldn't actually talk he could mouth the words and I Knew exactly what he was saying. I have waited what has felt like forever for this day I didn't want to leave. Hopefully this is the start of of my happy ending 🙏🙏🙏🤞. I also just want to say this forum has given me so much comfort at the worst time I've ever had in my life. Reading other people's posts and comments about different situations helped me stay positive when, my whole world felt like it was crashing down around me.
Non covid respiratory failure *update*: So 18 days... - ICUsteps
Non covid respiratory failure *update*
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I'm so pleased for you. ICU is an extremely worrying time and although recovery can take a long time, it sounds like things are moving in the right direction 😀
I'm not sure if you know about the Critical Care Support Network but they have been really supportive to me and my husband. It might be worth looking into if you feel you need a bit of support xx
I’m really pleased to read your update - it’s a long old haul but hopefully your husband will meet these new challenges with vim and vigour. We run a zoom drop-in every Tuesday & Thurs evening if you ever fancy.
Thank u. I would like to join one of these meetings now I'm in a little bit of a better place but I can't make today or Thursday. I could next Tuesday but I've never used zoom before how do I do it x
What wonderful news to read! I’ve tears in my eyes and an overwhelming happiness for you! Keep loving your man and he will come back hopefully happier in himself and stronger! x
So thankful he’s doing better!!!! That’s great news. This site helped me as well, glad it was here!!
Thank u. Its been amazing. I've been on here most days. Although I haven't posted a lot as I've not been in the right head space I've read and reread posts it's really has helped me understand how difficult this journey was going to be cos noone could prepare you for it. Even when the Dr's told me it was going to be a long process and just cos he's doing OK one day he might not be tomorrow I was not prepared for it at all.
I am really pleased to hear about your husbands recovery. There is helpful information here for relatives and patients. readingicusupport.co.uk
Aww good. I really do hope it gives other people hope. Because when I was in the hardest situation and darkest place I have ever been, (and it lasted for weeks a constant struggle without any good news) other people stories of what they had over come gave me something to cling onto and a real sense of hope too.
I have tears in my eyes for you , wonderful news , really pleased for you .
I am so glad the your husband is on his way to recovery. When he smiled at you I am sure you had a similar reaction that my husband had when I finally woke up. I believe in miracles and never ever give up hope. He may have a lengthy recovery but just have a lot of patience and each day will bring something new. Blessings to the both of you. Elsie