ICU day 37 .. back on ventilator

[Westbeginners1]

Hi everyone,

You may remember I posted a couple weeks ago about my mum being in ICU, ventilated and sedated. I thought I would give an update and I feel like this is the best place to get things off my chest with people who will understand.

This is now day 37 my mum has been in ICU. On Friday she was transferred to another hospital that has specialists in ENT so seems like the best place for her. (Because of the deep neck infection)

On Sunday they took her off the ventilator and she was sitting up, awake and talking. I had my first conversation and hug with her in 5 weeks. It was like all my Christmases had came at once, I was over the moon and thought we were finally moving in the right direction.

she had been off the ventilator for nearly 48 hours when the hospital called to say she was struggling and had to go back on it.

I spoke with the consultant today who said as the day went on yesterday she became weaker and weaker breathing on her, they had to lie her down for something and her oxygen levels fell low which is why they had to put her back on it.

they said that because she has been on it so long it has made her very weak and if they cannot get her off it there may not be much more they can do for her.

I am utterly heartbroken I thought we were on the right track. I guess it is a case of best of two evils because I have also been thinking of her recovery and what life would look like for her after all this.

there is not much point to this, I am not looking for answers just wanted to get it off my chest with people who understand and thanks if you have read this far!

K

[Sepsur]

I hope that tomorrow brings more encouraging news for you & your Mum.

[Clunk]

I’m also hoping for some good news for you. I know what you mean about all Christmasses at once… ICU is a rollercoaster - hoping for an up for you soon!

[Hidden]

Don't give up ♥️

[Copse77]

the best advice I was given was to keep a timeline then on days when we had setbacks you can focus on the positives. It’s a really hard but staying focused on the good is helpful. I used to write out the small positives each day so when my brother became Ill from new infections in ICU we could remember the good days. 5 years on he’s doing great and I hope the same for your mum and family.

[Signingfun]

I found recovery to not be a straightforward process. I had good days and bad days. I pray this is a temporary setback.

Anne