I have posted here about my dad who is in his late 70s. At the end of August, he was admitted to the hospital to remove a small benign cyst from his throat and two days after the surgery, he choked on water and yogurt that were served and developed aspirational pneumonia. Since it was hospital-acquired, anti-biotics didn't work well and it got worse very fast. The next thing we knew, he had to be intubated in ICU.
But today, I am so happy to share that he has been off the ventilator completely for a week and moved to a normal hospital ward! Just about two months ago, we were told a few times that he was not going to make it. When he started to recover, we were told that it was a miracle. Last month, he had a hard time coming off the sedation and that took 3 weeks and a half. It has been a rollercoaster as everyone here says.
I just wanted to share the news here as this group has been super helpful to me and my family. Thanks to everyone's stories, experiences, and encouragement, I was able to stay hopeful and sane.
Thank you!
Written by
ForMyPapa
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Thank you so much! Ok, that is such great advise! I will keep in mind that he may feel different from before and that might be frustrating. He is doing well now but we have been told that sometimes he is not enthusiastic about sitting up or moving to a wheel chair. So we will be sensitive to his feelings but gently keep on encouraging him!
Not enthusiastic what do they expect? He will be weak because of muscle wastage and sitting in any chair let alone a wheel chair will be bloody uncomfortable. A cushion to sit on and one for his back may help.
Thank you for the tip!!!! I am bringing cushions for him!!! And you are right. I really have to tell him that I am just so happy he is getting better and he should take his time. Slow and steady is great.
My partner has been in hospital since April - 8 weeks in ICU, about the same in a HUD and then a normal ward. He was okay in a chair for 1-2 hours in the HDU . . . but he was still in a reduced conscious state then. In July he developed a pressure sore and didn't get put in a chair again until October - by that time fully conscious and aware. He doesn't mind being in the chair now, but I wouldn't say he's enthusiastic. I have to encourage him a little in advance of when the therapists come in to hoist him, and remind him of how important it is to his recovery. I always plan something for us to do doing his chair time - watching a tv programme, doing puzzles, or grooming such as cutting nails, shaving etc. Or even just looking out the window at the sky and view, some days. Like FamilyHistorian says, sitting in a chair is hard work for someone who's been lying in bed for months. It will be challenging his back, stomach and leg muscles. I always say to my man that his sitting in a chair for an hour is his current equivalent of when we used to go hiking or on long bike rides.
Thank you for such an understanding comment! I have been hearing the same from other people who recovered from severe illnesses. I will be kinder and more patient with him!😊
Believe me, something so close yet so far…ie chair by bed, is like the hugest ravine away when you feel like jelly. I always said “tomorrow” manana, until finally….everything was aligned ; a good sleep, mentally ok, and nurses I trusted.
Just seeing this but I just want to say that’s amazing!!!!!!! My mother had pneumonia too and the doctors kept saying she was going to die. She was also intubated. Went to icu weighing 89lb and left 132lbs (43lbs of fluid over load) she was huge and hard to look at so basically 14days ago they killed my mom. I’m so happy your daddy had a recovery my heart is really happy for you. Our parents are the most precious things in this world. I lost my papa when I was 17 and didn’t think I’d lose my mom so early in life. (I’m 48) she was 77
Just found out she was 77, we thought she was 69 this whole time. Love you mom RIP
I am so sorry for your loss. It is the hardest thing to lose your parent. She must have been a lovely mom and she will be missed so much. But I believe that our loved ones who crossed over remain with us. She is your mummy. She will always be with you.
I am so sorry for your loss. It is the hardest thing to lose your parent. She must have been a lovely mom and she will be missed so much. But I believe that our loved ones who crossed over remain with us. She is your mummy. She will always be with you.
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