Hello again. Same dad (67 yo in a ski accident) ... new question.
Is it always a huge roller coaster? Tomorrow marks three weeks since my dad's accident ... and it's been constant up and down and up and down. And, then last week it finally felt like we were getting off the ride and all was well (and by that I mean, no longer life-threatening).
A week ago he started breathing on his own without the aide of the vent. He was able to talk with a speaking plug on his trach. He was getting more movement back in places the doctors said he may never have. And he was transferred to Craig on Wednesday. And then ... we just assumed the news would be good from here on out. Other than the emotional roller coaster he's about to get on ... we really thought the news would stay positive.
But -- so far, all we've gotten is more bad news. He started vomiting yesterday ... and then he aspirated ... and they did a bronchoscope and the pulmonologist, "felt his airway didn't look like it was ready to be off the vent." Ugh, what does that mean? The nurse couldn't/wouldn't answer me -- and she couldn't tell me how long he might be on the vent. And, when they were talking about it with him, he shook his head no (that he didn't want it)! I'm so scared. I really felt like the two steps forward/ten steps back was over.
Does it ever end? Is it common to go back on the vent after seven days of breathing on your own?
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Is It Always Like This? A Roller Coaster?
Started by
Schmidy
, Apr 29 2011 02:05 AM
2 replies to this topic
Top#2
wheeliebear75
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Posted 29 April 2011 - 07:16 AM
Possibly that vomit he aspirated has something to do with why? 
But for higher injuries yes I've heard of people getting off the vent only to get put on it again. Hang in there & remember you have the RIGHT to know what's going on & they have the responsibility to explain to you AND your father what's going on. 
But for higher injuries yes I've heard of people getting off the vent only to get put on it again. Hang in there & remember you have the RIGHT to know what's going on & they have the responsibility to explain to you AND your father what's going on.
*Enjoy every sunset, but be grateful for every dawn.*
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*Wheelchairs are made of a special ocular magnetic alloy......they're "eyeball magnets".*
*I USE a wheelchair, that does NOT make ME a wheelchair!*
#3
goose
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Posted 29 April 2011 - 07:20 AM
i was never on a vent but i think that may be common. i remember they had to be weened off. meaning , a little at a time. i think that is a pretty scary step but lots of people manage . everything is new and alot of unexpected things can happen. everyone is different so there'll be some trial and error. yall are at the best sci center so trust them they have lots of experence with this. maybe someone who has been thru this will post soon. keep hanging in there . you are doing the right thing by getting as much information as possible. try to have a good day. we are all pulling for you and your family.
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