Ventilator Patient Questions - Stacys Mom

[RiverDave]

My mom has agreed to go on a ventilator. Please tell me someone somewhere has a positive outcome from this action. What do I need to request? What do I need to know? What do I need to demand? This is the most terrifying thing I’ve ever endured.

I copied this from her fb. If anyone has any information that you think could help we would surely appreciate it.

RD

 

[ArizonaKevin]

Just had a family friend go through it from COVID, was on the vent for 13 days, has been off for the past week. Still in the hospital trying to improve on some other numbers so he isn't entirely out of the woods yet, but a definite improvement.

Want to make sure that they are continuously checking labs and you also want to make sure that she is 100% sedated. This will give her lungs the best chance to rest and recover.

 

[rivermobster]

 

[FreeBird236]

Very sorry Dave, will be praying.

 

[BTR]

Dave, I asked the wife. You can come back from it but it will be a long recovery ahead. The virus causes red blood cell inflammation (they carry oxygen to your body) and this makes your O2 levels drop. Same thing happens to those who have an adverse reaction to the vax. The key is when the body can get ahead of the replication process of the virus before it does too much damage. This how the vaccine and other treatments help. They don’t fully protect you but do give you an edge. It’s the side affects of low oxygenation that lead to other problems. The vent is to prevent those.

 

[BTR]

Forgot to add, prayers for you guys.

 

[infield]

If they mention its time for a tracheostomy don't be alarmed. It's way better in the end. Keeps the throat from swelling around the tube and recovery will be way faster. Experienced this with my father on a rather difficult situation. His deal was years ago and was not related to any viral illness.

 

[Paradox]

So sorry to hear. Prayers out to Stacy’s Mom.

 

[RandyH]

The Vent can protect the lungs from Asperation so thats a positive. Sometimes on a BPAP you just cant get rid of the CO2 fast enough and that can really harm the body in many ways.......... it can also push air into the stomach and down into the GI track... So the Vent is the way to go. My wife can actually function - think - write on a notepad on a ventilator. at like 20 msg of propathol..... But its never been for Covid related illness. You can come off the ventilator , many people survive. Prayers to you and your family.

 

[t&y]

My mom has agreed to go on a ventilator. Please tell me someone somewhere has a positive outcome from this action. What do I need to request? What do I need to know? What do I need to demand? This is the most terrifying thing I’ve ever endured.

I copied this from her fb. If anyone has any information that you think could help we would surely appreciate it.

RD

I personally know a few who have gone on a ventilator and made it. The theory is to rest the lungs by introducing more oxygen so the lungs don't work as hard. This also keeps your heart rate down and allows your whole body to rest and recover (I'm not a doctor so these are very big generalizations). There is a difference between a non-invasive ventilator (think mask) and being intubated (tube down throat into lungs) on a ventilator Dave. I've been on ventilators many times for asthma related issues (non-invasive). Hopefully they started treatment fast enough for a little help in the oxygen levels to really make a difference.

 

[RandyH]

Once she goes under you need to know her directives and also have Medical Power of Attorney.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Ventilators are a factor of medical treatment. It is unfortunate with COVID a negative connotation has began to follow ventilators. Ventilators are there to save lives, and they do. Not going to sugar coat it, ventilators are there for those with severe pulmonary conditions. For those patients in need they can be a god send.

 

[Doc]

My father was intubated for 9 days. The questions I would be asking is what medication is she on. What protocols are they using and what is their plan of attack? I know she had some other underlying issues prior to so how are they handling that? Does she have pneumonia? I am assuming at the very least they are going to sedate her?

You have to basically prioritize each issue she has, so obviously it's her breathing then see what else is their concern i.e. kidneys, blood clots ect and go from there. I'm guessing at this point she doesn't have covid but are dealing with the issues that covid caused?

 

[92562]

Prayers sent.

 

[RiverDave]

I personally know a few who have gone on a ventilator and made it. The theory is to rest the lungs by introducing more oxygen so the lungs don't work as hard. This also keeps your heart rate down and allows your whole body to rest and recover (I'm not a doctor so these are very big generalizations). There is a difference between a non-invasive ventilator (think mask) and being intubated (tube down throat into lungs) on a ventilator Dave. I've been on ventilators many times for asthma related issues (non-invasive). Hopefully they started treatment fast enough for a little help in the oxygen levels to really make a difference.

She has been on oxygen and a bipap since she got there. This is the intubation.

 

[Flyinbowtie]

Dave she will be in our prayers tonight, as will you, Stacy, and the kids.

 

[Desert Whaler]

Prayers headed to your family Dave.
No medical experience here, but don't discount the magic of human presence, touch, affection, & love, especially from a close family member.
Years ago when my Mom chose to "Shine any More Testing" (her words) and chose to be at home & on hospice, I was there for her multiple times a day.
I'd like to think I provided her a level of comfort we should all be fortunate enough to have in our sunsets . . . a loved one by your side.
She was still flipping me off (kiddingly) & cracking inside jokes till the end . . . I think that brought her a little level of comfort.
Wishing Stacy's Mom great strength during this battle, and praying for a good recovery.

 

[4Waters]

SOB, not what I wanted to hear

 

[RVR SWPR]

No doubt about it, you miss Stacy and the kids their Mom. When Stacy Mom Pulls thru this thing will be because Stacy is at that hospital 24/7 totally in Charge of Mom treatment.

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

Damn, sorry to hear. You guys are in my prayers.

My mom's aunt went on the vent for a bit with COVID, got better and left the hospital, but passed away a short time after. It's more likely she died from heart issues than COVID, but who knows.

 

[kurtis500]

My friend just went on this and is in on the ventilator right now. Its tough but hes expected to pull through AFTER A LONG RECOVERY. Thats the key word. I had another friend who was on the ventilator and it was tough but he pulled through also.

Basically, eventhough it seems like a final stage or last ditch effort, it doesnt neccessarily mean that. If someone goes on a vent from a trauma that is different.

Prayers...

 

[RitcheyRch]

Sorry to hear this but will continue to keep the RD family in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[Racey]

Thinking of you and your family RD. Hoping she will be ok.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Hope your run to Pomona went well. Thinking about you guys.

 

[RiverDave]

No doubt about it, you miss Stacy and the kids their Mom. When Stacy Mom Pulls thru this thing will be because Stacy is at that hospital 24/7 totally in Charge of Mom treatment.

We are on our way out there now to be with Stacy. 1 puppy, grandpas dog and 3 kids.. just stopped at rice Rd because the puppy threw up all over my youngest daughter

 

[Bullet28]

Dave, prayers to Stacy’s mom and family also.

 

[RVR SWPR]

We are on our way out there now to be with Stacy. 1 puppy, grandpas dog and 3 kids.. just stopped at rice Rd because the puppy threw up all over my youngest daughter

View attachment 1077516

You guys constantly define “Family” + passing on a positive way of going to your 3 kids.
Change her clothes and hang the dirty clothes @ that shoe tree on Rice. The clothes will be gone by morning.

 

[DB / HAV]

I am praying for stacy’s mom and the family!

 

[ekbearly]

Sorry to hear this Dave. We went through this with my father in law. One thing to watch is the gut. Ensure they give medicine to keep the bowels moving. They missed this step with my father in law and he backed up and aspirated while intubated. That caused a lot of issues that made the fight more difficult. Advocate. They will probably insist on Remdesivir. We caved and that definitely didn’t seem to help. Praying for the best!

 

[chvynhra]

Where are you parking that rig? Bonilli Bluffs is only a mile or two from Pimona Valley Med Center.

 

[RiverDave]

Where are you parking that rig? Bonilli Bluffs is only a mile or two from Pimona Valley Med Center.

Bonelli bluffs I got the last spot this am

 

[Activated]

Not a prayer guy but your family is in our families thoughts and wishes.

Just because they are a Dr. or a Nurse doesn’t mean they know more than you do. Demand the treatment you want.

 

[Roosky01]

Not a prayer guy but your family is in our families thoughts and wishes.

Just because they are a Dr. or a Nurse doesn’t mean they know more than you do. Demand the treatment you want.

This! Had the unfortunate opportunity to cross paths with a head charge nurse at the largest hospital in my area over the Holidays at a friend's gathering. I wouldn't trust her to weed eat my lawn. I really hate to say that...

Trust, but verify everything, Sir. You have resources on your board that make most envious. Good luck and prayers sent!

 

[RiverDave]

Not a prayer guy but your family is in our families thoughts and wishes.

Just because they are a Dr. or a Nurse doesn’t mean they know more than you do. Demand the treatment you want.

Stacy said they won’t give it to her. I am going down there in the morning

 

[RiverDave]

Dog is done

 

[Activated]

Stacy said they won’t give it to her. I am going down there in the morning

I am generalizing but some people in “power” positions let that go their head. You are their customer, if they don’t satisfy your requirements, you can go somewhere else.
Long story short, I was not treated appropriately by a dentist. Put me through a bunch shit for no reason, it ended up being about money. He was selling his practice and wanted to increase his revenue.
We automatically trust these people and we have no idea what they are going through personally or professionally. Nothing wrong with questioning them and asking a bunch of questions. Going through all of that made me realize they need us more than we need them.
Yore the customer.

 

[SoCalDave]

Gotta be a lot of stress on you and Stacy RD, especially with the kids and pups in tow. Like others have stated get down there and raise hell if needed...the squeaky wheel gets the grease to say.

 

[RichL]

Wishing the best for your entire family.

 

[Bowtiepower00]

Not a prayer guy but your family is in our families thoughts and wishes.

Just because they are a Dr. or a Nurse doesn’t mean they know more than you do. Demand the treatment you want.

The Nurses have absolutely no say in what gets done on a unit with regard to treatment guidelines, so keep that in mind when you interact with them. With regard to COVID treatment, that is going to be dictated by 1: the pulmonologists/ intensivists, and 2: the medical director of the hospital and hospital system. You can argue with the Nurses all that you want. They are there to carry out orders, not decide what those orders are. The Nurses can advocate for their patient and your family for things like visitation in some cases, but they have absolutely no say in the treatment protocol.

 

[Lumpy]

Sending prayers to you and yours RD. Don’t know what options ya have. If ya think it’s possible I’m sure you have. I got a sister in law at UCLA Medical center…if you want me to pull her strings I WILL!
I’m sure you’re flying by the seat of your pants right now…whatever I can do.

 

[Orangegazm]

Sorry to hear but on the bright side she can recover !! My uncle was 350 + on oxygen and couldn't walk ten feet without stopping to catch his breath. He had major complications due to Agent Orange exposure during Vietnam. He was on a ventilator with Covid and he made it, we have no idea how but he did....If he can.... she can !!!! Prayers sent !!!!

 

[Activated]

The Nurses have absolutely no say in what gets done on a unit with regard to treatment guidelines, so keep that in mind when you interact with them. With regard to COVID treatment, that is going to be dictated by 1: the pulmonologists/ intensivists, and 2: the medical director of the hospital and hospital system. You can argue with the Nurses all that you want. They are there to carry out orders, not decide what those orders are. The Nurses can advocate for their patient and your family for things like visitation in some cases, but they have absolutely no say in the treatment protocol.

Sounds like a business. You make a call to a call center (nurses), they follow their SOP”s and hope you go away. If you are not happy, you escalate to the next department,…maybe a supervisor and if your lucky they take your call. If you complain enough, maybe you get to a manager.

In my experience, the only real response you get is if you go to social media to share your story.

I am not purposely being a dick, it is just how it works. I have read a lot of your posts and would want you to treat me if I was ill but at the end of the day, it is a business and we are your customer. People automatically assume that a Dr has your best interest at heart and it might be possible they do not.

As much as it sucks, you can’t completely trust anyone.

 

[Raffit78]

Dave everyone reacts differently to the oxygen treatments to the lungs. As mentioned above, what they will do is monitor her oxygen. If she can start sustaining higher numbers they will move her out of the ventilator. If she cannot get her oxygen levels up, they will do a tracheostomy which is “easier” on the body.

Just had a 52 year old healthy friend go through this.

Rushed to hospital for very low oxygen level.

Ventilator in 5 days of being seen.

Tracheostomy 10 days after

Was this way for over a month.

His body fought every infection, pneumonia etc….

He is now home after about 45 days at the hospital. He can stand up. Walking to bathroom is still assisted.

Expecting a 80-90% recovery in 9-12 months.

The hospitals do have a protocol on meds and if the family is persistent they will administer all.

Decadron 6mg daily (steroid) if no improvement try higher dose

Anticoagulation (lovenox full dose)

Remdesivir x 5 days

Actemra x one dose (shortage is US)

Bariticinib 4mg daily

This was the meds from pulmonary doctor I’m friends with for him.

 

[hallett21]

@RiverDave prayers to you, Stacy and especially her mom.

Like was said above, treatment is coming from the doctors, medical director etc. If you want something altered that’s who you need to focus on.

The nurses are there to carry out the orders and be a patient advocate. They aren’t able to directly alter patient care. Today’s drugs are given to them through a system that records the nurse, patient, time, etc. A nurse would have to commit a crime to give a patient a drug they aren’t prescribed.


It’s not much, but buying your MILs floor some Jersey Mikes, Pizza etc will go a very long way. It might sound tacky but the whole floor will appreciate it and they will all remember what room/patient paid for it. At a minimum it will put some extra eyes on her.

What hospital is she at?

 

[Bowtiepower00]

Sounds like a business. You make a call to a call center (nurses), they follow their SOP”s and hope you go away. If you are not happy, you escalate to the next department,…maybe a supervisor and if your lucky they take your call. If you complain enough, maybe you get to a manager.

In my experience, the only real response you get is if you go to social media to share your story.

I am not purposely being a dick, it is just how it works. I have read a lot of your posts and would want you to treat me if I was ill but at the end of the day, it is a business and we are your customer. People automatically assume that a Dr has your best interest at heart and it might be possible they do not.

As much as it sucks, you can’t completely trust anyone.

Healthcare is totally a business. A science based one at that. Unless there are multiple *peer reviewed* studies on a subject- don’t expect the docs to do anything out of the ordinary. And guess what- COVID is new enough, that these *peer reviewed* studies either don’t exist or aren’t sufficiently reviewed.

We are in the middle of a *pandemic*. You can threaten legal action, or “media attention” all that you want. The docs aren’t going to steer out of their lane for new protocols until they are reviewed. And believe me, they are looking at the research. At least the docs I know are.

The current sue-happy malpractice environment has created this situation. And all of the doc notes include a disclaimer about emergency medicine during an emergency/ pandemic, so the threats of malpractice are unfounded, and any family threats of a lawsuit for such are going to be dismissed unless there is evidence of EXTREME negligence.

There is a methodology to the way a hospital treats its COVID pts, that is continually evolving. And it is not the same now as it was 6 months ago.

Not all physicians are the same, and not all are competent. As a patient family you absolutely have the right to fight for your loved one. But the treatment protocols for COVID do not correlate to the treatment protocols for regular respiratory failure and are not treated as such.

I wish the best to Rdave/Divas family and to anyone else dealing with this awful situation.

 

[Activated]

Healthcare is totally a business. A science based one at that. Unless there are multiple *peer reviewed* studies on a subject- don’t expect the docs to do anything out of the ordinary. And guess what- COVID is new enough, that these *peer reviewed* studies either don’t exist or aren’t sufficiently reviewed.

We are in the middle of a *pandemic*. You can threaten legal action, or “media attention” all that you want. The docs aren’t going to steer out of their lane for new protocols until they are reviewed. And believe me, they are looking at the research. At least the docs I know are.

The current sue-happy malpractice environment has created this situation. And all of the doc notes include a disclaimer about emergency medicine during an emergency/ pandemic, so the threats of malpractice are unfounded, and any family threats of a lawsuit for such are going to be dismissed unless there is evidence of EXTREME negligence.

There is a methodology to the way a hospital treats its COVID pts, that is continually evolving. And it is not the same now as it was 6 months ago.

Not all physicians are the same, and not all are competent. As a patient family you absolutely have the right to fight for your loved one. But the treatment protocols for COVID do not correlate to the treatment protocols for regular respiratory failure and are not treated as such.

I wish the best to Rdave/Divas family and to anyone else dealing with this awful situation.

I would never threaten a lawsuit, I would just take my business somewhere else.

Having said that, I am on my 2nd Titos and soda, so my responses are about done. I just don’t think we (as the public) hold hospitals accountable. I am your customer, you need me more than I need you. We should be able to choose to go somewhere else for the treatment we want.

 

[havasujeeper]

Dave, I assume she is at Pomona Valley Hospital? I know my old neighbor at Havasu Landing, Richard Yoakum is the CEO there. Had a 240 Hallett, and a great river guy. Push strings if needed. Also, I'm 10 minutes away in Upland if you need anything at all, and got a spare Tacoma if needed.

 

[Ducksquasher]

Prayers sent

 

[Bowtiepower00]

I would never threaten a lawsuit, I would just take my business somewhere else.

Having said that, I am on my 2nd Titos and soda, so my responses are about done. I just don’t think we (as the public) hold hospitals accountable. I am your customer, you need me more than I need you. We should be able to choose to go somewhere else for the treatment we want.

Believe me when I say the hospitals are doing everything they can to save everyone they can. Covid is a fickle disease, and there is no straight road to recovery for every patient. The hospitals are working in triage mode, and the resources are being directed at the patients with the best shot at recovery. Unfortunately, most patients who are extremely Ill don’t have a great shot at recovery. Hospitals are working with skeleton crews and physicians who have gone without leave since this thing started. They are doing all that they can- and in many cases it’s not enough.

But, like you, I’m deep into the sailor Jerry so I should probably sign off as well. Lol.

 

[FishSniper]

We will be back in CA Sunday and are not far from Pomona if you guys need anything let us know.