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Original poster

Handhold DH heading to ICU covid

999 replies

Wardrobes123 · 02/01/2021 08:57

DH went to hospital yesterday for breathing issues. We’ve been unwell for a few days and we’re already awaiting covid tests.

Just been told he’s taken a turn and is heading to ICU. He is ECV and we’ve been so careful, we’ve not been out except to the supermarket, and we’ve avoided seeing anyone.

I’m just so worried and I know the next few days will be critical

OP posts:
frumpety · 02/01/2021 10:41

Does he have his phone and charger with him ? So he can keep in touch with you ?
Do you have a friend or relative who could drop a little care package off at the hospital for him ?
Earplugs are useful, as are decent headphones, nice wetwipes, roll on deoderant , toothbrush and toothpaste, glasses if he uses them, tablet or ipad and charger.
Don't be afraid to ring the ward for updates, they understand how hard this is for relatives at the moment, also to check they have up to date contact details for you. Flowers

Purplethrow · 02/01/2021 10:48

Wishing you both well Op , he’s in the best place and the treatment has improved. So hard not to worry though. Xx

moglovesmincepies · 02/01/2021 10:50

Flowers wishing you all a speedy recovery

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Covid-19
YesMeLady · 02/01/2021 10:53

He is in the best place and will get the care he needs. Sending lots of wishes that he recovers soon. What a shock for you all, I hope you begin to feel better soon too. Flowers

Katyy · 02/01/2021 10:57

Wishing you all the very best Flowers

Pinotwoman82 · 02/01/2021 11:01

Handhold here too Flowers xx

Original poster
Wardrobes123 · 02/01/2021 11:01

@frumpety that is extremely useful. I haven’t put anything together for him (seasoned hospital stayers so why didn’t it cross my mind). He has his phone but no charger. If I put that together today will they let someone take it into icu? Obviously it won’t be me.

Are you sure the staff won’t mind me ringing? They must be so busy, I really feel for them. Last thing they need is to field calls.

Everyone I’ve told is shocked - they know how careful we’ve been since March. I’ve not even hugged my mum for the longest time.

OP posts:
Thedarknightsaredrawingin · 02/01/2021 11:11

A bag with his name and ward can be dropped off at the hospital. Preferably disposable.
Wishing you all the best.

Sideorderofchips · 02/01/2021 11:13

Hand hold here as well op. Keeping everything crossed for you x

Lucieintheskye · 02/01/2021 11:16

Hand hold OP Flowers

You can definitely arrange to give him a bag with essentials- if possible make sure everything is labelled with his name, maybe add a little note for him for comfort.

You can absolutely phone the ward, there's always someone manning a phone and even if they can't give you every detail straight away, they will have time for you.

He'll be okay, OP. He's in the best place and they know how to help him. Keep yourself and kids busy and keep your phone on loud and near.

Do you have real life support? Even if it's someone dropping some groceries off at your door?

frumpety · 02/01/2021 11:17

They are busy, but will completely understand you wanting to know how he is doing. When you ring them, ask the best times of the day to ring, some times of the day are busier than others on the unit. It is also easier for them if just one relative does the ringing and then lets everyone else know the information, but you probably know that already.

They let me drop stuff off for my relative when he was in ICU with covid, I did this several times, because as he improved he wanted more things ! Someone would come to the door and just grab the bag. It will be worth checking though, as on the 4th trip, someone mentioned I could have just have left the stuff at the reception desk and they would have got a porter to take stuff up. Smile

CeibaTree · 02/01/2021 11:20

So sorry you are going through such a stressful time. Sending lots of positive vibes your way x

UseOfWeapons · 02/01/2021 11:23

Thinking of you both, OP, hand hold xx
Don’t worry about ringing, when I was working in ICU in the first lockdown, patients’ families were asked to nominate one contact, so that the clinical team kept in touch with one person only. The clinicians rang this contact in the morning, after lunch, and in the evening, to keep them informed. If they’re too busy, or can’t talk, they’ll tell you that if you call them, but they are fully cognisant of the fact that families are worried and need information, more so because visiting isn’t allowed. Do ring, and ask them what the protocol for keeping touch is at their unit.
Big hugs, OP. Your husband couldn’t be in better hands.

ElizaLaLa · 02/01/2021 11:28

💐

How2Help · 02/01/2021 11:33

Everyone I’ve told is shocked - they know how careful we’ve been since March. I’ve not even hugged my mum for the longest time.

I would also say that you have done the right thing even though it is so disappointing to fall ill now. By taking all this care you have given the treating team the benefit of knowledge and treatment options. So don’t feel it was all wasted, and don’t spend precious energy beating yourself up about where anyone caught it.

DianaT1969 · 02/01/2021 11:37

Do your DC have Covid OP? Have been going to school?
I really hope you get good news soon. As others said, the hospitals know how to treat this better than they did in March. Take care of yourself with fluids and rest. Have a plan for the DC in case you feel worse and need to go in. 💐

SoupDragon · 02/01/2021 11:39
Flowers
yesifibbed · 02/01/2021 11:42

You can drop a bag off for your husband. Call the ward first and check the procedure. As for calling the ward, yes they may be busy but if your DH is in ITU he will have one nurse taking care of him so they should be able to speak to you.

ZenNudist · 02/01/2021 11:44

I'm sorry you are going through this. I pray he will recover soon and that you and hour dc have the strength to get through this ordeal.

Why is he frequently in hospital?

orangeicecream · 02/01/2021 11:58

They might need to quarrentine the bag and items.... Just a thought

LIZS · 02/01/2021 11:58

He won't need much in icu though, infection control risk and things tend to go missing. Maybe some favourite toiletries/shaver/ toothbrush although they can supply basics. Hope he recovers soon and you too. Thanks

caringcarer · 02/01/2021 12:00

Sorry to hear another DH is ill with Covid in ICU. He will be well cared for in hospital. He will get Oxygen to make his breathing easier. I hope you can get an online food shop so in future don't have to go out. If your DH is ECV you should get a slot. Make sure you rest as you don't want to follow DH into hospital. Can you ring him OP?

InTheShadowOfTheMushroomCloud · 02/01/2021 12:06

My DH is in ITU at the moment with sepsis after a perforated bowel. He is improving.

I know exactly what you are going through and if you want to DM me and we can chat / have a cry.

Big big big hugs to you and the children xxxx

Spongebobsquarefringe · 02/01/2021 12:07

Handhold from me, sending lots of love Flowers

MrsM36 · 02/01/2021 12:14

I'm so sorry to hear this. My husband (40) spent 5 days in ICU just before at the beginning of December as a result of Covid related Pneumonia. It was a scary time but I am pleased to report that he came home in time for Christmas with me & our 3 daughters. He is doing really well (infact he feels so well I am having a hard time keeping him from doing too much). I know it is easier said than done but please take comfort from the fact that the Doctors and Nurses will be doing everything they can & they by their own admission know so much more about treating Covid than they did during the first wave. Xxx