Handhold DH heading to ICU covid

[Wardrobes123]

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

Wardrobes, you have SO MUCH on your plate! Please ask your work for some compassionate leave.

Sorry, just seen your update.

Thank you for the update - and it’s not a rubbish update at all, never feel you have to come back on here either at all, or to keep us engaged. This is your life, and if you need to step back from writing on here that’s fine.

Hope you and the kids can get rest.

Shame work is full on, take whatever breaks you can. For example, can you furlough?

Op I just wanted to comment as it appears we are on similar journeys at the moment. My DH ( 29) has been in hospital since the 7th January ( tested positive for covid on 31st) he has no underlying conditions and has also been under care of IcU doctors. It's been the worst week for our families. We have three DC 6,4 and 9 months so it's been mentally and physically exhausting.

Been following your thread I really hope there's good news soon for you.

Thinking of you OP

@Wardrobes123

Please only 'update' when YOU want to. We are here fir you, not the other way around! Obviously we are worried for you and DH, but you have enough going on without feeling bad for not updating.

Best wishes for continued good news!

Everything sounds patronising & trite -sorry! But eat well, drink lots of water, take vitamins & TRY to sleep! Obviously take any help offered you can with the business & hugs the kids xx

I honestly sympathise so much. When my husband was on life support by baby was 8mths and the worst sleeper ever and I had a young child. I'd also been unwell too. The exhaustion was unbelievable. The stress. Surviving on pies and adrenaline (friends ordered me a huge pile of individual pies from pieminster) and ready veg which worked so well. I think that no change is tentatively good news at this stage, or as good as can be expected under the circumstances. It's not something that you can just bounce back from. It's still early days. Hang on in there. Thinking of you! X

Thinking of you too @Melabells.

Thinking of both the OP and @Melabells.

💐

Hope everyone is doing ok xx

update - tentatively slightly positive update. DH has been trying hi-flow today. It's like CPAP but less forceful in the airways. He has tolerated this for most of today and his blood gas oxygen levels (how they measure the level of oxygen in the blood) have been ok.

He has been more comfortable today because hi-flow is slightly less intensive. The nurse advised me that he will go back on CPAP tonight but that given he has been ok on hi-flow today that would hopefully mean he wouldn't be intubated tonight.

Obviously the nurse issued caution about taking this as a step forward, because covid is unpredictable and he is still at high risk. They gave me positive news several days ago and then had to backtrack so I'm really aware of that.

But I'm taking the small steps forward as a good sign. I know it could all deteriorate again tomorrow. But if he stays stable it may mean I can get some sleep tonight (and I bloody hope so as I'm in court in the morning).

to everyone like Groovin, Melabells, Vanguard and Rogue, who are all on this horrible rollercoaster.

also to everyone who has sent messages, posted on this thread and helped support us. I didn't mean to come off crabby this morning. I am just very drained but I am so grateful for the support. It's comforting to know I can talk to MN'ers any time of the day or night!

Still holding your hand OP. Everything crossed for continued good news tomorrow ♥️♥️

At times like this you have to hang on to every small update... and while tentative, this sounds like a small step in the right direction. Sending lots of love and strength.

You are an absolute warrior, your love and strength shines through every post, from my quiet corner of the UK I'm rooting for your DH

I hope you get a sliver of sleep OP xx

Sorry @Wardrobes123 that should have said every small step. Really wishing you well.

That is quite reassuring, albeit temporarily. For now. Just him being able to get a little rest. CPAP can be extremely tiring. My husband had it as his lungs collapsed/filled with fluid after he was on life support. He hated it as he was so exhausted. So, it is a positive that your husband has been able to cope with hi Flo and get a bit of rest today. Now you should do the same. If you've not already,have a nice hot shower to relax your muscles, then straight to bed. If you can't sleep, then Erik Braa Sleep stories on the calm app work for me. He does mostly long train journeys on sleeper trains. I'm off to bed myself now, but will check in again tomorrow. I have been checking your thread first thing and last thing. Still here for you (I name changed half way through this thread (was Arthursleep). Goodnight OP and fingers crossed that you get some sleep tonight and that things still slowly but steadily move in the right direction, in spite of the inevitable blips and bumps along the way. Night night. X

Still thinking of you OP and wishing you a restful night, and your DH exactly the same

Really glad that you've had some positive news OP - sending love to your DH.

I've been talking about your thread to my own DH and DCs today and regularly checking in. We're rooting for you!!

Happy to see your update, thinking of you all that are going through this time and hoping for more positive news

@Wardrobes123

Ah sorry I didn’t forget about this thread - but honestly not much has changed. DH swings between being stable on CPAP to not being stable and having doctors call me to tell me they may ventilate.

However he has managed to stay off ventilation this far. He had a bad day yesterday- he was very upset and wanted to withdraw all treatment. He was tired and some of his levels were low. He did text at several points telling me he was either being ventilated or giving up. But they gave him blood which helped. The doctors keep telling me they are very concerned, but I have no idea how to go forward and neither do they.

Meanwhile work is back in full swing and combining that with home schooling and not sleeping, means I’m permanently tired. I’m cat napping instead of trying to sleep properly.

Kids seem ok, so far. They are settling into a new routine of home schooling. They are helping a little around the house.

It’s a bit of a rubbish update but I will take the positives that it’s not worse.

@Groovinpeanut - how is your DH doing? My thoughts are with you too.

@RogueV - I hope your dad is improving on CPAP.

to anyone going through this nightmare journey, especially with covid which is so unpredictable

Wardrobes.. I am really rooting for your DH and family. My Husband has been ventilated. Having to sign his DNR was one of the most heartbreaking, and difficult things I've ever had to do... Now we wait, and hope and pray that he has the strength to fight. My love and heartfelt wishes are with you all Wardrobes. Keep strong xx

💐 and best wishes for all of you that are struggling with poorly loved ones at this time .