To ask if people recover when it gets to this stage?

[newsecretidentity]

A friend at work was taken ill very suddenly a couple of weeks ago, with pain and a high fever. She was hospitalized and treated with antibiotics for flu and pneumonia and possibly legionnaires disease. Last week her condition worsened, so she was taken to ICU, sedated and placed on a ventilator to help her breathe. She's "stable", but her condition hasn't changed in the last week. She's in her 30's and prior to this, she's been reasonably healthy.

When we first heard what had happened everybody panicked, but still thought she might be back with us in a couple of weeks. When she went to intensive care, it felt like people were preparing for the worst. Now that she's been there for a week with no change, we're realizing that if things get better, it could still be a long time before she's back with us.

I've never really known anyone who has gone through this, and what tears me up is not knowing what to expect. I don't know whether to prepare to support her through a long recovery or to brace myself for the worst.

I know nobody here can offer medical advice, but has anybody been or had a loved one in a similar circumstance who got better?

(((hugs)))

My father in law was taken ill with similar about five years ago. He was nearly 60 at the time and made a full recovery, although it did take months. The most distressing thing was the one step forward one step back thing which went along for weeks. I can't remember when he definately turned a corner - I don't think any of us allowed ourselves to velieve he was getting better until he was discharged.

I have a friend who was in a similar position a few years ago with Legionella, it was awful but she recovered but her immune system was very weak for a long time and her eye prescription changed which was odd but can happen apparently.

Wishing your friend better

Could you talk to the doctors to see what the plan is and if she's responding in the way they expect?

I was in hospital for 6 weeks with pneumonia. On life support in an induced coma with a breathing tube etc. Was in coma for 2 weeks. Eventually responded to treatment. So it's possible.

if she's a work colleague/friend the doctors shouldn't be sharing any info with you without the consent of the next of kin so don't ask.

just be there and visit and help her family. you sound so lovely op and I do hope things work out and she recovers.

No, of course they won't discuss it unless you're family,I knew that