DH in intensive care after stem cell transplant

[Lalaland50]

Hi, I'm devastated - after 2 years of treatment after treatment for lymphoma, my husband is in hospital having an allo stem cell transplant - he is now on +day 6 and was taking into intensive care on saturday with inflammation of the heart muscles (myocarditis). Today he had an extremely fast heart rate (190) which has now been brought down to about 138 and I've been told by the ICU doctor that he may not make it. He has fluid on his lungs and chest, and they are trying to get rid of this too. She said it hangs in the balance and he is not going in the direction they would like him to be, although he is stable at the moment. I have been asked to go and visit tomorrow with the kids (ages 9 and 12) - I asked if it was to say goodbye and the dr said not necessarily, but good to see him whilst he is alert.

I am devastated to say the least. I have spoken to his transplant haematologist in tears as i just don't understand how this has happened, and he seems to have a slightly more positive view. So, it's hard to know what to think. Has anyone had this experience before? or been in intensive care and had a good outcome? I can't believe it's come to this and don't know where to turn.

[Note from MNHQ: please read the OP's latest update before posting] www.mumsnet.com/talk/life_limiting_illness/4475712-DH-in-intensive-care-after-stem-cell-transplant?reply=117259682

I’m so pleased to hear your latest update - sending all good thoughts to you and your DH that it carries on to improve smoothly!

Temporary confusion (ICU delirium) is very common - the body and mind find it very difficult to process everything. They will help him adjust and it should pass.

Make sure you are looking after yourself too and accept all the help you can.

lala big hug from me. Hope things continue to improve. Look after yourself and accept all offers of help from family, friends and neighbours.

I'm really glad that there's been an improvement OP, and sending lots of love to you too x

Wonderful, I’m so pleased, really hope it’s the start of more positive news to come.

I hadn't posted because I've no experience and didn't know what to write, but I've been thinking of your family. So happy for you that things have taken a positive turn. I hope you can get some rest now, what you're going through is mentally exhausting so take care of yourself. Your dh is in good hands and hopefully now he's turned a corner, he will continue the recovery process smoothly

Glad things are tentatively looking more positive. Delirium is very common, it took dh several weeks to really come round and he still has very little memory of his time in icu( which is generally viewed as a good thing).

So glad you have at last had something positive. I will keep thinking of you all and hoping this is the first of many step forwards

Sounds like positive news ❤️

So pleased to hear a positive update. Hope there is further good news in the next day or so.

So pleased to read your update, a step in the right direction. Thinking of you and your family

Much love and strength to you Op. I hope DH continues to improve

Sending thoughts your way. I really hope things continue to move in a positive direction!

What a wonderful update. I’m continuing to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, OP.

Hope things continue to improve.

Hope you and your DH are going ok OP. Best wishes and positive thoughts with you x

Wonderful news OP, I'm so pleased. Heart rhythm things are so scary because they can come on so suddenly - but equally they can settle very quickly too. Sounds like getting the infection under control has hopefully got things back to normal. ICU delirium is horrible to witness but it will settle. DH went back to ICU for a debrief once he was feeling more normal and he found that very helpful, he was able to contextualise where he had been and what had happened to him.

Great news OP. Hoping he continues to improve.

Hope your husband is continuing to improve. He’s in the best hands at the moment. Hugs

Hoping it’s been another stable day for your DH today, OP Xxx

Thinking of you xx

How are things OP? You've been in my thoughts x

Sorry for silence...I've had a birthday in the house which took a lot of my energy....my DH has pulled through - he was moved last night back to the ward. Thank goodness. still some way to go for kidney and heart function to improve, but they will be monitoring closely. He may now have an infection, but I think not unexpected when he still has such a baby immune system. He seems to be immediately less groggy and confused too. I can't believe it - it's like I made the whole thing up, although I know there is still a long way to go. Your positive messages were so amazing and helped me to give him strength - I'm sure this helped to pull him through.

What fantastic news, I'm so pleased for you all.

Great news

That’s great news. I’m thrilled for you all