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ICU/Critical Care/Questions Answered by Expert Wesley
| Subject | Date Asked |
| ARDS and recovery | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: I have a relative that has been in ICU at the University of Pennsylvania for 6 weeks now. He is a ... A: It really depends on the kind of H1N1 test they are running. A rapid test will almost always have a ... | |
| Induced Coma after a severe Pancreatic attack | 1/1/2010 |
| Q: I have a very dear friend who has suffered from panacreatic attacks for several years. Recently ... A: Often the pancreas can cause severe heart and lung failure. In order for a person to have a chance ... | |
| difficult removal of vent. due to extreme agitation | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: My husband was put on a ventilator 5 days ago due to pnuemonia, non viral, non bacterial. He has ... A: We often have a hard time with this. If his numbers don't change, but he is just agitated then there ... | |
| vent | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: My mom is on a vent and in ICU She had part of her lung taken out in 04. She is on oxygen all the ... A: I am sorry that you are going this hard time Peggy. I am surprised that they went straight back to ... | |
| drawing of blood from neck | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: is drawing blood from the neck of a three year old very dangerous in that it can cause a clot prior ... A: Get a lawyer. I don't answer post-forensic questions for the simple fact that is impossible to have ... | |
| MRSA lung infection | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: I was told today that sputum culture came back with MRSA infection in my lung. Put on 3 week course ... A: Well Lynn you survived lung cancer, I imagine you will survive this too. You are most likely a ... | |
| swine flu autopsy | 12/28/2009 |
| Q: My grandson fourteen years old passed away August 24,2009 of the swine flu. We had an autopsy ... A: Michelle I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. Autopsies of any kind can take an average of eight ... | |
| drawing of blood from neck | 12/27/2009 |
| Q: is drawing blood from the neck of a three year old very dangerous in that it can cause a clot prior ... A: Depending on how you mean. If it is a central line placed for the purpose of drawing blood and ... | |
| pancreatis and sepsis | 12/27/2009 |
| Q: my dad was admitted to hospital with severe abdominal cramps on the 3rd december 2009. he was ... A: There are two schools of thought on pancreatitis: drain or no drain. You have seen the the best ... | |
| mrsa pneumonia | 12/27/2009 |
| Q: My 28 yr old niece contracted the mrsa bacteria almost 2 years ago during childbirth. She was first ... A: Okay, I am going to try to answer this, write me back if I get wrong. She was told she had MRSA. ... | |
| My mom is in the ICU | 12/23/2009 |
| Q: My mom was admitted in the ICU on Thursday. She has double pneumonia and apparently symptoms of the ... A: You used all my standard answers. I've no idea how long it will take. I wish I could answer this ... | |
| Ventilator and cardiac arrest | 12/22/2009 |
| Q: My uncle a heavy smoker until 5 years ago, suffered severe breathlessness 10 days ago and again ... A: Aubrey a lot should go on now. Too much to explain here. Most important is to figure out the ... | |
| My mom is in the ICU | 12/21/2009 |
| Q: My mom was admitted in the ICU on Thursday. She has double pneumonia and apparently symptoms of the ... A: First suggestion, be patient. I hope that she progresses well and gets off the vent soon. If it ... | |
| infection due to improper hernia surgery | 12/20/2009 |
| Q: my uncle(71)was operated for hernia surgery about 13 days back and post surgery he started ... A: Bhvani, your uncle sounds fairly sick although, not outside the realm of the normal unfortunate ... | |
| Respirator | 12/19/2009 |
| Q: My dad had COPD, his carbon dioxide levels were over 100 they said? he was a retainer....was on Cpap ... A: In light of this I wonder if he was actually having one of two things: a heart attack or a pulmonary ... | |
| is there any chance of survival | 12/18/2009 |
| Q: my mother was admitted to the hospital about 2 weeks ago for what we now know is cellulitis. 2 days ... A: Oh, Marie these questions are always so hard to answer. I hope that in some way you know that if you ... | |
| Mother with pneumonia, ARDS and ventilator | 12/18/2009 |
| Q: Our mother was in for surgery to assist her with eating again. She hasn't been able to eat in 1 1/2 ... A: Stephanie, interestingly we've just completed a course with a man who had nearly the exact issues to ... | |
| very slow recovery from icu/unconsciousness | 12/17/2009 |
| Q: The sedation was stopped 4 days ago, but due to aggitation he has has several small doses of ... A: Jennie I'm sorry to hear about your dad, I hope that he is well tonight. Sedation is a tricky and ... | |
| Sepsis Shock in ICU | 12/16/2009 |
| Q: My Mom is in the icu and has been there for almost 11 days, sh went in with a bad infection on her ... A: Elizabeth I'm sorry to hear about your mom. There are only a couple of things that help creatinine. ... | |
| Alcohol withdrawal danger after bypass surgery | 12/12/2009 |
| Q: My father is currently in ICU following open heart surgery to replace a valve and perform two ... A: I'm sorry Missy, this is a unfair thing that your father has brought you all into. Yes, being ... | |
| Respirator | 12/12/2009 |
| Q: My dad had COPD, his carbon dioxide levels were over 100 they said? he was a retainer....was on Cpap ... A: Sadly, no. If he passed so quickly then I feel that he would have suffered just the more on the ... | |
| gastric issues | 12/10/2009 |
| Q: i am asking if having some gastric issues is frequent when someone is in a critical care ward. is it ... A: In a series of autopsies from 1999-2003 in deaths from unknown causes in patients in the ICU, 38% ... | |
| ALS-VENT PLUS TRACH | 12/9/2009 |
| Q: My wife is an ALS patient, bulbar onset. It has been just over a year since diagnosis. Recently, she ... A: Mike, I hope that this is not the first time the thought of 'what if' has occurred to you guys. If ... | |
| grandfather with COPD | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: I would like some help making a decision about placing a trach tube for my grandfather. He was put ... A: Well I usually say yes when asked this question, but it doesn't sound to me like he needs this yet. ... | |
| ventilator | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: My aunt has been on a ventilator for three weeks. She has five infections and herpes has been ... A: I'm sorry she has so much going on, I hope that she is comfortable and you and your family are able ... | |
| Septic Shock | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: my mother-in-law is suffering from septic shock. She had a blockage to her colon 5 days ago and had ... A: She sounds like she is making great progress and everything you describe is normal. The 'waking up' ... | |
| re: mother having a trach | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: My mother who is 79 years old with high blood pressure and surgery and also has sleep apnea. She ... A: It is important to have a specialist to care for these types of wounds. They can be very complex to ... | |
| Dad on Vent | 11/19/2009 |
| Q: Wesley, my father is 68 years old, has had 2 major strokes and is in kidney failure. He has been in ... A: Katy I am sorry that you have so much going on, I hope I can help. Typically all people develop a ... | |
| My Dad and weaning him off the trach | 11/19/2009 |
| Q: My Dad has been on the tach on&off several times this year. I would like to know if there are any ... A: I will assume that your dad has COPD for this, so if not write me back and let me know. I can't ... | |
| ICU Pneumonia | 11/17/2009 |
| Q: My father has been in ICU for 11 days. he has been having fever/flu for a week and was only given ... A: Kat I hope that the possibility that your dad had H1N1(swine) flu has occurred to someone. It sounds ... | |
| failure to wake from sedation | 11/16/2009 |
| Q: My 54 yr old mother was admitted to hospital on Friday 6th Nov with acute respiratory failure (she ... A: Donna I must apologize for not getting back to you for so long. I hope you found that the lingering ... | |
| re: mother having a trach | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: My mother who is 79 years old with high blood pressure and surgery and also has sleep apnea. She ... A: Debbie I have been unable to answer my questions for a while so I must apologize for being so late ... | |
| blood clots | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: my dad is over 80, has a pacemaker, heart valve replacement. Requires frequent blood transfusions ... A: Shawn I must apologize for not getting back to you sooner. I hope that by now, a vascular surgeon ... | |
| Coma after sever apnea and long CPR to my preterm baby | 11/14/2009 |
| Q: Currently my baby is on ventilator after sever apnea episode with depleted or no heart about 20 ... A: I must apologize for not returning to you sooner, you have had a lot to think about. By now you ... | |
| aspiration pneumonia | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: My father is 76 years old. He is now in Hospital under ventillator. 15 days back VP shunt ... A: I am concerned that I have arrived at your question too late. Please write me back and let me know ... | |
| Mother on a vent from emphysema/pneumonia and heart attacks. | 11/10/2009 |
| Q: Last Thursday on the 22nd my mom was rushed to the hospital with chest pains. We went there and ... A: Nick I have to apologize I didn't realize you had written me again. Please fill me in. The ID guys ... | |
| oneumonia | 11/10/2009 |
| Q: my father was taken to hospital with breathing difficulties last tuesday on arriving he was very ... A: Munny, I must apologize for not getting back to you sooner. I cannot answer a question as to 'how ... | |
| Treatment of Bacterial pneumonia in ICU | 11/9/2009 |
| Q: My Dad was diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia and has been admitted into ICU. He has been in ICU for ... A: Masego I must apologize for not getting back to you for so long, I have no excuse other than being ... | |
| dilantin and persistent vegitative state | 11/9/2009 |
| Q: My mother has been in a persistent vegetative state for one year. She has recently been taken off ... A: My short answer is to be cautious in assigning 'alert and responsive' to a once vegetative patient. ... | |
| Mother on a vent from emphysema/pneumonia and heart attacks. | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: Last Thursday on the 22nd my mom was rushed to the hospital with chest pains. We went there and ... A: I hope you have had time to read some of the many posts about the trach I have answered. They are ... | |
| Father | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: my father is 80 years old. Diabetic, Heart problems, altimers, high blood pressure etc.... Fell ... A: Actually it looks like the answer was cut, which happens in the input interface as I type sometimes. ... | |
| My friend is on a ventilator-how long can she be on it for? | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: My very close family friend has been on a ventilator for 5 days now. The doctors decided to sedate ... A: I'm not sure what the statistics are in the UK, but this is a dangerous time for 19yo asthmatics in ... | |
| waking up after surgery | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: mom is 74 had aorta valve replacement,during surgery they popped hole in esophagus!found 4 days ... A: Dave I'm sorry things didn't go as planned. To say the least. Simply at this point her metabolism ... | |
| during and after effects of induced coma | 10/31/2009 |
| Q: Three years ago, I caught flu which quickly deteriorated my lung capacity (i am chronically ... A: Well this is all quite possible. Some people, for a undetermined reason, become 'zombies' but not ... | |
| Mother on a vent from emphysema/pneumonia and heart attacks. | 10/31/2009 |
| Q: Last Thursday on the 22nd my mom was rushed to the hospital with chest pains. We went there and ... A: Actually, Nick this all sounds by the book. She lost a lot of weight, I bet her lipids are really ... | |
| Alcohol Withdrawal, Acute Kidney Failure, Pneumonia, Stroke | 10/31/2009 |
| Q: My father went to the ER w/ symptoms of a Severe Headache (had it off and on for 4 weeks) Black ... A: Kristin let me make a few points up front. If you drink regularly, at all, no matter the amount you ... | |
| Hemophobia? | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: I decided to contact you because there were no blood guys (and I LOOKED) and I figured there must be ... A: This is called passing out. Neurogenic shock. White wash. New nurse syncope. Lots of other cute ... | |
| dad | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: my dad has been in icu 2 months now. it started out with infected tonsils, which drained down to ... A: Okay Molly, for such a long stay you boil this down very well. Short answer is this happens ... | |
| Father | 10/29/2009 |
| Q: my father is 80 years old. Diabetic, Heart problems, altimers, high blood pressure etc.... Fell ... A: Joan I'm sorry you're having to face such a hard time. First, blood in the chest is infection so ... | |
| Lupus/Pneumonia- surgery to remove fluid sacs | 10/29/2009 |
| Q: I am 800 miles away from my best friend and she is in intensive care right now. Here is what I know ... A: I will start by saying sorry to be so long in getting back to you, I was out of town. Lupus offers ... | |
| ICU/MRSA Pneumonia/Ventilator | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: The said he has pneumonia. He is heavily sedated to the point he is not awake...ever. They did a ... A: You don't say how old your brother is or if he has other medical problems. It is strange to get MRSA ... | |
| Alcohol Withdrawl | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: The last two months my Dad who is an Alcoholic and lately has been drinking alot more than his ... A: Pauline, this a great question. Nobody ever asks. Think of alcohol as a dark filter. To get a light ... | |
| Medical Issue on Grey's Anatomy | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: On tonight's episode of Grey's Anatomy (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1497732/), a woman died of ... A: I had to Hulu this episode. Okay, think when you have seen Firefighters sitting on the side of the ... | |
| Ventilator Weaning | 10/20/2009 |
| Q: My brother-in-law had bypass heart surgery on Sept. 29, 2009. It was successful. Unfortunately, ... A: In terms of his lungs, yes they should 'recover'. Unfortunately, they are not usually the real ... | |
| Intubation failed prior to CABG | 10/19/2009 |
| Q: My father recently had a minor heart attack. Following the diagnosis and a cardio cat we were ... A: 1. Not often. Never if you try hard enough. We use cameras and imaging devices to find the airway. ... | |
| Tracheal Tube weaning process | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: My husband is not on a respirator, but still has a tracheal tube with about 28% oxygen (humidified) ... A: Well the only real answer is that there is no schedule for these things. He will need to be able to ... | |
| weaning from vent for chf pt | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: My husband had an ascending aortic aneurysm repair 2 weeks ago. Though he was a redo ...had cabg in ... A: Prognosis is always a hard to predict from a limited view. I can tell you that as a impression from ... | |
| grandmother on respirator secondary to pneumonia | 10/13/2009 |
| Q: I am hoping you can help with this bad situation. My grandmother was admitted to the hospital on ... A: I cannot tell exactly, but from this bit of information the likelihood of bad things going on is ... | |
| venilator | 10/4/2009 |
| Q: My mom got real sick and they started treating her for Pneumonia then they started treating her for ... A: As a statistical variance this happens about 3-5% of the time to people. It probably has to do with ... | |
| Head Trama ????? | 10/3/2009 |
| Q: My mother was found at home unresponsive. We think she had been that way for around 18 hours. She is ... A: She probably has an infection. It's not 'trauma' because there would be trauma. Pneumonia, a UTI ... | |
| Ventilator for paralyzed diaphragm | 10/3/2009 |
| Q: I have been diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome and have paralyzed vocal cords and once side of my ... A: No, you don't. I use Christopher Reeve as an example alot to tell people that a vent is not a 'iron ... | |
| Cancer | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: My mother in law gone through brest cancer and than to bone cancer chemotherapy and it spread over ... A: I think i may be answering this question twice, so if you get two answers to this I apoligize. In ... | |
| cancer/infection and icu care | 9/20/2009 |
| Q: my father was diagnosed with AML and died 3 weeks later after developing an infection post inductive ... A: In persons who have a progressive and uncontrolled cancer, chemotherapy is both a blessing and a ... | |
| Ventilator | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: My mother was in ICU at the hospital for a month. She went to the hospital for pain in her right ... A: Me either really. Every day they should be trying to wake her up. If she becomes confused, agitated ... | |
| vent/trach | 9/12/2009 |
| Q: End of July my mother and I were at a red light when we were hit head on. Mother broke her neck and ... A: Actually, I have no idea what a internal or external lung is. How about inferior and superior or ... | |
| vent/trach | 9/6/2009 |
| Q: End of July my mother and I were at a red light when we were hit head on. Mother broke her neck and ... A: Lyn there are lots of subtle problems with your story, I hope you understand that I empathize, but ... | |
| please decipher | 9/2/2009 |
| Q: I had a Chest CT scan... hx of dvt x2 and pe, on coumadin lifelong ct results: there is a mosiac ... A: Most people don't think of this but when you have a PE, you lose lung tissue. It dies. So this ... | |
| ventilator vs tracheostomy | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: My mother who is 67 years old, a diabetic, has high blood pressure, underwent surgery to remove part ... A: Brittany sorry to be so long getting back to you. Simply put, yes it is. I answer this question ... | |
| my mom is currently on a ventilator | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: my mom is a 290 lb. woman who has been diagnosed with c.o.p.d., emphasema, sleep apnea and has had ... A: Well I am late in returning this post, I apologize. Two things to be short, cause I feel that this ... | |
| Asthma attack and upper abdomin pain following attack | 8/30/2009 |
| Q: I had an asthma attack last Thursday that woke me up at 3 am with fever feeling, burning lungs. I ... A: Eric, I would not be surprised to hear that you also suffer the occasional bout of heartburn? ... | |
| Legionairre pneumonia | 8/22/2009 |
| Q: My best friend Jeff (35-light drinker, non-smoker, athletic, 25lbs overweight at best) is in ICU for ... A: Well, first of all, Legionnaires is contagious. Very contagious. It should be reported to the Health ... | |
| Grandfather in ICU for almost 2 months | 8/17/2009 |
| Q: My grandfather was admitted into the ICU on July 4th after being taken to the hospital with severe ... A: You have provided a lot of information so I think I can throw some things out to think about. I am ... | |
| Undiagnosed cancer- in ICU on resparator | 8/16/2009 |
| Q: My mother was having chest and back pains about 3 weeks ago. She admitted herself into the hospital ... A: Unfortunately, they are not ending her life, the cancer is. It will be isolated eventually. This ... | |
| urgent query!!! | 8/9/2009 |
| Q: Please answer me!my father is currently in med ICU for the past 1 wk.it all started by fever and ... A: Reeves everything here sounds very complete. I lean towards the thought that, based on this cascade ... | |
| Removing ICU Patient from Ventilator | 8/7/2009 |
| Q: If a patient is in the ICU on a ventilator and it is known that the patient desires not to be on the ... A: Susan, it's a catch-22. Could she, could you, did all of that really happen, is the whole thing ... | |
| Removing ICU Patient from Ventilator | 8/6/2009 |
| Q: If a patient is in the ICU on a ventilator and it is known that the patient desires not to be on the ... A: Susan this is a delicate question to answer. If everyone is in agreement that the patient is awake ... | |
| ICU/Ventilator | 8/5/2009 |
| Q: Very close friend dx with Swine flu, then pneumonia, now on a ventilator and they are saying ... A: Susan, I feel much like you after reading your letter. It might be this, it could be that is very ... | |
| ventilator | 8/4/2009 |
| Q: What is the maximum time that a person can be on a ventilator? The hospital wants to do a trach, ... A: 6 to 7 months 5 years, it's really all relative. Unless they had underlying 'terminal lung disease', ... | |
| ICU - pancreatitis patient | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: My sister is a 46 year old who was admitted to the hospital 2 1/2 weeks ago. Within 4 days, she was ... A: Kelley, I'm not going to sugar-coat this too much, she's in a bad way. After the 48 hour mark, ... | |
| my dad overdosed Tuesday July 21 2009 | 7/26/2009 |
| Q: My father took methadone, xanax, and smoked marijuana. (SP) He was home with his wife and she is a ... A: Oh, Angela what a tale. What your dad is experiencing, amongst other things, is withdrawal. Heavy ... | |
| Sepsis, Double Pneumonia and Alcohol Withdrawal | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: My sister in law was admitted to the ICI 8 days ago with double pneumonia, sepsis and low and ... A: Joyce this is very normal in cases of withdrawal and pneumonia. Compounding her case is the ... | |
| ventilator | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: My mum has been in intensive care for two weeks now and has been on a ventilator for the whole ... A: Well Sarah the short answer is forever. If you remember, Christopher Reeves (the Superman actor who ... | |
| bladder surgery | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: what is your opinion of someone who has needs bladder surgery and has pulmonary fibrosis? A: Marilyn that's a tough one. It can be done safely, as long as everybody knows that the patient has ... | |
| Dad in ICU Ventilator Ileus Situation | 6/26/2009 |
| Q: My father went into the ICU at a hospital in CT on Sunday June 14th. For the past two months his ... A: Matt sorry to hear about your situation. More than anything, everybody needs to understand that the ... | |
| untreatable severe pain in the ICU | 6/22/2009 |
| Q: I was told that there are common conditions in the ICU such as hemodynamic instability and CHF where ... A: Developing a case of malpractice is for other forums. I think you should have a case review with the ... | |
| checking placement & residual volume of NG tubes | 6/20/2009 |
| Q: I'm looking for the latest research RE approved techniques for checking NG,NI, & PEG tubes. Can you ... A: This is a hot topic Linda. There have been several recent recommendations from the governing ... | |
| untreatable severe pain in the ICU | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: I was told that there are common conditions in the ICU such as hemodynamic instability and CHF where ... A: Horsehockey. I don't believe there is a such thing, never have, never will. If a doctor or nurse ... | |
| Complications - Brain Surgery | 6/15/2009 |
| Q: Our relative had brain tumor successfully removed last month. The tumor took 1/4 of his brain and ... A: I am uncertain that I can answer this to any better extent as the surgeon. He or she would probably ... | |
| Ventilator after MI | 6/4/2009 |
| Q: My dad had a massive heart attack ( Twice ) and currently in comatose state - He has been on ... A: Rahul I am so sorry to hear about your Dad and I hope that by the time you receive this answer you ... | |
| trach weaning with COPD, Sleep Apnea & other injuries. | 6/3/2009 |
| Q: Three weeks ago my dad was in a severe car wreck requiring surgery to C4-6 vertebra, facial surgery ... A: Cathy I hope things get better for your Dad soon. Certainly lung/acute care rehab hospitals are ... | |
| Sister in ICU | 6/2/2009 |
| Q: My sister went into the hospital on 5/25/09 with severe cough, nausea and vomiting. She was also ... A: Romie I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I am going to write this assuming the chemo is ... | |
| Copd and ventilator | 5/30/2009 |
| Q: My mom is in icu you on a ventilator for 7 days now They keep trying to take her off but when they ... A: I know you are in a difficult time now Cheryl, I'll try to help. This is a frequent question I ... | |
| Can you help ? | 5/29/2009 |
| Q: We currently have a patient, named X, 16 years/Female, admitted to our ICU. She has Pericardial ... A: Good day and I apologize for being so late in getting back to you. You mention some really ... | |
| Not sure what's going on.... | 5/24/2009 |
| Q: I'm a 28 y/o F. 3 days ago, I noticed a considerable difference in my left ribcage sticking out. ... A: So this points to the heart as the source. Cardiomegaly, or abnormally large heart, can cause ... | |
| At Home post OHS with temp. dialysis and fluid fluctuations..now problems with bowels | 5/23/2009 |
| Q: I have my 55yo husband at home post OHS and he and I decided not to take the stool softners ... A: Well I am correcting one thing of myself first it's called 'hypo'ventilation syndrome, I didn't ... | |
| At Home post OHS with temp. dialysis and fluid fluctuations..now problems with bowels | 5/23/2009 |
| Q: I have my 55yo husband at home post OHS and he and I decided not to take the stool softners ... A: Marie you have a lot going on in your house! I am going to assume you are meaning Obesity ... | |
| Not sure what's going on.... | 5/22/2009 |
| Q: I'm a 28 y/o F. 3 days ago, I noticed a considerable difference in my left ribcage sticking out. ... A: I too have been trying to find a descent answer for you and this is the best I have. It could be a ... | |
| ventilator | 5/18/2009 |
| Q: My mom's been in the ICU and on a ventilator twice in the last 2 weeks. The first time she pulled ... A: Ann I'm glad to hear that your Mom is getting better. In terms of tests to inquire about I would ... | |
| From tube to BiPaP | 5/15/2009 |
| Q: My mother was diagnosed with pneumonia and was put on the tube for about 2 weeks. They wanted to do ... A: Well Jason that's a double-edged sword: trach or no trach. On one hand, a trach can make it MUCH ... | |
| Removal of husband's trache | 5/13/2009 |
| Q: My husband has successfully come through pneumonia and infection in the blood. He was on a ... A: Gloria it sounds like he is going great. Usually we would leave a trach in place "just in case". ... | |
| weaning from ventilator | 5/11/2009 |
| Q: My 78 yr old father had no problems breathing when he entered hospital with a UTI/sepsis. He does ... A: Oh, I should really have guessed that I guess. (The trach I mean.) Then I would be worried that he ... | |
| weaning from ventilator | 5/10/2009 |
| Q: My 78 yr old father had no problems breathing when he entered hospital with a UTI/sepsis. He does ... A: Well Jane, I would say that it would make more sense to just remove the tube and let him fly for a ... | |
| patient is still on ventilator | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: my frnd met with an accident one week ago.He got injuries in his head.He is still on ... A: I'm sorry to hear to about your friend. It is always hard to tell to about how much a person is ... | |
| Swine Flu? | 5/3/2009 |
| Q: The internet says that the swine flu symptons are: Fever Cough Sore throat Body aches ... A: I would say that you qualify to be seen by a MD in light of the current concern over the new flu. ... | |
| MRSA | 4/26/2009 |
| Q: My dad 92yrs old is in ICU..pneumonia caused by MRSA.He is responding well to antibiotics.I would ... A: Yee. Cultures of his sputum can determine if the MRSA is still present in the secretions from his ... | |
| possibility of recovery | 4/26/2009 |
| Q: My husband was admitted to ICU on March 12 with double pneumonia and sepsis. He has had a ... A: I am sorry to hear that your husband is so sick, but have hope, he can recover. We were visited on ... | |
| Pneumonia and confusion | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: My 66 year old mother was admitted to the hospital 5 days ago with a really bad case of pneumonia. ... A: Jenni this a common occurrence, and has many causes. I'll talk about three with the understanding ... | |
| infant post op | 4/18/2009 |
| Q: My 4 month old son spent 2 extra nights in the ICU after his pacemaker surgery. here is the story. ... A: I think the answer is in the syndrome itself Dave. Brugada Syndrome is a sodium channel disease ... | |
| Heart Bypass complication after complication after complication | 4/18/2009 |
| Q: could you give me your take on this? March 23rd, 74 year old, no symptoms of heart problems but ahs ... A: I'm coming back to your post kind of late in the week and you have the answer by now. Brainstem ... | |
| Heart Bypass complication after complication after complication | 4/16/2009 |
| Q: could you give me your take on this? March 23rd, 74 year old, no symptoms of heart problems but ahs ... A: Jill this is a lot, but not out of the ordinary. The day or so after surgery, is typical. Get up, ... | |
| ventilator weaning problems | 4/4/2009 |
| Q: my gran had cardiac surgery and was admitted to ICU. tried to be revived 3 times unsuccessfully due ... A: Waseem its great to hear of her continued recovery. To me she sounds like she is progressing just as ... | |
| Last Wills?Living wills | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: I am a working RN Can I witness a last will and testiment? Can I witness a living will? Should I do ... A: If the certifying official is there and the parties are in agreement that you are neutral to the ... | |
| Bi-PAP | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: My father recently presented to the hospital with a severe pneumonia in one lung that quickly spread ... A: They would have been much easier on his body and perhaps his well-being as well. The effort to ... | |
| Complications after Brain Surgery | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: My husband underwent a 9 1/2 hour brain surgery last Tuesday to remove a benign tumor on his brain. ... A: I'm curious to know if this tumor was near his pituitary gland? or the front of the brain? These ... | |
| Bi-PAP | 3/25/2009 |
| Q: My father recently presented to the hospital with a severe pneumonia in one lung that quickly spread ... A: Mimi I had to read your letter twice to soak it all in. Now I can only say 'what the hell going on ... | |
| icu after surgery | 3/24/2009 |
| Q: My mother in law has been in hospital for past week probable diagnosis of some type of lymphoma. ... A: Well Paul, this is a very common problem. She's just not breathing deep, nor often enough. This ... | |
| Ventilator | 3/24/2009 |
| Q: 51 yr old taken to hosp with severe breathing issues, water retention and obstructive sleep apnea; ... A: Pamela it doesn't sound like he's ready yet. Mostly surgeons won't do the trach if the vent settings ... | |
| my mother | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: is there a set time limit you can be on a ventilator until they have to put in a trach? i've heard ... A: that is a common question. Normally around 10 to 16 days, depending on the circumstances. If a ... | |
| Father in ICU in Spain | 3/1/2009 |
| Q: My Father is 81. Very fit and active. He recently had a fall broke his hip. He lives in Spain. They ... A: Well Simon I'm sorry to hear about your father, but it sounds like he is doing fairly well. Having ... | |
| failed liver transplant | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: My uncle had a liver transplant about 2 weeks ago. The liver has died and had to be removed. How ... A: Karen a person can live about an hour without a liver. Now, exactly what do you mean that it was ... | |
| How long can you be sedated in the ICU? | 2/15/2009 |
| Q: My friend (male, early 30's, happily married, two babies, normally healthy) has been sedated in ICU ... A: Sorry to be so long in getting back to you, but occupational hazards have left me with a bad Strep ... | |
| ventilator | 2/11/2009 |
| Q: My husband has emphysema and on the 3rd of January went to the emergency room. He had had a tickle ... A: Statistically with each trip back to the ventilator it is true that a person is less likely to ... | |
| ill grandmother | 2/2/2009 |
| Q: I have a very ill grandmother, who has been in ICU for weeks. She has multiple health issues, but ... A: Shawna I am sorry to hear about your grandmother. Her story and situation is quite a common ... | |
| Interpreting a clinical trial | 2/2/2009 |
| Q: I need to feedback to a group about a clinical trial. It discusses that the trial is a prospective, ... A: Morven. A masked trial means that the administrators at the bedside don't know what they are ... | |
| recovery after spinal surgery | 1/24/2009 |
| Q: My nephew was airlifted to a hospital in Miami on Sunday after being in a car accident in the USVI. ... A: I have sent the message back a few times since your last post that you may re-write me if you needed ... | |
| recovery after spinal surgery | 1/22/2009 |
| Q: My nephew was airlifted to a hospital in Miami on Sunday after being in a car accident in the USVI. ... A: The trach and I assume a PEG, or tube into the stomach, will help long term with many things. Easy ... | |
| recovery after spinal surgery | 1/16/2009 |
| Q: My nephew was airlifted to a hospital in Miami on Sunday after being in a car accident in the USVI. ... A: Sue I'm sorry to hear about your nephew. I'm afraid that there is no real way to know at this point ... | |
| weaning from tracheotomy tube | 1/15/2009 |
| Q: she has copd and has bouts of chest infections and pneumonia.she is in icu at the moment and has a ... A: My only way to answer this is to say that the MD's can only 'do' what they discuss with the family. ... | |
| open heart surgery/waking up? | 1/5/2009 |
| Q: Background on my dad, 79 y.o. Had open heart surgery on Dec. 1oth for 2 valve replacements and one ... A: Patty you have a lot going on. No, he is not brain dead if he moves his limbs. He is suffering the ... | |
| Quick Question | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: I am a 49 year old indiviual. I am on disability for OCD. My question is this...I would like to make ... A: Below you will find a link to your states health department and their directives on aspects on the ... | |
| Answers back to you below your answers to me and Thank YOU | 1/1/2009 |
| Q: My Mother passed away July 5, 2008 of Pulmonary Fibrosis. The start of her medical problems ... A: Celebrex,plavix,evista,baby aspirin, are all known to cause bleeding individually. Combined they can ... | |
| withdrew feeding tube | 12/21/2008 |
| Q: My mother in law had a massive heart attack followed by a stroke which has damaged 3/4 of the left ... A: I'm so sorry that you and your family are going through this. From a pure process point of view, ... | |
| ventilator weaning process, ICU | 12/19/2008 |
| Q: My mother had an emergency spleenectomy because her spleen was damaged during a colonoscopy...she ... A: It is very normal to have setbacks when dealing with these things. You are experiencing exactly the ... | |
| ventilator weaning process, ICU | 12/18/2008 |
| Q: My mother had an emergency spleenectomy because her spleen was damaged during a colonoscopy...she ... A: Jennifer. It sounds to me like your mom is in a good place and progressing well. In fact, periods ... | |
| ccu post heart attack | 12/14/2008 |
| Q: My 82 year old mother in law has had a few minor heart attacks and strokes the past year gradually ... A: I never 'believe' something until I see it myself. It's hard to say that she is or isn't until she ... | |
| ccu post heart attack | 12/11/2008 |
| Q: My 82 year old mother in law has had a few minor heart attacks and strokes the past year gradually ... A: This is a hard time for your family, one of the hardest, and I'm sorry to have to come to know you ... | |
| ventilator | 12/8/2008 |
| Q: my dad had surgery on his lung for lung cancer and he has emphysema there was problems after surgery ... A: I am sorry to hear about your dad. It happens that I have just closed a chapter on a long term of ... | |
| Pulse Ox levels | 12/3/2008 |
| Q: How low can your pulse ox be before brain damage occurs. My 21 month old went into the ER for a ... A: and I hope that your son is getting better. A quick answer to your question is I don't know. A ... | |
| ICU TRAUMA TO LUNGS | 12/2/2008 |
| Q: MY BROTHER IS IN ICU HAS BEEN FOR 6DAYS NOW.HE WAS STABBED SEVERAL TIMES ONE WAS THRU HIS LUNG INTO ... A: I'm going to try to weed out the story a little and if I get too far off please write me back. ... | |
| blood clots | 11/17/2008 |
| Q: I have heard of medical reasons to discorage blood clotting... like anti coagulant medicines. But I ... A: Good question, Lia. We would want to make blood clot if it were too thin in cases of bleeding and ... | |
| My Father | 11/11/2008 |
| Q: my father (who was a peritineal dialysis patient) has been in ccu for about 15 days now. he was ... A: I hope I can help you some, you certainly could use it. More than likely being sick and ... | |
| Question about rabies | 11/9/2008 |
| Q: In movies, they always show people or animals who are infected with rabies, going around and ... A: Not really the normal question David. However, in real life (not the movies) most people in ... | |
| My Father | 11/2/2008 |
| Q: my father (who was a peritineal dialysis patient) has been in ccu for about 15 days now. he was ... A: What a hard situation to be in, I'm really sorry that your family is going though such a hard time. ... | |
| Neuro ICU | 10/26/2008 |
| Q: My boyfriend and i were in a bad car accident nearly six weeks ago..i had a good few broken bones ... A: You're right I can't tell you for sure. But I'll tell you a few things to think about. I cared for ... | |
| icu//trach/vent | 10/20/2008 |
| Q: my dad has been in icu for 48 days. he has been on dialysis for app 1 year.he has had copd for app 9 ... A: Oh, Kathy this is a lot. I would ask a few straightforward questions first: -If this heart cath ... | |
| pelvic fracture | 10/20/2008 |
| Q: I fractured my pelvis about 11 weeks ago and I'm still a little numb in an area from my front around ... A: Numbness is not usually a longterm problem. If you mean you are numb around your pubis, (i.e. ... | |
| how do you think my grandmother's outcome will be? | 10/19/2008 |
| Q: My grandma has been in CCU for over a week now on a ventilater. She is fighting anomonia, has no ... A: Well to start with I'm sorry to hear that she is so sick. Universally, a trach is not a 'bad' ... | |
| Father | 10/13/2008 |
| Q: on September 28th my father was at work and fell 30 feet of a bucket truck. Every bone in the left ... A: I would be very concerned. Acute changes in mentation are always concerning, especially in the ... | |
| ICU/Ventilator | 10/13/2008 |
| Q: My dad is 58 yrs old. He has begining infar dementia and is Diebetic. He got sick(stomach bug) on ... A: Well as an umbrella problem I'd say that your dad had Pancreatitis. It makes you feel like you are ... | |
| Rectal bleeding after exlax usage | 10/11/2008 |
| Q: For about a week or so my stomach have been feeling a little strange so I took a couple of exlax ... A: Turn your computer off and go to the nearest ER. You have an internal bleeding problem that needs to ... | |
| mom on ventilator | 10/9/2008 |
| Q: any info appreciated, thank you! to make a long story long. my mom 72 bent over and hurt her back. ... A: My biggest peice of advice: take a deep breath. If you have read any of my posts you know I kinda ... | |
| Terrifying experience | 10/8/2008 |
| Q: Approximately one month ago I had an experience while riding my horse that aboslutely terrified me. ... A: Wow, what a strange story. Not that strange though. Here's another story to compare yours for ... | |
| fertility after illness | 9/20/2008 |
| Q: .. Perhaps this is not your area of expertise but I can't find a category to fit my question. My ... A: Well it happens that my wife is a Maternal and Newborn Educator at a Women's hospital. The fact is ... | |
| CPAP tests and eating and drinking with a trach | 9/13/2008 |
| Q: My husband has been in the hospital almost 6 weeks now, originally for voluntary detox from alcohol. ... A: Inanda you have your hands full bless your heart! I'm gonna jump in and trim some of this down. I ... | |
| slencectomy | 9/10/2008 |
| Q: my boyfriend had a motorcycle accident six weeks ago and he had his spleen removed. His lower ... A: You happened to catch me on a day off, so it's my pleasure. Physical activity should be dictated by ... | |
| slencectomy | 9/10/2008 |
| Q: my boyfriend had a motorcycle accident six weeks ago and he had his spleen removed. His lower ... A: Okay Crystal I'll try to touch on some things to think about. If he was in the bed for a while then ... | |
| Opening the eye | 9/7/2008 |
| Q: My question is if you are brain dead do you open and shut your eyes w/out blinking or movement? A ... A: I am sorry to hear that you have had to experience such a horrible death for a friend. To even ... | |
| splenomegaly | 9/6/2008 |
| Q: i am a 55 yr old male. i had a little discomfort in right side after eating so my doctor sent me for ... A: Joseph you are old enough to remember the classic bout where Ali jumped around the ring swinging his ... | |
| pulmonary embolism | 8/19/2008 |
| Q: my father was diagnosed with right mainstream pulmonary embolisms. To complicate matters, he has a ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your dad, Wendi, I hope he gets better. As I understand the underlying ... | |
| seizures | 8/18/2008 |
| Q: i have had 3 sezures in two days an luckly have not hurt anything in my mouth but my question is ... A: Natalie I'm gonna be kinda funny here and say that the best thing you could put in your mouth right ... | |
| swelling in right arm | 8/7/2008 |
| Q: my dad had been in icu for 5 months. he has ha mrsa and he also had distal pancrectomy (not cancer ... A: I hope that your dad continues to do well despite this new worry. If tests of the arm are ... | |
| CVP set up apparatus | 8/1/2008 |
| Q: I want to know how to set up a CVP monitor once the Triple lumen catheter is inserted. For example, ... A: and welcome. I am happy to answer this question if you answer a few first. Are you a nurse or other ... | |
| coma patient | 7/21/2008 |
| Q: Is it likely that a patient who has been in a coma for a long period would receive a 'flu jab? ... A: First let me apologize for the delay in getting back to you, I've been out of town. By 'flu jab' I ... | |
| Pulse Oximetry levels | 7/14/2008 |
| Q: My father in law suffers from Parkinson's disease and recently had a spell where he was unable to ... A: I do have personal and rather intimate knowledge of the progression of the disease. A dear friend ... | |
| Pulse Oximetry levels | 7/7/2008 |
| Q: My father in law suffers from Parkinson's disease and recently had a spell where he was unable to ... A: I'm sorry to hear that your father-in-law has had a turn towards bad health. Parkinson's is a often ... | |
| need acronym expansion | 5/30/2008 |
| Q: What does P/A mean? I found the term on a patient's chart, page entitled "Patient Flow Sheet," ... A: Pulmonary artery if it is accompanied with numbers that look like blood pressures. 20/10, 30/20 ... | |
| coma patient | 5/24/2008 |
| Q: My mom recently suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. She has been in a coma for approx 3.5 weeks. We think ... A: I am sorry to hear that your mom has been so ill. You are going through one of the most frustrating ... | |
ICU/Critical Care
Answers by Expert:
Wesley
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can translate the jargon and answer the complex emotional and medical questions related to an ICU stay. I am a constant student of the changing face of Medicine, and hopefully I can help you come to a better understanding about what you can expect during your stressful time. I find that once the language is explained a little clearer, the puzzle comes more into focus. Usually, just to know that you are not alone may help. I am familar with all facets of critical care except transplant and neonatal care. Questions about Sepsis, ventilation, gall bladders, hemodialysis, complicated cancer surgery and alcohol withdrawal, suicide/overdose attempts are welcome. Students are welcome
Experience
12 years as an ICU nurse and 2 yrs on Neurosurgery. Mentor, teacher, been there in your shoes myself.
Education/Credentials
BSN from Clemson, 15yrs grunt medic in the ARMY.
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