The ICU experience from a loved one's perspective

This is my first time of having a close family member in ICU. I am exhausted and chose to stay home today in order to prepare for my husband's doctor appointment this afternoon.

I wish I could be in both places at once. We have a young teenager at home, so I also feel I should be here for him. To have some semblance of normalcy.

My daughter is on a ventilator. She is recovering from pneumonia and also has CHF.

@andreab, do you have any advice for me? I talk to her, because I believe she can hear me. Not all the time. But sometimes her eyelids flutter. As if she can't quite wake up. She's sedated. They want her to rest.

Mamacita Jane

@annie Johnson, so what do you suggest I do when I have evidence of neglect on the part of two nurses?

If I sue the hospital, her future treatmemt is at risk at this same hospital.

The hospital was not neglectful, just the two nurses who failed to care for my daughter, resulting in her being placed on a ventilator due to pneumonia.

Any thoughts?

Mamacita Jane

@mamacita, rest is a great healer for both you and your daughter. It is so hard to be the main caregiver to all family members. I think talking to your daughter is good for both of you. I'm tagging @andreab to bring her into this discussion too.

Mamacita, I hope you are having a long and restful sleep tonight away from the beeping and constant activity of the ICU room. Will you return tomorrow? Have you been sleeping there?

Oh, @mamacita. I'm so sorry to hear that you have lost confidence in the care your daughter is receiving at the local hospital. Have you asked if there is a department of patient relations, sometimes called office of patient experience? Most hospitals have them and can help mediate the immediate issue and, more importantly, avoid further potential harm.

Hello @mamacita

How very stressful! I do hope you follow up on Colleen's. @colleenyoung, suggestion about contacting the hospital's patient relations office. It might bring to light a problem and when the hospital addresses that problem you might also save other patients (and their families) from a similar experience. Wishing you and your daughter a better day today.

@teresa, yes ma'am. I am definitely speaking with the patient advocate. Im sorry I haven't got back to you guys sooner.

I had to take a day off to take care of some business. Stuarts hand is swollen and he cannot drive one handed. So guess who gets to be the chauffer.

I jusr channel my "inner Lizzie" and forge ahead. (Lizzie is my youngest daughter and learned how to drive a bus in the Army)

This is rough. I'm so appreciative of all of you.

Love and light,
Mamacita Jane

@mamacita We're here for you!

@mamacita how are you and your daughter doing this evening?

@colleenyoung , I am scattered, but greatful. She is still on the ventilator due to the seriousness of her pneumonia.

But she is getting better. Its just a slow process. Her lungs were not in great shape to begin with.

Thank you for all your support. Connect is family.
Love and hugs,
Mamacita Jane

@teresa, Volunteer Mentor, and @colleenyoung, we are back in rhe ICU waiting room. My daughter from GA is here, and my husband, and our teen.

They won't let you spend the night here.
I played hooky yesterday and rested. Recharged my batteries.

They are still trying to get her off the ventilater. But her oxygen level goes so low. Her lungs are so weak. Her muscles are weak.

But she is in good hands.

Thank you all for your kind support.
Love and light,
Mamacita Jane