Update on My 74-Year-Old Mother's Ventilator Weaning Process
Hello everyone, I wanted to share an update regarding my mother, who is 74 years old, has no prior lung issues, and is a non-smoker. About a month ago, she unexpectedly entered septic shock and developed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Thankfully, after around a week, the medical team managed to bring her out of a medically induced coma. She has successfully battled various infections and a tension pneumothorax during this difficult time. For the past two and a half weeks, the healthcare professionals have been gradually weaning her off the ventilator. Initially, they employed Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), and approximately three to four days ago, they began administering oxygen through her tracheostomy mask. Throughout this period, she has undergone several trials lasting two, three, and four hours. Today, she participated in a six-hour trial, although she required a break after three hours on the second attempt. I am hopeful that her recovery is progressing well, perhaps even better than anticipated. However, I wonder if it is typical for patients to experience fatigue during extended trial periods. Essentially, she was active for a cumulative twelve hours, only taking a two-hour rest between the trials, and she has only been awake for about three weeks. I’m seeking insights and experiences from anyone who may have professional or personal knowledge about similar situations. Although I have confidence in the medical staff, I would appreciate any additional information.
Answers (1)
6/30/2025, 1:40:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's encouraging to hear about your mother's recovery progress after such a challenging medical situation. It’s completely normal for patients recovering from severe illnesses, like ARDS and septic shock, to experience fatigue, especially during the ventilator weaning process.
Explanation:
During the weaning phase, where a patient transitions from mechanical ventilation to breathing independently, it is common for them to feel fatigued. This is because their body is still healing from the stress of severe illness and the effects of prolonged ventilation. Factors such as weakness from being on the ventilator, the energy required for independent breathing, and the general exhaustion from their medical condition can all contribute to feelings of fatigue.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Fatigue Levels: Keep a close eye on how she responds during the weaning trials. Note any signs of extreme fatigue (like increased breathlessness or confusion) and communicate this to her healthcare team.
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Rest is Key: Ensure she gets adequate rest between trial periods. While her body adjusts, allowing her to rest longer if needed is vital for overall recovery.
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Supportive Environment: Create a calm and supportive environment around her while she recovers. Gentle encouragement can help her maintain motivation during therapy sessions or trials.
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Nutrition and Hydration: Ensure she has access to nutritious meals and stays well-hydrated, as these are crucial for recovery and energy restoration.
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Communication with the Team: Maintain open communication with her medical team. If her fatigue seems excessive or doesn’t improve with time, ensure that you address this with them. They may provide further adjustments in her care or explain the expected course of recovery better.
It's a good sign that she is participating in extended trials. Recovery can be a gradual process, and patience is essential. You're doing a wonderful job supporting her—let the healthcare team guide you, and don't hesitate to seek answers to your concerns.
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