Emergency research help requested.
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My S.O.’s dad is in the hospital due to aspiration pneumonia from problems he has swallowing due to scar tissue in this throat from acid reflux. They are playing the Covid test game.
I am afraid they will try to make him into a Covid case and give him Remdemsivr and other things.
I have warned S.O. about this. I cannot be with him. He went to Illinois where his dad lives to be with him. I am still in Ohio.
I think my boyfriend thinks I am too much of a conspiracy nut on these issues.
I am asking of you on this Q thread series to find and post some things on the games hospitals are playing with this Covid diagnosis business to get money so I can send them to S.O.
I can’t do that right now. I have to work and have important meetings coming up that I cannot miss.
Thank you in advance.
Commandment 11: Don’t sweat the small stuff
Your concerns about them trying to use Remdesivir are very warranted.
I think we all know that the nursing staff at most hospitals used to call it “run, death is near” and not because it was a last ditch effort but rather an agent of euthanasia disguised as a treatment.
A former co-worker and friend almost got killed by the hospital administering that crap about 4 or 5 years ago. His family stopped that treatment, and after a bit of time, he recovered.
I have NO trust in our medical establishment these days. Which is a shame. most have forgotten the Hippocratic oath.
Praying for all of you and that this situation would have a good outcome.
Key complications of ventilators include:
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP): This is a common and serious risk, where germs enter the lungs via the breathing tube and cause an infection. The tube makes it difficult to cough and clear airways naturally.
Lung injury: The pressure and volume of air forced into the lungs can cause damage.
Barotrauma: High pressure can lead to air leaks (e.g., pneumothorax), which can cause a lung to collapse.
Volutrauma/Atelectrauma: Overstretching some parts of the lung and the repeated collapse and reopening of tiny air sacs (alveoli) can cause microscopic tissue damage and inflammation.
Respiratory muscle weakness: Long-term use of a ventilator can weaken the diaphragm and other breathing muscles, making it harder for the patient to breathe on their own once the underlying condition has improved.
Cardiovascular effects: The positive pressure can increase pressure in the chest cavity, which may decrease blood pressure and affect how the heart works.
Other infections: Sinus infections are possible, especially with tubes placed through the nose or mouth.
Medication side effects: The necessary sedatives, painkillers, and antibiotics can cause side effects like muscle weakness and delirium.
Vocal cord damage: The breathing tube can cause temporary or permanent damage to the vocal cords.
Blood clots and skin breakdown: These risks stem from staying in one position for long periods while critically ill.
Healthcare teams use specific strategies, such as using low tidal volumes, appropriate positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), minimizing sedation, and promoting early mobility, to reduce these risks and manage the complications effectively.
Ventilator survival rates decrease significantly with age, with younger adults having much better outcomes than older adults, especially those over 75 or 80, who face substantially higher in-hospital and long-term mortality, often with poorer functional recovery, as higher age is a major risk factor for severe outcomes like ARDS or COVID-19 complications. For instance, some studies show less than 5% survival to discharge for those 85+ versus over 30% for those 65-74, with older patients often needing prolonged ventilation and facility care post-discharge.
General Trends by Age Group
Under 65: Lower mortality rates, with some studies showing around 12% mortality for short-term ventilation.
65-74: Roughly 31% return home after hospitalization.
80-84: About 19% return home.
Over 90: Around 14% return home.
Over 80 (COVID-19 era): Studies during the pandemic reported over 80% mortality for those over 80 on ventilators.
Key Factors Influencing Survival
Age: The most significant predictor, with older age correlating with worse outcomes.
Underlying Conditions: Chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease increase risk.
Reason for Ventilation: Outcomes vary; younger trauma patients often fare better than older patients with sepsis or ARDS.
Duration: Prolonged ventilation is associated with poorer survival.
Functional Status: Poor pre-existing physical condition significantly worsens prognosis.
Long-Term Outlook for Older Adults (75+ years)
High risk of death, with nearly half dying in-hospital and over 70% dying within a year.
Few return home independent; most require facility care (nursing home, rehab).
High risk of re-hospitalization and continued dependence on medical services.
In Summary
While younger individuals generally have robust survival rates on ventilators, advanced age dramatically increases the risk of death and severe disability, with survival rates dropping sharply for those in their 80s and beyond.
FR mail for ya