I was in the ICU for 11 weeks. I was told later that I was 'difficult to wean'. I had no idea the process was so complex. Thank you for explaining. From a patient perspective being ventilated for so long was:- exhausting because the nightmares made me afraid to fall asleep, frustrating and boring because I couldn't speak or move or eat, and ultimately terrifying when I spent the first night without the ventilator and every single breath was hard work.
What about elderly patients that have a c4 spinal injury thats on a vent? The dr is pushing a trach when the patient has been on the vent for 7 days. The patient was admitted conscious and breathing.
