Thread by @WesElyMD

1/🧵🎥 A young mom suffering #COVID. Her husband is scared.

We need to prevent serious long-term complications. Her new normal will likely include PTSD, Dementia, Depression & severe physical disability. (shown w Perm)

Not so “mild” ➡️ Do you want this?

#vaccinate
#LongCOVID

2/ what you need to know about ICUs, #PICS and #LongCOVID prevention:

I wrote this @thedailybeast piece👇 to help empower you as patients & families. It’ll tell you what you need to know & ask your team for amid the chaos and confusion.

There’s more…

bit.ly/3DhC6Xe

3/ This patient on 100% O2 and high-dose propofol & fentanyl did not need both agents. When able, we try to avoid prop & benzos. We stopped Prop, continued Fentanyl & added dexmedetomidine because it’s shorter acting & won’t build up so much in her brain.

This is the #A2Fbundle.

4/ We were able to change her ventilator settings to reduce the risk of popping another lung and in a few hours had her O2 was down to 70% with a good blood saturation of 96%. These moves towards less sedation give her more brain function and resolution of #Delirium. Then…

5/ When her Delirium is cleared, that’s the🥇because she can communicate with her husband as he tells her how much he loves her & all about her kids!

Accomplishing that lights a fire in her heart to continue living.

I wonder daily how many #COVID pts have died of loneliness.

6/fin
Do NOT shut down Family Visitation in #COVID

Here is her husband holding her hand & talking w her (pic w perm). We allow family into room with PPE: gown glove & mask.

Not only is it safe, it’s needed for her to achieve best chance at living. No question.

#EDDB #VAX #N95

Let’s honor her share…by protecting self and others. Be safe and #mask and avoid exposing others. Thank you.