chiver78
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Post by chiver78 on Jan 21, 2012 14:45:28 GMT -5
I know we've got some nurses on this board, maybe some doctors too. can someone fill me in on what this is, and what sort of prognosis is to be expected? I'm scaring myself stupid reading up about it on wiki/various health websites.  ETA: fixed the title |
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jan 21, 2012 15:13:42 GMT -5
Yes, Chiver. ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) is a frequent complication of critical illness or moderate to severe injury to the head, or chest. The alveoli (little air sacs) in the lungs fill with fluid, so gas exchange is compromised and oxygen can't be delivered to the body in the amounts needed. It is definitely a very serious condition that can, but doesn't always lead to death. Normally, these patients will be placed on a ventilator to help them breathe and reduce the effort expended, while assisting with oxygenation of tissues and organs. Antibiotics, blood thinners, and pain medication will also be given, in most cases. If ARDS is caught early enough, some patients don't require the ventilator, but this is rare. The prognosis is dependent on what happened to initiate the ARDS, the age of the patient, and the patient's overall health prior to this illness.
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chiver78
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Post by chiver78 on Jan 21, 2012 15:22:08 GMT -5
thanks, mmhmm. I feel a little better now - I was seeing a lot of things saying it's usually fatal. I'd just never heard of this syndrome before and went poking around to see if I could find out what it was. if y'all can keep a friend of mine in your thoughts, I'd appreciate it. he's been diagnosed with this lovely syndrome, and is receiving treatment now.  |
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kent
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Post by kent on Jan 21, 2012 15:22:24 GMT -5
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Jan 21, 2012 15:25:58 GMT -5
thanks, mmhmm. I feel a little better now - I was seeing a lot of things saying it's usually fatal. I'd just never heard of this syndrome before and went poking around to see if I could find out what it was. if y'all can keep a friend of mine in your thoughts, I'd appreciate it. he's been diagnosed with this lovely syndrome, and is receiving treatment now. So sorry to hear that. |
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jan 21, 2012 15:27:33 GMT -5
It certainly can be fatal, chiver, and often is. However, we're getting better at treating it all the time, and so much depends on the patient him/herself. Hang in there. I've seen these folks recover and walk out of the hospital. Sometimes, they've got some residual problems (lung or heart, usually), but they do survive. Sometimes, they walk away with a jaunty wave and clear sailing. It's not a good thing to have happen, but it's not the absolute death sentence it once was.
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kent
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Post by kent on Jan 21, 2012 15:29:26 GMT -5
if y'all can keep a friend of mine in your thoughts, I'd appreciate it. he's been diagnosed with this lovely syndrome, and is receiving treatment now. You can take our best wishes to the bank! |
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Jaguar
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Post by Jaguar on Jan 21, 2012 15:54:11 GMT -5
All the best to your friend chiver. Your friend is in my thoughts. Jai Sat Chit Anand
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Post by naggie1972 on Jan 22, 2012 10:39:39 GMT -5
I hope your friend receives great care. Best wishes for your pal Chiver.
DH is having trouble like this and is getting his various tests done. That is a new one.
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Artemis Windsong
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Jan 22, 2012 14:40:34 GMT -5
 for a quick and full recovery. Amen
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chiver78
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Post by chiver78 on Jan 23, 2012 18:58:22 GMT -5
thanks for all the thoughts/prayers/well-wishes/whatever it is that you do. I got word a little while ago that my friend is improving - he was awake yesterday and asking (writing) about the Pats game! he definitely has more recovery ahead of him, but I think the immediate danger has passed. yay!  |
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jan 23, 2012 20:49:22 GMT -5
It sounds like his youth, his determination, his courage and his family's love and support is really making a difference for him, chiver. It's a long, hard recovery; however, if he's doing this well at this point things sure do look a lot brighter than they did. My thoughts are with him and his family and friends.
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