Things had been so awful regarding my son's health that I never wanted to return emotionally. I couldn't deal with anymore and even though things are still tough for my son he did survive 9 days intubated in ICU with a feeding tube up his nose where he couldn't talk or drink or eat for 9 days.
However, he is much better now and I worried his voice might be permanently harmed by this but his voice is more normal now. However, it takes a long time to heal from 9 days of intubation for a variety of reasons too. I was talking with the nurse taking care of my wife presently with her Knee revision and she said it takes a long time for your throat area especially and lungs to heal from something like this.
He also told me that when they took out his breathing tube (intubation) it felt like Barbed wire too which is an awful thought. However, the other side of this is he is still alive and functioning and not dead which is good. And even though he needs a walker or wheelchair mostly he still can walk around some and is building back his strength after 3 weeks in the hospital here in Portland, Oregon.
I asked online about how long it takes to heal from 9 days of intubation and here is what it says:
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from AI Overview
Most people recover from mild post-intubation sore throats and hoarseness within a few days to a couple of weeks, but 9 days of mechanical ventilation is considered prolonged intubation, meaning complete recovery can take longer.
Typical Recovery Timeline
Days 1–7 (Acute Irritation): Severe soreness, scratchiness, coughing, and hoarseness are most intense right after the breathing tube is removed. Mild irritation often peaks in the first 48 hours and fades within a week.
1 to 3 Weeks (Vocal Cord and Tissue Healing): Because the tube rests against the vocal cords and windpipe (trachea) for over a week, minor inflammation, swelling, or small ulcers can take 1 to 3 weeks to fully heal.
Beyond 3 Weeks: If hoarseness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), pain, or a feeling of a lump in the throat lasts longer than 2 to 3 weeks, it is no longer considered normal healing.
Soothing the Throat at Home
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or warm, soothing liquids.
Use cool comfort: Sucking on ice chips, popsicles, or throat lozenges helps numb and calm swelling.
Gargle salt water: Warm salt water can ease local tissue irritation.
Rest your voice: Avoid shouting, whispering, or talking excessively while the vocal cords recover.
When to See a Doctor
Contact a healthcare provider or an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) if you notice any red-flag symptoms:
Trouble breathing or noisy, high-pitched breathing (stridor)
Severe pain that does not improve after a few days
Coughing up blood or persistent coughing
Inability to swallow food or liquids safely (choking or coughing during meals)
Symptoms lasting longer than 2 to 3 weeks without improvement
To help me give more relevant information, what specific symptoms is the person experiencing right now (such as hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or pain)?
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