Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) - Let's talk

Sending you a big hug. My surgery was in April and I cried for no reason, the drama of it all and more surgery the doc said to come.
Then two weeks before Christmas my husband abandoned He wasn't up for the situation
as he became confused and we think he had a stroke during my surgery days he won't eat or drink. I turned to my faith in desperation. By the grace of God I was able not be moved emotionally when I had lunch with him and my grandchildren during Christmas. When you walk through this with the
ones you love, we are blessed. Sharing on this site. "We light each others candle" with hope and helpful medical information.

I spent 33 days in the ICU in 2006. I had some more stats during the last ten years too. I still have a hard time when I sit and think about it or when other people talk about theirs or family experiences. I too am very emotional and will cry out of nowhere. I feel like no one understands and. Ow people do not even ask

@elizabethbryant, Thank you for the big hug that you send to all of us who read this message. And I send you a sincere thank you for sharing your powerful testimony of your faith and the strength that it has provided for you during your difficult journey.
I especially love what you said: " Sharing on this site. "We light each others candle" with hope and helpful medical information." That is our goal for our Connect conversations. We can share with others freely, without judgment. I am happy that you are part of our discussion. Rosemary

@rsinger22, Yes it can be extremely difficult to be in those situations. I believe that it is okay to cry! In light of what you have endured, you have my permission to let the tears flow.
We, who are participating in the discussions on Connect do understand! Most of us have endured similar experiences, although the place, the time, the diagnosis might be different. We are here to share without judgment and to both receive and to offer support to others. I have learned a couple of things since I have been participating in these discussions: I am not alone in my struggles: it helps to talk (or write) about it; there is support for me; and I have found that I can support others and that feels good!
Remember that we do understand! we look forward to hearing from you if you would like to share.
Rosemary

Thank you for joining us here @rsinger22. You are among people who understand. I hope that sharing in this conversation can help and heal. Welcome.

@elizabethbryant Liz: What a great attitude you display in spite of your losses. i love the phase "We light each others candle" with hope and helpful medical information. So true of Mayo Connect! Thanks for that blessing! Teresa

Hello, this is aechiku. I have been a nurse for 28 years, worked in Trauma ICU, Er Radiology and other critical care situations. And caring for critical patients, especially if it is very long term is very hard on the patient as well as the family and staff. I was not familiar with name of the condition mentioned before. However, The condition was there all the time. It is so stressful for the patient and family but also the staff caring for patients with life threatening or severe illness or conditions. I am glad it is being recognized and understood. God bless all who are suffering in this wa, Anita

Welcome Anita! We forget that ICU is hard on staff too. Grateful to have your perspective.

Oh yes, especially if you care for them for weeks or more and it is determined that the condition that they are suffering with is never going to get better and there is little to be done except offer comfort to the patient and family. It helps them all to see familiar faces caring for them. It helps to know that you are not just a patient in a room who may never go home again from the hospital. It can be a tough job alot of the time, not just the medical care, but the emotional support. But it is the most important thing of all to offer in that that loving one on one care for all who are suffering in such a way.

@milindohope83, Thank you, Anita, and all of those who care for patients with severe or life threatening conditions. Please know that your compassion and understanding does matter. And the memory of your kindness, continues long after the emtional event.
Hugs, Rosemary