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

@elizabethbryantI whole heartedly agree that I have received many blessings since my initial diagnosis and thru to the recurrence. Most people take a step back when I say that, they think that getting cancer is the end of your life, period, weather you die or not. in one aspect they are right it is the end of life "AS WE KNEW IT". There are so many things I am no longer able to do that were an integral part of my life....BUT....I have been blessed with TWO more grandchildren ( I was given 2-3 months ) I am really a happier person, I am more calm , all those URGENT THINGS I HAD TO GET DONE ARE NOT SO URGENT. I am calmer I am more accepting of things as they are...I have rarely said why me? I have said why not me? would I rather a young mother was suffering as I am?, absolutely not!!!! and most importantly my relationship with God has gotten so much better ,so much closer. My faith is so much stronger than it was. How can I not be happy about that?!!!
And being able to share your thoughts with someone that truly understands where you are coming from.....that is a blessing
I have a friend who also was given a terminal diagnosis and we have shared often. I expect to see him today. this will be a test of love and strength because he is very close to the end and being witness to his sadness and pain can only make me more aware of when it will be my time, he has asked to see me today ( he is often not up to visitors ) so I will go and hopefully come away with an insight I did not have and feeling blessed that I knew him.
I usually struggle to share ( I want to keep everyone around me happy) but I was so moved by your comments I felt the need. Thank You

Thank you for asking Colleen. Yes, when I have these dreams they are so real and vivid when you finally wake up there is a sense of confusion. I am not sure where I am and if what I experienced in my dream really happened or not.. I can describe colors, smells every last detail of the dream. When I finally realize it was a dream, it still affects me for the rest of day or days. I do not know if that makes sense to anyone. I am lucky that I can express what I have gone through in my dreams with my husband, but I do not think he truly understands the impact they have. My dreams seem to pop up again when I have symptoms. So In the past year I would say they have happened only a handful of times.

@elizabethbryant I am so glad you mentioned the combination of drugs and trauma. I will say that when I was transferred from ICU to the vascular floor I continued to have what I describe as "night terrors" and thinking about it now scares me to tears. It was an awful experience where I felt I was caught in the middle of falling asleep and being semi-awake, and the sounds and visions were awful. I do believe the pain medication played a part, possibly a side effect. It is something I have wanted to look into, but just never have.

I think it is very difficult for the a person to truly understand what you are going throught, the amount of stress, pain, fear of the unknown and all that goes along with the after effects of trying to survive a severe illness, accident or trauma that has been life threatening. It really effects your brain chemistry as well. All those things must heal and it takes time and understanding. Perhaps if your husband could go through therapy with you to help him understand of and deal with his fears.

Great insight! Yes, you are right. The pain medications are powerful, but also often produce a hallucinating effect, altered sense of reality. Some of those drugs are more problematic than others. They are great when you need them but it is not without consequences as well.

Yes! You have evolved in that you have come to the realization that each and every moment that you can share with a loved one and let go of all the trivial things we all hang on to in out lives is what counts. It is a spiritual awakening in that you now understand the value and precious moments in life. It is a sense of freedom and peace.

@milindohope83 I also appreciate your kind and compassionate attitude, Anita. There is no doubt in my mind that you bless your patients and their families! Teresa

Thank you so much.  I always try to put myself in others shoes to have more empathy for their situation in  order to give the best care if i can.<br>

Thank you!

There is strength and healing simply by expressing understanding of where a person is coming from, the pain, anguish and fear in being hospitalized or having a sick loved one in a place of suffering and pain. Sharing and expressing empathy with others is healing in its own way both emotionally and physically as well. We are complex beings. We can not all be put into a box. We all react to pain and suffering and loss in a very different ways. But we all respond to kindness and warm touch, a back or foot rub if appropriate,