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

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Jan 13, 2017

Have you heard of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome? Sometimes it's called post ICU syndrome or PICS. PICS is defined as new or worse health problems after critical illness. These problems can affect your mind, body, thoughts, and/or feelings.

On Connect we would like to bring together people who have been affected by critical illness, and hopefully lighten the burden you bear. Patients and family members welcome.

Grab a cup of tea, or beverage of your choice, and let's chat. Why not start by introducing yourself?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Intensive Care (ICU) Support Group.

milindohope83 | @milindohope83 | Jan 25, 2017
In reply to @elizabethbryant "Sending you a big hug. My surgery was in April and I cried for no reason,..." + (show)
@elizabethbryant

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.

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Yes, it amazing when a perfect stranger with a loving word and touch goes a long way to help you feel that you are not alone in your battle.

REPLY
rsinger22 | @rsinger22 | Jan 25, 2017
In reply to @rosemarya "@elizabethbryant, Thank you for entering this discussion. The situation that I talked about was 8 years..." + (show)
@rosemarya

@elizabethbryant, Thank you for entering this discussion. The situation that I talked about was 8 years ago. I think that I, too, cried afterward, for no apparent reason. Then I would get my husband crying, because we had been through such an emotional event. I had always heard, from other people, that the drugs and trauma were part of it, but I really don't know. Liz, how long ago was your surgery? Do you still have crying spells?
Sending you a hug, Rosemary

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I have been in therapy for years dealing with my health situation and learning how to deal with my current health status as well as how other people are part of my life. After reading this board, I started to reflect on the days I spent in the hospital and raw emotion took over me. I have been more emotional lately because I think back to those times in the hospital and what I went through. I do not think I have adequately dealt with what happened and what I went through. I spent more time understanding people and the value of life and how fleeting it can be. I also came to gripes about who is there for you and others that might not be (not blaming them but just understanding that they may not be capable or totally do not get it) This whole subject really makes me reflect.

REPLY
Liz1 | @elizabethbryant | Jan 25, 2017
In reply to @rosemarya "@elizabethbryant, Thank you for entering this discussion. The situation that I talked about was 8 years..." + (show)
@rosemarya

@elizabethbryant, Thank you for entering this discussion. The situation that I talked about was 8 years ago. I think that I, too, cried afterward, for no apparent reason. Then I would get my husband crying, because we had been through such an emotional event. I had always heard, from other people, that the drugs and trauma were part of it, but I really don't know. Liz, how long ago was your surgery? Do you still have crying spells?
Sending you a hug, Rosemary

Jump to this post

I appreciate your openness in dealing with a health situation. It can be very hurtful sometime how family treats you.
I don't think they fully understand. The only thing good about remembering the hospital is when I want to put some junk
in my mouth and I remember the hospital and don't eat the junk.
The nurse told me at the hospital before the surgery that my life would never be the same. Two weeks after surgery mom
passed away, then after the drama of it all my husband left for good.
I have some good days and some not so good and it is up to me to try to stay away from negative. That and sugar are
my enemies.
Yes it makes one reflect on life and eternity. Thank you for sharing your genuine open thoughts.

REPLY
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Jan 26, 2017
In reply to @rosemarya "@elizabethbryant, Thank you for entering this discussion. The situation that I talked about was 8 years..." + (show)
@rosemarya

@elizabethbryant, Thank you for entering this discussion. The situation that I talked about was 8 years ago. I think that I, too, cried afterward, for no apparent reason. Then I would get my husband crying, because we had been through such an emotional event. I had always heard, from other people, that the drugs and trauma were part of it, but I really don't know. Liz, how long ago was your surgery? Do you still have crying spells?
Sending you a hug, Rosemary

Jump to this post

@elizabethbryant, Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts. I k now that others will find comfort and encouragement in your words. You mentioned that sugar and negativity are your enemies. Would you be comfortable to share some ideas that help you to deal with these? I admire your strength as you move forward.
Rosemary

REPLY
Liz1 | @elizabethbryant | Jan 26, 2017
In reply to @rosemarya "@elizabethbryant, Thank you for entering this discussion. The situation that I talked about was 8 years..." + (show)
@rosemarya

@elizabethbryant, Thank you for entering this discussion. The situation that I talked about was 8 years ago. I think that I, too, cried afterward, for no apparent reason. Then I would get my husband crying, because we had been through such an emotional event. I had always heard, from other people, that the drugs and trauma were part of it, but I really don't know. Liz, how long ago was your surgery? Do you still have crying spells?
Sending you a hug, Rosemary

Jump to this post

Hey there, I find that sugar for me is addictive. I had no sugar from March until Christmas. I tried a small amount of sugar and
the inflamed tissue is set on fire. Then I remember the morbid painful time of oral surgery and have concluded in my mind
Its not worth it......Not worth it.!!!!! Whatever goes in my mouth is considered medicine for my body.
I have been making smoothies. $15. Smoothie machine at Wal Mart. The Budwig Cancer Protocol is cottage cheese and "Barlean" cold pressed flax seed oil, with Trivia and frozen organic raisberries (I can only find frozen at Kroger grocery)
Use Trivia which is part of my cancer protocol. Eating sweet potatoes, few white potatoes with a butter substitute "Earth Balance" Soy free, plant powered. No Bread, absolutely none or white flour. Use apples in smoothie Kale, celery, greens etc still I use Trivia. I order Green Pea Protein from Puritan Pride.recommended by John Hopkins.
John Hopkins alternative Med. also food grade Franckinsene some drops in a bottle of water. (High electric source)
See John Hopkins Alternative medicine. I love split pea soup. Frozen baby sweet peas. I eat these every day.
Trivia helps beat sugar crave for me. Pray (talk to God) read .....book of Psalms for encouragement.
David Jeremiah Archieves Google is doing a series on Hope, you choose what message encourages you.
Hope this helps. Take care. Sorry my PC is messed up, hope this comes out making sense.

REPLY
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Jan 26, 2017
In reply to @rosemarya "@elizabethbryant, Thank you for entering this discussion. The situation that I talked about was 8 years..." + (show)
@rosemarya

@elizabethbryant, Thank you for entering this discussion. The situation that I talked about was 8 years ago. I think that I, too, cried afterward, for no apparent reason. Then I would get my husband crying, because we had been through such an emotional event. I had always heard, from other people, that the drugs and trauma were part of it, but I really don't know. Liz, how long ago was your surgery? Do you still have crying spells?
Sending you a hug, Rosemary

Jump to this post

Thank you Liz for the information. Your message came thru perfectly, even if your PC is being difficult!
I wish you continuing success with your health management.
Rosemary

REPLY
milindohope83 | @milindohope83 | Jan 26, 2017
In reply to @rosemarya "@elizabethbryant, Thank you for entering this discussion. The situation that I talked about was 8 years..." + (show)
@rosemarya

@elizabethbryant, Thank you for entering this discussion. The situation that I talked about was 8 years ago. I think that I, too, cried afterward, for no apparent reason. Then I would get my husband crying, because we had been through such an emotional event. I had always heard, from other people, that the drugs and trauma were part of it, but I really don't know. Liz, how long ago was your surgery? Do you still have crying spells?
Sending you a hug, Rosemary

Jump to this post

Good Evening, My Dear- May I ask what your health condition is at this time?  If you need to talk about it maybe I can help in some way.  Anita   

REPLY
Liz1 | @elizabethbryant | Jan 26, 2017
In reply to @elizabethbryant "Sending you a big hug. My surgery was in April and I cried for no reason,..." + (show)
@elizabethbryant

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.

Jump to this post

Hi Teresa, I hope all is well with you. It has been a relapse day for me and this cancer has left me
isolated from family and it seems the world. I don't speak clearly at times and the world can be cold
and hard. I worked the leaves yesterday with my riding mower which made the allergy even worse.
It should be better by tomorrow. I miss the husband that I married, he was with me some what during
the surgery, but had a health episode and I haven't heard from him and I have to get over this
loss and all the loss of who I was. I am the same person on the inside in my heart but everyone
is leaving. Just a really bad day I guess. I just hear negative information about this type of cancer.
I just needed someone to talk to and care tonight. Thanks for your caring on this site. Elizabeth

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 27, 2017
In reply to @rosemarya "@elizabethbryant, Thank you for entering this discussion. The situation that I talked about was 8 years..." + (show)
@rosemarya

@elizabethbryant, Thank you for entering this discussion. The situation that I talked about was 8 years ago. I think that I, too, cried afterward, for no apparent reason. Then I would get my husband crying, because we had been through such an emotional event. I had always heard, from other people, that the drugs and trauma were part of it, but I really don't know. Liz, how long ago was your surgery? Do you still have crying spells?
Sending you a hug, Rosemary

Jump to this post

@elizabethbryant Hi Liz: Sounds great and makes a lot of sense, I make smoothies as well. I've never tried the Trivia, but will look for it. Glad to hear that your food plan has eliminated some of the inflammation. You are doing well at taking care of yourself! Thanks for the encouraging post! Teresa

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 27, 2017
In reply to @elizabethbryant "Sending you a big hug. My surgery was in April and I cried for no reason,..." + (show)
@elizabethbryant

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.

Jump to this post

@elizabethbryant I'm pleased to be a caring friend on Mayo Connect. I do admire the steps you take to care for yourself. By the way, have you looked into speech therapy to help you communicate more effectively? After my vocal cord surgery (implant) I had a lot of speech therapy (almost every year). Perhaps that would help with your communication so that you could be understood better, or maybe a computer-assisted device that you could use and take with you? Just some thoughts, I know how isolated you feel. Hugs, Teresa

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