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← Return to Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) - Let's talk
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Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) - Let's talk
Intensive Care (ICU) | Last Active: Sep 16 7:52pm | Replies (609)Comment receiving replies
I found myself in ICU following a laparoscopic Hystorectomy back in January 2010. What I thought would be a brief stay at the hospital, ended up being almost three months hospitalized. After being taken to ICU,I was intubated, two days following surgery, my health was declining quickly. Kidney failure, sepsis, Pulmonary embolism, are amongst some of the complications. I was taken into surgery again, nine days after the initial surgery. I have struggled with sleep issues every since. I also have had pretty significant memory loss.
Replies to "I found myself in ICU following a laparoscopic Hystorectomy back in January 2010. What I thought..."
@crhiggins have you found anything in particular that has helped with either your sleep or memory difficulties?
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@crhiggins, sleep and memory loss are very common amongst patients who have been critically ill. What you are experiencing seems to encompass more of the "cognitive" effects of post-intensive care syndrome or PICS. Memory loss and problems with thinking following critical illness can greatly affect a person's quality of life. Occupational therapists (OT) are very skilled at helping people work to regain cognitive function that might have been damaged from certain events - like critical illness. Working with an OT might be something worth mentioning to your primary care provider. More information on this and other topics related to PICS can be found at our Page: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/pics/#/!tab=newsfeed
In addition to this forum, we also hold an in person support group here in Rochester, MN if you are local. You might find it helpful to meet others who struggle with issues related to critical illness. More on that can be found here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/pics/#/!tab=resources-50
Thanks for sharing your story with us!