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Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) - Let's talk
Intensive Care (ICU) | Last Active: 9 hours ago | Replies (601)Comment receiving replies
@polly08
Hello, Polly,
My name is Muriel. I see that Colleen Young, Connect Director, indicated that you could seek support by being in touch with me. I certainly am willing to share the challenges that your husband and you experience. The outcomes he is physically and emotionally experiencing, and your great concern, certainly are troubling at this time. I hope that he and you can see the present as a point in time in recovery, and not the final point of recovery. Tough days take you both closer to better days.
As background for listening to you, here is part of my story:
When I unexpectedly went through severe septic shock after routine surgery at Mayo in March 2016, I was in a coma for six days and on a respirator in intensive care. My kidneys did not function, so I received dialysis. I had 22 serious diagnoses. One of the outcomes was the my entire body became de-conditioned. I lost all strength, to the point that I was unable to push the button to call the nurse. Once I was out of the coma, I was delusional and experienced nightmares. Throughout my long recovery, I cried many times for lengths of time.
Tonight my main point of contacting you is to say there is hope. You have connected with a knowledgable and compassionate community at Mayo Clinic, and at Vanderbilt. As soon as I am able, likely on Monday, Feb. 4, I will respond more directly to you. Feel free to share your thoughts and feelings. I will listen.
Muriel
@muriel66
Replies to "@polly08 Hello, Polly, My name is Muriel. I see that Colleen Young, Connect Director, indicated that..."
Connect
Hi Muriel, than you so much for taking time from your day to reach out to me. I guess the most important thing I have to ask you, was there one important thing that stands out that was the greatest help to you? I am focusing right now on nutrition, relaxing and exercise and plenty of rest. We are talking through the month he spent in the hospital and I’m reliving the days we spent there, at first I didn’t want to go back to that time. It was like walking through my personal horror movie. He finally got through to me his need to understand what happened to him, for him he woke up in a Critical Pulmonary care Hospital with a trach in his throat, not able to move or speak. I have my doubts still if I’m doing the right thing. I guess I’m asking if you had this need to understand what happened to you? Thank you for any advice or insight you can share with me.