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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
@rosemarya @colleenyoung I haven’t lost the good feelings of what my husband and I created, with your help, but I’m afraid this is round two of this episode. In ICU with sepsis of unknown cause and adrenal shock, unstable Coumadin levels. I am still quite ill so hope this is coherent. It’s 3 AM, EST, wakeful and ill. High dose antibiotics, supportive measures, etc. You know what it is like. I’m scared, sent husband home to get some rest, I’m reasonably stable, I think. Getting lots of TLC from staff but can’t help staring at all the emergency measures around me, especially intubation tray. So emotionally tired but primarily scared. I feel like my body is betraying me. I used to be so physically strong, worked out every day. Maybe I thought I was invincible. Seems silly now as none of us are without vulnerability. Trying to keep reviewing in my mind the wonderful dinner and music night with my husband and all your support. Will hang on, somehow. Life, my husband and I need each other. All my best, Rhoda.
Replies to "@rosemarya @colleenyoung I haven’t lost the good feelings of what my husband and I created, with..."
@rckj,
I just got up and saw your message. I have been thinking about you during the last couple days, but in my concern about interrupting your recent happy moments, I hesitated. You have presented a very clear picture of what it feels like to be surrounded by all of the strange medical equipment and devices. I used to feel that they were hard, cold, and artificial, but they were essential for treating me. As I lay there looking at them, I also used to grieve over the way I used to be. I think that you are not alone in your fears and your feelings. You are not being silly; you are being human.
Rhonda, I used to enjoy, even look forward to visits by the hospital chaplain. I don't know what your spititual background is, or if you have any - that is not my intent to discuss. Have you looked into whether there is someone on staff (spiritual or counseler) who might be able to visit with you. My chaplain mostly listened to my fears and my concerns without any judgement. Just having someone to care, to listen and to hold my hand was a big help.
You and your husband share a very special love. I am happy for you. My husband and I will be celebrating 44 years together this year. During my illness, I struggled with my feelings about what I 'was putting him through'. He would always take my hand and tell me that this was the 'In sickness and health" part of our marriage vows. And I knew that I would do the very same thing for him if roles were reversed.
I hope your days get better for you as the medications and the doctors work toward a better life for you. I am reaching across the miles wiht a gentle hand squeeze.
Rosemary
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Thanks for sharing. Though I did spend 2 nights in ICU and had a really bad experience due to th particular nurse assigned to me, I did come home and now it's almost 4 years since I was there.
I do pray you are improved soon. AND yes, sometimes it is difficult to sleep in hospitals.