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What did you find most surprising once you were out of the ICU?

Intensive Care (ICU) | Last Active: Dec 16, 2021 | Replies (107)
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@marywh

Thanks for starting this discussion and asking the question. I was life-flighted to Mayo after diagnosis of tachycardia, and receiving two shocks to get my heart to stabilize. They admitted me to the cardiac ICU, and 4 days later I was implanted with an ICD. During the procedure my lung was nicked, adding another week to my stay. Two days after the procedure when I was moved to the cardiac floor the biggest surprise was not only the quiet of the floor, but the cut-back of care. The nurses were all the way down the hall, instead of right outside my room. Needless to say, this caused some panic of whether or not they would be close enough to help me if needed, after all I’d been through. Not having to wear the blood pressure cuff was also a nice change! The restrictions because of COVID were also a game changer. While I totally understand and appreciate the precautions to keep everyone safe it was really hard to not have my husband close to advocate for me!

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Replies to "Thanks for starting this discussion and asking the question. I was life-flighted to Mayo after diagnosis..."
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Mar 20, 2021

@marywh, I want to welcome you to Mayo Connect. You have had quite an experience, and I hope that you are home and healing now.

Like you, I was air transported to Mayo from my local ICU, but that was 12 years ago, before COVID restrictions. My husband was able to be at my side and I really depended on him for everything, both of us had left our family and friends at home 800 miles away.
How did you (and he) manage to get thru the separation? Was he nearby? Were you able to communicate with him via technology?
What was it like for him to be outside and unable to take care of you or be at your side?

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snetterpie | @snetterpie | Apr 26, 2021

I’ve had similar hospitalizations when I thought that I was on my own.

Forgive me for smiling at your BP cuff story as only a person that was forced to wear one 24/7 would know the relief of getting rid of that. 😉

I’m always alone and in the hospital a lot, so I consider myself lucky in a way. I always felt bad for others being alone though.

We all deserve someone to advocate for us and COVID has changed that dynamic.

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