The ICU experience from a loved one's perspective

Posted by Annie Johnson @andreab, Jan 25, 2020

Critical illness has a very broad reach. Not only is the patient directly affected, but also loved ones and caregivers. With this discussion, I'd like to provide a space for loved ones, family members and friends who have experienced this side of the ICU – A place to share and connect with others who have been there.

What's your ICU experience? What surprised you about being with a loved one who was admitted to ICU? How are you doing now?

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

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 3, 2020

In reply to @mamacita "@Teresa, Volunteer Mentor, and @colleenyoung, we are back in rhe ICU waiting room. My daughter from..." + (show)

Hi @mamacita, I'm glad you have family members by your side for support and that your confidence in the staff is restored. It is so important to recharge your batteries.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Mar 4, 2020

In reply to @mamacita "@Teresa, Volunteer Mentor, and @colleenyoung, we are back in rhe ICU waiting room. My daughter from..." + (show)

I am so glad that you were able to take yesterday off and recharge, @mamacita, that was a good thing to do. I am so sad for your daughter that she is in such a weakened condition. You, of course, know that my prayers are with your daughter and the rest of your family. You are loved and cared for, @mamacita~

Mamacita, Alumna Mentor | @mamacita | Mar 5, 2020

@teresa, Volunteer Mentor, my daughter coded last night. She had CPR for 40 minutes. This morning she grasped my youngest daughters hand ever so slightly.

I almost had a meltdown right there in the ICU. But I caught myself and refused to harm myself. It would have just confused the situation to see a grandmother type beating her head with her fists.

That has not been a part of my Autism experience for many years.
Bur this pain goes so very deep. My child deserves better. And it hurt so badly to see her so helpless and to know there could be cognitive impairment.

So we are back to square one. Worse than square one.

We can do this. We have no choice.
Mamacita Jane

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 5, 2020

In reply to @mamacita "@Teresa, Volunteer Mentor, my daughter coded last night. She had CPR for 40 minutes. This morning..." + (show)

Oh dear, @mamcita. No one, no parent should have to experience this. It is excruciating to be an observer on the sidelines and to be rendered feeling helpless. But you're not helpless. You are there. You are present. And this means more than you can imagine right now. Be your daughter's calm in the midst of the activity of the health care professionals, the machines, the tubing, etc. She knows you're there.
Yes, you can do this. You're making good choices. You didn't beat your head with your fists. You didn't have a meltdown. You took care for you and for your daughter.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Mar 13, 2020

In reply to @mamacita "@Teresa, Volunteer Mentor, my daughter coded last night. She had CPR for 40 minutes. This morning..." + (show)

@mamacita my friend, I can just barely imagine how you must have felt to see your daughter so very ill and now to know that your husband is also battling a serious infection. Call on all of your friends and family. You need the support of everyone who is available. You are strong, but none of us is strong enough to deal with all of this alone! Take care of yourself, you are worth it!

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 3, 2020

@mamacita, How are you doing? How is your daughter and your husband who was also in ICU?

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