@snetterpie, Welcome to Mayo Connect. I can identify with your flashback and your emotional/physical response to the arrival of the helicopter landing on the roof. I am glad that you found this discussion, and that you found comfort in knowing that you are among friends who have had similar experiences, and who 'get it'.

12 years ago, I was transported by ambulance from ER to a regional ICU at a major hospital in KY where I spent 5 days in critical condition. Then I was flown to Mayo MN. I was half aware of what was happening, and i knew that my only options were a brief stay in hospice care, or a chance at life at Mayo. My most difficult days were the first 5 days in the ICU with acute kidney failure and liver failure while waiting for a liver transplant. I did not know what or when things happened, but I did have a family member at my bedside 24/7and that did help me to get answers and fill in some of the gaps in my memory.

For the first couple years after this occurred, I used to get shivers and chills and tears when events sparked a memory. I used to cry when I passed an ambulance along the highway or heard the siren.
I found that if I looked at my medical records that I could fill in the gaps in memory, or most of the events like strange rooms and lights where procedures and tests occurred.
I did not, however have the nightmares that you describe. Are these still occurring?
How did you find us at this particular moment of need? How are you today?