Nobody explains

[Bertieburt24]

I was in an induced coma due to swine flu and sepia and pneumonia. I don’t remember anything before the coma , but I do remember a lot after being woken. It was scary and confusing. I was in a coma for 8 days , I think . My husband and my other family members and friends were amazing . I was convinced I was dying after I came out of a coma as know one explained that I was well on the mend . The staff in critical care were amazing . My guardian angels . I had a team sent from another hospital to potentially put me on something called ecmo treatment . ( it’s sounds better than it is ) . I was the sickest person in the surrounding six hospitals. When anybody tells me this or anything about it , they are talking about someone else , not me! I did and do take comfort that I saw my dad who passed on 6 years ago , he told me to “Bugger off , you’ve not done enough with your life” . It makes me cry and smile because I know it was him and he would have said that.

I was home 3 days after coming out of a coma . I don’t remember any of it , which is a blessing . I do have side effects. Muscle wastage , my insomnia has worn off. I’m a little paranoid . My diet has changed dramatically . I’ve lost 22lb (which is a bonus) . I’ve been home only three weeks now . I set myself goals everyday. Even if it’s very small. I make sure I can leave the house everyday or it becomes like a prison. If I have a day where I do nothing, I don’t beat myself up. I’ve learnt to deal with change . My thought process is a bit slow , I get a bit confused by things . If to many people visit me it makes me feel , well the only way I can explain it to someone is if you blink your eyes really really quickly , that’s what my brain feels like.

I talk to and tell anybody and everyone what has happened. Talking is very very good therapy .

I feel I’m doing well and my family tell me I’m amazing all the time . I think the key is having a great support network . Not everybody is as lucky so take advantage of groups . Ask your doctor who can maybe point you in the right direction or ask the ccu or icu where you were.

Do what feels good for you !! X

[BBDEBS]

You sound like me.... the triple whammy of swine flu, pneumonia and sepsis!

If you’re in the UK, find your nearest Icu steps group and attend that if you can. I found it super helpful.

It’s a long road to recovery, but you are alive and that is so good xx

[sonyahmaree]

Your story is so similar to so many. I am very glad you are well on your way to healing. This is my daughters story healthunlocked.com/icusteps... . Nothing can prepare you for something like this happening. It is so out of the blue. My daughter is so much better now. The main thing with her now is she is terrified of getting sick and this happening again. I must admit it scares the hell out of me too. I imagine that it is something that everyone thinks about after going through this. I am just so glad you did beat the odds. It means you are tough and are meant to be here. Good luck for the future. Sonyah

[Copse77 in reply to sonyahmaree]

I do remember your daughter and your story as I replied to you at the time. We also have felt like that, about being very scared of ever being ill again. I think as time goes on we are reassured by my brothers good health.

[Copse77]

You have been through such a lot. You are also doing amazingly well considering what you have been through. Do you know there is an ECMO family support group. I know because they helped our family when my brother was on ECMO. I can tell you a good recovery from ECMO is possible.

ecmofamilysupport.com

If I can help you in anyway with information or questions I will. I will also tell you one year on my brother is doing really well. He has two children the youngest was 6 when he was on ECMO. Take care.