ICU Has any one found that if they go to a party or other gathering , people just want to talk about your illness and experience.

It becomes a bit tiring having to recount my experience in ICU over and over again. Has anyone developed a short cut way of telling people you are OK without going into too much detail.

[LeopardGecko]

My husband generally says, "well I'm still here" or "I'm getting back to normal but not there quite yet." We haven't mixed with many people though so not sure how effective this is.

[Hidden in reply to LeopardGecko]

Thanks for your reply

[Gooddaysunshine]

Hi Marty, yes it is not easy, trying to strike the right balance without having to explain yourself over and over again. I say "Getting better thanks but not where I was, taking it slowly but surely - they say it could take two years".The reason I put the time frame is to underline the seriousness of what ICU does to you physically and mentally.

One may look ok, but there are all the internal medical complications, not to mention anxiety issues that people - however well-meaning - do not realise.

[Hidden in reply to Gooddaysunshine]

Thanks. It makes sense

[FamilyHistorian]

I take the opposite view. So many peoples experience of ICU/coma is from the film when the patient miraculously comes round and walks off. I have a set of masks with me and my trachy to try and start a conversation. At first it was very difficult to do but now it is easier but can be occasionly emotion and then I think people start to understand a little bit. It also helps to explain my behavior evil sense of humour and no control over mouth,

Mask with graphic from ICU stay

[Hidden in reply to FamilyHistorian]

Ha...

[CLM68]

I now just say " thank you for asking, am getting there" and just leave it at that! I don't have to relive what I went through to satisfy their curiosity. My family and close friends know and that is it.

[Hidden in reply to CLM68]

Sounds good.

[Sepsur]

I tend to bore them with a long eloborate tale - it makes sure they never ask again 😜

[Hidden in reply to Sepsur]

Ha....

[8SofMB]

Not really a short cut, but I got it all out of my system in one big hit by writing a book about it. I manage to jot down some basic notes at the time of my illness and also got hold of my medial notes, initially just to try a make sense of it all, but it sort of evolved. If family and friends were genuinely interested in the detail, they are able to read the whole story.