I could have written this myself almost to the word, apart from all the small details.
I agree with all of this. Very similar to me, only I was lucky to have visitors last year so yes 100% agree that sitting and talking helps. Hope your recovery is going in the right direction.
Hi sounds just like my experience. Yes Intubation and Tracheotomy are not easy to deal with. I can relate to you with the Tracheostomy, I likened it to others how I assume the ordeal of locked in syndrome must feel like. The feeling of not being able to communicate to the outside world.
Yes loss of muscle mass etc no concept of day or night is hard no clock to gauge when they say family member is coming in and you’re left with in you’re mind is that an hour, half a day or night when and no way if asking.
All this mix up with delirium is strange and confusing.
Even though I couldn’t communicate I did hear family say things and time just flew because it seemed like they just got there. But sort of comforting at the same time
Thank you for sharing your experience, it’s good to get an idea of what people experience.
My mum was in ICU September 23 - November 23, and she said that she remembers waking up happy. She said she must have been able to hear what was going on as she wasn’t confused about where she was. It’s miraculous really that people can go through that, that their bodies can experience so much. Of course it’s not without its side effects.
I remember my mums doctors would give her something to help her sleep at night and then they’d keep her going through the day so she didn’t sleep too much. They were quite keen to get her use to day & night. They also moved her bed next to the window (the second icu she was in had bays of 4 beds). So that helped to regulate too.
It’s also nice to hear that visitors make such a difference. At times I worried I was making her too tired!
Yes, visitors definitely make a difference, especially immediate family. I dreaded evenings when visiting hours ended, and my wife would have to leave. I was then faced with 12-15 hours of essentially being alone (other than brief nurse check-ins, blood tests at 4am, etc), without the strength to pick up an ipad or phone to listen to music, and with severe double vision, I couldn't watch TV. I just laid there trying not to lose my mind. Sleeping was difficult, of course, as there isn't much to tire us out at night (I probably slept better in short naps during the day just knowing my family was there with me).
I still don't look forward to going to bed at night, find it hard to focus on and finish anything, fall asleep easily during the day without feeling tired, and oddly prefer to be alone, though trying to work through all of it as best I can.
I really don't know what I would be dealing with now if I did not have visitors, as I know some have had to endure. Honestly, it should be a crime to prevent family from visiting patients in the ICU. No matter how great the staff are, the ICU can be mentally and psychologically torturous. The staff at the ICU I was in were fantastic, and thank God, or I am certain I wouldn't have survived.
All to say, I am sure you made a HUGE difference in your mother's recovery and ability to get through the experience.
And to all family who were and are there for your family member in the ICU, thank you, and God bless you!
I remember thinking someone was trying to kill me too. I am completely terrified of what happened during the whole experience , it would've been a good idea to provide therapy and a safe person to speak too after going through ICU experience, the psychological effects are as bad if not worse than the physical.
Oh Lassie, sorry to hear you’ve been through all that
Are you in the UK? If so it might be worth getting in touch with your ICU to ask if there’s any mental health after care. I know my mum has regular sessions with a specific ICU psychiatrist. X
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Food and drink in icu
Pain relief in icu
ICU
AFTER EFFECTS OF ICU
