tips on dealing with Delirium memories post 6 months ?

[Huntlab]

Hi, i am still suffering with post ICU delirium images from July 2024 (2 week intubation) and Oct 2024 (2.5 days intubated) , I am waiting for counselling but had a call yesterday from the ICU checking in how I am , while my health has improved I still continue to have random flashbacks / images popping in my head, so they recommended sharing on here to help with how other people have dealt with similiar experience and any tips please

[Lux95]

Flashbacks and several other side effects of sedation and an ICU stay are common. My nightmares were terrible and seemed to never end for the 11 days I was sedated (though I don't remember much of anything on either side of that time).

What helped me was talking through what happened with my wife. If the ICU kept a diary of your treatment, that can also help quite a bit. Having some kind of timeline of what really happened helps replace the nightmares that seem all to real.

Others here can recommend other options that are available to you in the UK. We don't have anything in the US, so I've just dealt with it and focused on other things. Finding a new hobby can be helpful too. That's been a good outlet for me.

[Sepsur in reply to Lux95]

Hey Lux - the resources page on this site give lots of help across USA

walk4pics.com/

[Lux95 in reply to Sepsur]

Thank you! I had not heard of that site, though I have come across the her story and work with PICS. Resources are slowly building through Vanderbilt, Mayo Clinic and a few others, but most are informational for now. I've seen one or two university studies on experimental treatment options for post-ICU PTSD, but those are limited and quickly fill up.

[Sepsur in reply to Lux95]

Vanderbilt is going great guns - they’ve all sorts of help -

[Huntlab in reply to Lux95]

Thanks , the team shared a diary from the nurses that treated me, which helped understand the good / bad days while I was sedated

[Sepsur]

I found talking with others really helpful

check out cc-sn.org - a charity geared up to helping back to normal life

[Huntlab in reply to Sepsur]

Thanks will look at the ccsn link