"ICU PTSD / Aftercare"

12 months after being rushed to Maroondah Emergency Department (ED), by MICA, then tubed, moved to ICU, I am still suffering from the PTSD I have from my admission.  It really wasn’t helpful to be told by every single doctor from every specialty to tell me how lucky I was to be alive.  Then to have the NUM inform me, did I know how hard they had to work several times to keep me there ( alive). Isn’t that your job?  I am not stupid and know that I wouldn’t of been there for an ingrown toe nail.

Even though I don’t remember the ambos, MICA, ED, ICU, until I was extubated.  Perhaps I am worse for working in the field, than other people.  But there must be better after care of our mental state then what currently happens.  One visit in ICU, by the ICU Liaison Nurse, And one visit by her, on the ward the next day.  Perhaps if patients can see someone when they are fully with it, as even now I have so many questions that I would like answered as I don’t remember my ED presentation, etc. and as stupid as some of the questions are, they are adding to the fact of having to face your own mortality and the flashbacks etc, like being slapped across the face with a wet fish.

Perhaps the doctors feel it would make people feel better telling them how lucky they are.  I know I am lucky to be alive and to see my precious kids still have their Mum.  But it has caused the PTSD I have. I got one hours sleep last night again, after a brain racing with everything that happened, and the gaps I have. There has to be better after care of people’s  mental state, after having an unexpected admission to ICU.  Staff get debriefing, why don’t patients, before it all gets to much for them and they potentially start doing things that are harmful to themselves. Or worse?