VISITING INTENSIVE CARE January 12, 2010
Posted by wmmbb in Life Experience.trackback
Susan is laid up in the Intensive Care Unit in hospital.
I am losing track of time, and I can only imagine what it must be like for her. She went into hospital on 16 December and into the ICU on Christmas Day. Since going into hospital she has not eaten solid food. Everyday, lying in bed, especially on life support, a proportion of muscle mass is lost and as I can attest from my hospital experience physical tiredness reduces cognitive functioning.
Susan has now visited the operating theatre on four occasions. Each time she is subject to sedation and anesthetics, both do not do anything to preserve continuity of memory. In the ICU a close watch is kept on cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological functioning. Her most recent operation was required by a physical problem, before which by listening carefully I was able to hear her speak. She had said, “I am confused” and “write me a letter” – which I did.
I found it a disconcerting yesterday, after her operation, when she did not appear to recognize me, even though I know on a rational level I should not respond in that way. As a visitor and significant person I feel as though I have to be a source of positive, constructive feedback.
So while she could not speak to me today because she had the breathing tube that goes down to her trachea, and which as you can imagine is very irritating, she to my surprise was able to respond to what I was saying. Among other things I was telling her about the visit the dogs and me made to the vet, as well as their medication and general condition. She indicated, at the nurse’s suggestion, that she would like me to bring in some CD’s. Now I have something to work on.
Empathy is not to be taken for granted, and I suppose that is an aptitude like others that is normally distributed. I do not normally think of empathy as a communication skill. Whatever frustration might be, hers must be so much more. I have to exercise patience.
UPDATE: 22 January 2010
Susan this evening was moved back into a general ward. I hope this is good news. At this point, she still has a long way to go with her recovery. And I hope this change will work out well for her.
Empathy matters. I’m still thinking of you both.
Thank you very much Judith.
Susan had to be re-operated on again two days ago. As a result she had to have the oxygen tube reapplied. Now she is to have a tracheostomy – a surgical procedure that carries a potential risk to the larynx.
wmmbb – This seems like a horrible dream to me. I can’t even imagine what it must seem like to you. My prayers and thoughts are with you. It just seems like the surgeries are never-ending. Your are a powerful loving force for her. There is without doubt something beyond what we can see and what we know. She feels you, I think, even if she can’t respond. Have faith.
Thank you again.
When I went with her brother to see her yesterday, she is able to recognize us, and to hear what what people are saying. She cannot talk. This situation is a lot better than not being sure whether she recognizes us or not.
Your kind comments are most appreciated, Judith.
That is good news indeed, wmmbb!
Dear Mr. Wmmbb,
I am glad that she recognized you and her brother. These are positive signs indeed. I am sure that she’s able to feel your love even though she might not be able to express it very clearly to you. It will give her the strength to go through this phase and regain her health.
We will all pray for her return to health and the success of her forthcoming operation.
Licks n wags, and best wishes.
Oorvi with Cameo and Mercury.
You are right, Oorvi. It is far more difficult for Susan than for me. I really wish she did not have to have the operation, but I suppose that is a decision that her Surgeon will make. He is in the best position to make the judgement.
Thank you very much for your thoughts of us and your wags, not forgetting Cameo and Mercury.
We think of you and Mrs. each day, and pray for both of you.
Licks n wags,
Oorvi
Thank you Oorvi, Cameo and Mercury.
Susan has now been transferred from intensive care to high dependency, which is in the same hospital ward, but means that she is less reliant on life support systems. We are hopeful her progress will continue. It seems that the tracheotomy to assist her breathing by putting a tube under her larnyx, will not now be necessary.