Waiting in ICU

My husband is in the ICU. Intensive Care Unit for those of you lucky enough to never have needed it. If I sound a little blurry, I am. I know I slept last night, but I’m not in any way normal. My mind keeps jumping and yesterday I found myself stuttering when family and friends called for updates.
How do I know what’s happening? I listened to the doctors explain the procedure, why they are treating him with certain drugs—
Why don’t they understand I can’t hear them? I want my husband home and well, not in this busy place with machines beeping and honking and chirping. So many dedicated people concentrating on th e patient care. Blue scrubs seem to be the norm. I have to walk carefully between the complicated machines waiting in the corridor for the unexpected.
Two days and I’m hoping they moved him to the step-down unit today. They will if he’s better. Something I can understand.

Author: Barbara Edwards

Riveting Romance with an Edge

25 thoughts on “Waiting in ICU”

  2. I don’t know you, and you definitely don’t know me, but as someone that was in ICU and ICMU for 5 days this month at the local hospital – I just want you know from a patient side: you staying with your husband provides a lot of comfort to him. I know this because it’s scary alone at night. I mean, putting on a brave face doesn’t mean you’re happy, ya know? Not in for the same thing, DKA instead of heart attack, but it’s still a scary place to be and realize that you’re so drugged up to not process enough. It takes the sting out.

    I know it’s different situations, but I hope your husband can move down where you get more consistent nurses and they learn your needs better since you’re essentially the one will handle everything after he’s discharged and moved elsewhere. Remind the nurses and doctors you need more clear communication, and ask if they can write down what they’re saying, so that you can look over it later when you need to ask questions.

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    1. thanks for your insight. I did ask for a list and explanation today. Now I’m going to think about it so I ask the right questions tomorrow.

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      1. I’m glad you asked for explanations and list. I think it’ll help you out, especially tomorrow when rounds hit at random times. Things I’d have done are fresh on my mind, hence the list. I know that some docs are pretty uncommunicative like my kidney doc was, so it’ll allow you to ask other docs, too.

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  3. Oh Barbara. I feel for you. I’ve waited in the ICU. It’s a different world and not one I care to revisit but they did save our people. Prayers for you and your husband. ((hugs))

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  5. Hi Barbara,

    First time here (courtesy of PL Parker) and read ‘Step Down’ unit. Cardiac bypass for hubby? If so, hang tough. Been there, done that and mine came through okay (in spite of him, as his cardiologist says). Praying for both of you, for peace and health.

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  6. Barbara you and your husband are in my prayers and positive thoughts. Stay strong and if possible keep your mind focused like you’ve been doing by getting online. Knowing you have many people praying for you and worried for you and your husband–you don’t need to feel alone .

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  7. Barbara, sending prayers and good thoughts to you and your husband. Watching a loved one in danger is hard. Take heart and remember all those who are waiting with you via the cyberworld.

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