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ICU Survivor's Battle: "Saved My Sanity"
16 Jul
Summary
- Man's ICU stay led to Post Intensive Care Syndrome.
- He campaigns to raise awareness for PICS support.
- Despite terminal diagnosis, he continues advocacy.
A Jersey man's profound experience in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has spurred him to advocate for Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) awareness. Gary Syvret, 67, received ICU treatment following a heart operation infection, later developing PICS which affects both physical and mental health.
Syvret struggles with memory recall due to medication during his treatment and works with a follow-up clinic to understand his experiences and distinguish reality from hallucinations. He emphasizes the significant benefit of speaking with professionals outside of family.
Despite a recent terminal diagnosis with an estimated month to live, Syvret remains committed to raising awareness for the ICU follow-up clinic. He stresses that the clinic's support extends to families, fostering sanity and understanding for those affected by critical care.
Nurse Holly Fisher, who established the clinic in 2016, notes that over half of ICU patients develop PICS. She underscores the importance of public and GP awareness regarding the extensive recovery from ICU and the available support systems for patients and their loved ones.
