Dear ICU Suvivor

Dear ICU Survivor,

It is unlikely we will ever meet but I know what you are going through because I am an ICU survivor too. I know you are stronger than you think and even know right now, you have overcome something that nearly killed you. Your strength and determination brought you through with the help of an excellent ICU team. In the beginning, everything will seem like it is too difficult to achieve and it will be a struggle but you will overcome these hurdles.

The ICU team and the teams on your step down out of hospital are all trying to get you better as quickly as possible and I know at times the physios, doctors, and nurse seem like the enemy pushing you to do things you are too tired or too frustrated to do but there are reasons why they are getting you to do them even if you don't see them. The rehabilitation seems hard but you have overcome so much already. You might not be able to see your progress because it is small steps on a daily basis but your friend and family, as well as the staff, will. When you look back at what you are now able to do that you couldn't do a week or a month ago you will see how far you have come.

I will not lie to you, it will not be an easy or quick path to recovery but it will come. On your recovery journey, things might no longer be able for you to do but I can assure you other things will become available to you. Before ICU I would have been terrified to talk in front of a group of people but I tell my ICU story to healthcare professionals and have spoken to a conference of 300 people. Surviving will take some things away from you but it will gift things to you. You will hopefully realize how strong you are because you are so very strong to overcome what you have.

We are family because we are both ICU survivors, we are many because others are survivors too. You are never alone, we all have gone through similar things you are a #Rehablegend and you prove it with every step you take and every hurdle you overcome. Being an ICU survivor is not a badge of shame but one of strength and determination, you are part of the #RehabLegend family too. We support each other because we all know what it is like to be in that bed we all know what we all have overcome, never forget your greatness and strength.

Your Fellow Survivor

Mark