ICU Psychosis

Jorge is having bouts of delusion. This isn't uncommon, we call it "ICU Psychosis" - considering an ICU patient like Jorge is medicated, sedated, traumatized and stimulated 24 hrs a day, it's not unlikely to cause psychological reactions. These reactions are not permanent although he could end up suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. For now, he's freaking the family out and pretty much amusing me with the stories of his delusions. I'm convinced this is temporary because he has periods when he's perfectly oriented to time, place and person. Brain damage isn't fleeting, you don't go in and out of it. Thursday, Jorge thought he was the president of the U.S., demanding to speak to Dick Cheney. Pretty cool, if you're going to be delusional, you might as well have delusions of grandeur!

So he's now out of ICU, into a "Step Down" unit next door. This should help with the psychosis, less stimuli and more time with family to keep him oriented. I suggested they bring in family photos to help keep him in the here and now. Less TV, more sleep. John's other brother Mike and sister Cuqui arrived back yesterday, great additional support for everone.

Around here it's been pretty quiet. Yesterday afternoon I took Jake with me to a Marine promotion ceremony. That was very cool. Then I went out for dinner with friends. One friend was a patient of mine last week, that's something to get used to. The Embassy community is small so I'll have plenty of friend/patients that I'll be socializing with as well as treating. Patient confidentiality is at a whole new level! As everyone tends to know everyone else's business, the harmless question of "Is so-and-so okay?" brings me to a screeching mental stop. If the questioner knows too much it can really become a tap dance. I'm learning to subtly change the subject.

I'm trying to think of something to do today other than hang out in my pajamas but I'm failing miserably. But the sun is shining and the day is beckoning. Next step, get the kids out of bed!