Unbreakable: A Journey of Healing and Hope | Episode 2: Surviving the ICU

Welcome to the second episode of "Unbreakable: A Journey of Healing and Hope" podcast series. In this episode, join me as I delve into the first week of my life-altering experience in the ICU following a near-fatal motorcycle accident.
With raw honesty, I share the medical details of my ICU stay, shedding light on the intricate procedures, treatments, and challenges I faced during this critical period.
Beyond the medical aspect, I also open up about the emotional rollercoaster I experienced during those initial days. From fear and uncertainty to moments of hope and resilience, I share how I navigated the overwhelming emotions that accompanied my journey towards healing.
Due to so many people sharing their stories and looking for community, I have launched the LTM Network on facebook! If you would like to connect with other people looking for encouragement/support or just want to share your story: / ltmnetwork
Don't forget to check out the new merch! littletraumamama.myspreadshop...
Want to become a channel member? www.youtube.com/@littletraumamama/join
Buy me a coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/littletrauS
Amazon Storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/littletra...
Follow us on social media!
/ christywilliams
/ clbullock128
www.tiktok.com/@littletraumam...

[@littletraumamama]

Due to so many people sharing their stories and looking for community, I have launched the LTM Network on facebook! If you would like to connect with other people looking for encouragement/support or just want to share your story: facebook.com/groups/ltmnetwork/

[@ashleyross3873]

Surgical technologist here! As far as the dura repair goes, he likely used Nuralon suture to close as much of the defect as he could. Then potentially used Duraseal (which is a polyethylene glycol hydrogel) and that essentially provides a water tight seal atop the Nuralon repair. You’re a rockstar, girl!!! From one medical professional to another: you are such an inspiration. I’m so thrilled that you beat all the odds and are here to share your story with us!

[@MyPerfectGecko]

You are amazing and I'm so glad that you are here and you are special and ment to b here xxxx

[@debrayarbrough696]

❤❤❤

[@lorikean3405]

When my sister was bed bound and on hospice, a very kind empathetic lady came to give her a bed bath a few times. I was so touched watching her gently bathe my sister. My thoughts were oh my gosh, that hospice lady is an angel here on earth.

[@kathymckenzie9468]

Your podcast caught my eye today as my son in law’s 20 yr old son was killed on a motorcycle accident 2 weeks ago. Today was his celebration of life. It was a comfort to hear you felt no pain during the accident. We have all wondered how much he suffered. He died with in hours of his accident never being conscious again. God bless you.

[@littletraumamama]

I’m so sorry for your loss- especially your son-in-law! Wishing you all peace and comfort during this time.

[@debbierawiri8716]

I was hit by a car a number of years ago while on a pedestrian crossing. My most vivid memory was seeing the car headlight and thinking “I haven’t made it.” At that moment it felt like I went to sleep, there was no pain on impact or any memory of being tossed onto the bonnet and then thrown onto to road. I am sorry for your loss but know there is a guardian angel that watches over us. You either go with them or they protect you in that moment.

[@jennniferambrusko2630]

Sorry for your and SIL's loss. Many prayers for the family and healing.

[@tm13tube]

God bless you. It is so recent for you.

[@karishort1891]

I'm so sorry for your loss. God bless you all in Jesus name 🙏

[@kellysites6164]

I'm a nurse and a Christian, and I firmly believe that God has a time for each of us to die, and when it is NOT your time, you won't die. This is an incredible story that you should not have survived. 1,000 things could have and should have killed you, but it was not your time. This is an incredible miracle. I'm glad you are alive.

[@charlenehuff19]

I just watched this video and wanted to comment on my experience as a caregiver and diaper changes. What surprised me was that I never reacted with disgust, ever. I had an Alzheimer's client cry and say she was sorry..and how can you do this. It's not just a job for me, it's an honor. I want the elderly, or any person needing help this way to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect. This person is a child of God. I am serving a child of God!! How wonderful is that. I'm not bragging, I truly feel this way. When I see abuse I let whoever knows it. If a person does caregiving just as a job shouldn't be one.

[@marion371]

I am a Retired RN having worked for 40 years. My sister and I had a recent conversation about my emotional responses now. Years of having to be more impartial, yet still concerned about my patients care and well being, have left me a little remote in my feelings. It is not that I don’t care but I am more realistic. Stuff happens, people get sick, people die. Christie had a very powerful Guardian Angel watching over her. I’m so happy to hear her story, her survival, her care, and how she appreciates her nurses and other medical staff. Thank you.

[@cherylmaze6476]

ICU nurse for 38yrs. This is intensely interesting for me. A lot of your odd, dream like thoughts are a result, at least partially, of the Propofol,Dilaudid, Morphine, doses you were getting. You're very courageous and well spoken about your ordeal! HUGS for you😊❤

[@littletraumamama]

Thank you for watching, and appreciating a patient's perspective!

[@aileenwuornos5642]

Thank you for this, I am a RN. It warmed my heart to hear you talk about the nurses who cared for you. Nurses wear many hats, we are secretaries, waitresses, therapists, plumbers, we do a lot of things and most nurses go out of their way to take care of their pts like they are family of their own. I know not all nurses are this way but anyways the point I am trying to make is. Often times you only hear the bad experiences people have with their healthcare providers, you don't hear a lot of the good stories. I would like to think there are more pts out there having good experiences. When a pt and their family makes it known how thankful they are of their care we really take that sincerely because we don't get many thanks. We get people watching every move we make just waiting on us to make mistakes, we take verbal abuse from patients, their families, and sometimes even the people we work with. Physical violence towards nurses and other healthcare professionals is on the rise and people act like we should just lie down and take it. We get yelled at by one patient for taking to long with their pain pill because in the next room we were dealing with a patient dying. We have to deal with traumatic events with patients that hurt us to our core and often times we only have time if we are lucky for a quick cry in the bathroom and we are expected to forget about it and move on. Im glad that you had such a great experience and awesome recovery and i think you are 100% accurate the healthcare team you have around you, nurses, techs, respiratory therapists, doctors can have a great impact on your overall outcome when you experience something traumatic like this. Thanks for sharing.

[@marypenebaker898]

Respiratory Therapist. The unsung heroes. I made it through class but clinicals made me understand that I wasn't cut out for it. I could not disassociate with patients and their pain and treatments. I remember visiting a status asthmaticus patient in the ICU. I remember her apologizing about her vanity. Everything we had done to her and she was worried that she hadn't shaved her legs. I loved being that kind of a person that people could communicate with. But my best friend has made a long long career of being an RT and she is an incredible woman. There is nothing like not being able to breathe to put the fear of God into someone. I love that you remember your RT because people will remember her for years. She will be stopped in a store because somebody remembered her when they didn't remember anyone else. What an incredible credible person. Respiratory therapists witness so much just because their presence is needed. It doesn't mean their skills are utilized on the patient. Thank you for mentioning your RT. ❤️❤️

[@stattravels8109]

I am a nurse and love how much you appreciate your nursing team! Also, you are an inspiration! My hubby is a retired firefighter/medic and we are amazed at your miracle story!

[@littletraumamama]

I could literally talk all day about how thankful I am for everything they did. Absolute angels on earth... I just really don't have the words to express my gratitude properly!

[@MargDegraaf]

Dignity goes out the window when it comes to being in a bedridden situation.. You obviously survived to really help me out personally not only for loosing my brother & nephew from a motorcycle accident. But also for the caring I’ve had to do for my own elderly mother & my brother in law who had bowl cancer & I was the only one who had a strong stomach to care for him. I remember one time when I had to sponge bath him & he started crying. I apologised to him & reassured him it was ok. He always said the only thing he never wanted me to do was washing him. And I have to say even though you have scars you are so pretty. Inside you are just beautiful but outside darn pretty. ❤❤

[@littletraumamama]

Yes, as someone who has been on both sides of it, it's just awful. It was awful for him and you, but I'm glad he has someone that loved him caring for him.

[@EnidNess-kl9mg]

Hello Christy! Thank you so much for the recognition of care givers!💖 I worked as a nursing assistant for 32 years in nursing homes and also doing some home health care. When you spoke of helping your mother in law in her final days and how much empathy and pride it gave you really hit home for me. It was always extremely important to me when I was doing those intimate personal cares for people to keep them as comfortable as possible keeping their dignity intact. It is far from a glamorous job, however it is very important! So happy you are doing so well, and thank you for choosing to share your story!💖

[@wandalester8624]

Christy, you have shown the world that if it not your time to die, you can't will it. God knew people needed to hear and understands He is in control of when He takes us home. I stopped breathing as a month old, my mother said I was wrapped up in a blanket to tight in a small truck. When she brought me in the house and unwrap me l was blue and purple and not breathing. She rubbed my arms and legs and prayed, she said all of a sudden l took a breath. I have oxygen deprivation still today. It is a scary feeling when there's not enough oxygen in a room. I panic. I have to get to a door or open a window. I so appreciate you sharing your amazing story with the world. Enid thank you for being a compassionate caregiver. God bless you mightily!

[@EnidNess-kl9mg]

Thank you so very much!🙏❤️

[@bluebird9952]

absolutely.......I'm a unregistered nurse and a senior HCA.....ur absolutely correct.

[@ronileigh2571]

When you talked about dad and you writing ‘not his fault’ I started to tear up. My 83y.o. Father was diagnosed with lung cancer and after chemo it came time for him to have surgery to remove part of his lung. He asked me what he should do and I said he needed to get the surgery, he was afraid and didn’t want it but agreed. He recently had the surgery and it took nearly 3 weeks before he started to come out of anesthesia. Once he came around he aspirated and they had to sedate and intubate him I stayed with him in the ICU and there were times I just cried saying how sorry I was for making him have surgery. His surgery was 7/31 he’s in a rehab facility now and is getting stronger every day. I just pray he knows how strong he is and that it was all worth it because he is cancer free now.

[@theropesofrenovation9352]

You did the right thing though things didn't go as planned. They rarely do. =)

[@littletraumamama]

I’m just now seeing this, but I really hope he is continuing to improve!

[@Ks-di3xs]

Mother in ICU. Student nurse put her on 2 bags saline open wide, to flow into a person suffering with bilateral pneumonia in respiratory distress. Mom gained 75 pounds through 10 days of this. They neglected to give her the at home medication of laxis diuretic. Even though questioned daily every staff and doctor. They Never missed giving the potassium though. My poor mother drowned in her fluids. ICU staff covered for each other. My experience was awful. Still hurt deeply over her death. May you all have better staff.

[@Blueskathy]

While I'm extremely empathetic to your entire experience, i just found myself looking at your bird who is so comfortable with hearing you speak and how therapeutic it is that he kept napping (or it seemed so) God Bless you 🙏🏼🙏🏼🕊️🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@karenherring8883]

My husband also had a motorcycle accident and lost his left arm due to a brachial plexus injury. So, we have been through all of this ,he was only 20 years old, and his bike was hit by a drunk lady. We have just celebrated our 45 wedding anniversary. So, just keep moving forward. Enjoy all you have.❤

[@terry1496]

Your story is so incredible. What an amazing team of providers, especially the nurses. It is so easy to complain about healthcare in this country but the ones who are in the trenches really are amazing and deserve our respect.

[@user-qc5vr6bs6q]

I am a Neuro nurse in the UK and have watched your videos with great interest. You have described things that I have often wondered and explained your experience so eloquently. I do think that you have and had the determination to recover and I have seen this in my own patients. You are an inspiration and I wish you every happiness in the future ❤

[@sharonstarkey309]

I just wanted to tell you that you are a beautiful woman! Inside and definitely outside. God certainly blessed you. He sure has a plan for your life!

[@hughjanus5336]

Dural tears are repaired using microsurgical techniques - using a microscope and a fine needle. Small dural tears are sutured or stapled close, while larger ones are reconstructed with a patch or graft. Fat or fibrin glue may be used as a sealant to reinforce the repair.

[@wendyoneill948]

I’m amazed you survived such a terrible accident, then the surgeries and then the extended stay in the ICU, which is a certain kind of brain-scrambling hell for those who are conscious and have no way to escape down the hall. And you emerged from it all with a positive and giving spirit? Quite a lot of amazing feats, right there! Thanks for sharing your story and for educating people about your experience. Having been an ICU patient, I can say there is no such thing as respect for a patient’s dignity or privacy among about 70% of ICU nurses/nurse aides I encountered. I was a cognizant patient (after they got done tripping me on too much dilaudid), and was riding their cases 24/7, some got the point that just because they’re used to seeing everything every day doesn’t mean I’m ok (or that it should be ok for any patient) to be on display like a carcass to any passersby in the hallway. I pointed at my phone and said “EXACTLY!!” when you said you felt you were being treated like “a sack of meat.” I told some nurses I felt like a side of beef. 😀 I don’t think anyone is asking for every nurse to hold hands and sing us to sleep; just remember this could be their loved one, or better yet, themselves in that bed. Handle with a bit more care and dignity, whether they’re conscious or not. I’m grateful for the good nursing staff I’ve encountered and always ready to tactfully enlighten the ones who need enlightening! Keep on keeping on, Christy. I’m glad you’re here to tell about it!

[@theropesofrenovation9352]

I was guilty, as a nurse, of not thinking anything about changing or bathing a patient. I wasn't mean or anything. Just seemed routine. Now that I've been there, I totally understand your point. Until one has been in that situation I don't think they can truly understand. KInd of like explaining to a childless person what it's like to have a child. If that makes sense

[@lolamae1548]

Thank you for sharing. As a RN I feel every new nurse should hear you speak!!!! Talk to your patients people!!!

[@melissalassers2669]

I think every nursing school should teach this ICU patient perspective to all students. Even to the point of the students being In a mock Halo and having to have things done… visualizing what it would feel like to be a patient.

[@jonnaborosky8836]

As an RN, with every patient I had who was non-verbal, I talked to them as if we were in a regular conversation... and explained what I was doing with every action, in case they could understand. And I'd explain why each action was taken. I thought that would be soothing. Of course, they couldn't discuss it with me or ask questions, but I did all I could to make the interaction as personable as I could. It is SO wonderful and heartening to hear you speak well of your nurses. Thank you so much for sharing. ❤

[@littletraumamama]

I cannot say enough good things about my NICU nurses and RTs! They were absolutely amazing!

[@lulumoon6942]

*NEAR INNER DECAPITATION SURVIVOR HERE* N U perfectly described our recovery experiences! Also, *NEURO ICU NURSES* R 😇"s!

[@T_Barb]

I took care of my dad the last 3 years of his life. I remember being terrified of having to change his diaper. He didn’t “seem” to mind in and I think in fact came to enjoy it because I’d always give his back a good scrub after his change. He loved it. The thing helped me the most were the gloves. Somehow it created some kind of separation. It started feeling to me the same as changing your baby. I think, I hope, through the many changes I did for him will help me if it ever comes to that for me. I’m so sorry it was so humiliating for you.

[@gloriarogers-bruse2791]

Grateful for the depth you described feeling when having diapers changed. Recently in hospital and had to have soiled bed and myself cleaned up by whatever nurse was on duty. Wanted to scream over lack of privacy. Cleaning private parts was rough and painful. So thank you for expressing how very awful that invasion was for you. I felt the same. ❤️.

[@cindytalwar8438]

You are just a remarkable human being, ❤️not just for surviving your accident, but for how you have progressed through your healing process. Miraculous is just not even enough of a word…you survived all of this for a reason, and your story is so inspiring and humbling. Thank you so much for sharing your story.🙏🏼❤️

[@bitterbells]

I got emotional when you got emotional talking about your mother in law! Your feelings are so real and raw!

[@user-wo8yl2qh3l]

You would be a remarkable nurse - so intelligent, caring and compassionate - should an inkling of that desire ever reappear in your consciousness. That said, your story, in and of itself, is likely to be healing for anyone else facing traumatic life circumstances. Deepest blessings to you! 🙏

[@hattarapilvi]

as a nurses assistant whos changed thousands of adult diapers, it makes me so sad that you were so embarrassed and felt so bad about diaper changes. i really wish we as a society talked about and normalised these things more. no one should ever have to feel embarrassed and humiliated for needing that kind of help. 💔

[@samrutster]

I was a nurse for 40 years and the best nurses are the ones who knew how the patients feel. You would be such an amazing nurse!

[@mayamae4156]

Yup as a healthcare worker humans in ICU are just biological machines that need help to keep running. It’s sad but it’s the only way staff can work without losing our minds. Thanks for this Christy! Your helping a lot of people!❤

[@carmen6815]

I'm currently suffering from depression and your videos are very healing and entertaining Christy

[@shellylavigne5913]

Clearly, your journey wasn’t finished😇

[@kaylingauthier4261]

I'm glad your still here to tell your story. I've had 14 surgeries in my almost 30 years of life. I understand the pain with hardware. I have little movement in my left foot/toes. My Achilles is thickened and has little use. No muscle in my whole left leg. I am surprised that my leg can really hold some of my weight. I am glad I can call you a friend.

[@carolemouallem2558]

Thank you for being so open about your experiences from the patient side. You radiate peacefulness from the inside out. Also, Bailey is an angel...how do you get him to sit so patiently?

[@littletraumamama]

I have no idea... I think he's just content sitting with me.

[@Deets-Does-Stuff]

I’ve also been in the ICU and I understand what you mean - feeling like an object. It’s unreal.

[@peachxtaehyung]

2:20 i feel that girl!! I was born with spina bifida, hydrocephalus and i have developed severe chronic pain and my mental state is sooo much better since joining social media, i dont have a channel related to my medical conditions but just finding people who have the conditions i do on social media like facebook and instagram has helped me so much to not feel alone (even though i always knew i wasnt but when you have no one you know that has it you start feeling like that).

[@divineranch5705]

Social media saved my life after a TIA and having to give up my career. I have Chiari Malformation with SB symptoms, Intercranial Hypertension, EDS, SFN/LFN and more. Being alone a lot of the time and having health challenges is hard. I literally discovered Christy's channel last night. I don't like that other people have to suffer with this crap, but it's helpful to know I'm not alone.

[@peachxtaehyung]

@@divineranch5705 yes absolutely. I don't want anyone to be in this team but also if we have to be it's helpful to know we are not alone and to support each other if that makes sense. I'm sorry you had to deal with all of that. I hope you're doing better! And welcome fo the channel

[@gloriadavidson8599]

Just wanted to say your story and recovery is so INSPIRING and an a credit to you ❣️❣️❣️🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@h2Larison]

You and your story are helping more than you realize. Prayers for continued healing and KZbin success!

[@kelliedoxiern4308]

Thank you so much for this. I am a nurse. 28 yrs now and it is so very hard to be a patient. You are helping so many people whether now or people who watch this in the future. You are amazing!❤

[@lyndalikeslace567]

I too am a fellow ICU-PTSD survivor. I was always under the impression that ICU nurses mainly just dealt with the machines and didn’t need to have a particularly good bedside manner. Boy was I wrong. One nurse said to me when I was having a bad day in ICU, “I’m an ICU nurse and I hope that you know that ICU (I See You)”.😇

[@sharonwarner2894]

Happy Belated Birthday 🎂 you are definitely a gem! Bless your heart for taking such great care of your MIL! That brought tears to my eyes & heart! God bless you 💖🙌🏼

[@LoveDeluxe89]

Thank you so much for being so honest and open about your experience! I can definitely relate to the feeling of helplessness...when I had my accident (a 25+ foot fall where I broke my left hip, femur, patella and tibial plateau and had a subdural hematoma) I obviously couldn't move much or get out of bed, so the nurses and techs had to bathe me and put me on a bedpan, ect...it makes you feel so exposed and vulnerable. UAB really has amazing healthcare workers and they really seemed to care and tried to make me as comfy as possible. They saved my life and I will forever be grateful! ❤ I was so happy when I was able to get up and go to the restroom myself, though...😂 You are truly an inspiration and a strong woman! ❤ I'm so glad you are here to tell your story and help others who may be going or have gone through a similar experience!

[@Thamonsterwithin]

My mom is a retired Neuro ICU nurse and she has told me numerous times that she had to become jaded in some aspects in order for her to be the best nurse for her patients. She talked about how she would leave work and come in for her next shift and her patients would have passed. She said it broke her heart. She talked about how she thought about her patients when she was not at work and how it impacted her mentally. I want to tell you that I am so sorry you felt like a slap of meat. But I want you to know that your medical team did see you as a person and they did everything they could to get you to leave the ICU as a healthy person and not as a corpse. I am so glad you made it.

[@ericalozano3995]

I appreciate your honesty and candor about your experience. Wishing you and your family nothing but the best going forward

[@sherw7635]

I'm glad you made it..I'm having sympathy pain just listening to the injuries and surgeries...You are a true warrior.

[@user-cl8yc4xc3p]

God bless you! Your angels were with you, my dear. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@Maggies87]

Christy, you’re doing so much good connecting with people from your small town in Alabama. I feel lucky to have and use your rainbow keychains and ice cream cozies. They make me smile, lots. Can’t wait for you to get high speed internet!

[@krisd870]

Prayers for your continual healing prayers also for your family and their mental healing too.

[@lynnharper3048]

You are inspiring. I have not been in ICU, but my husband was for an extended period of time. I remember being terrified when I first saw him there. So much equipment and so many tubes. He had nurses assigned to him 24/7 the whole time he was in ICU. The person who got me through my daily visits was one ICU nurse who only worked days. She told me that as long as she was calm, I should not worry. Thankfully, she was always calm. Not only was she a great nurse for my husband, but she helped me, as a visitor, so much. I will never forget her.

[@Spookiechoo]

I have been watching you from the beginning I just rarely comment. You are beautiful inside and out. Thank You for sharing your story and helping so many others ❤ God Bless you and your family🙏🏻

[@ToddDouglasFox]

Just a quick compliment: you have a great combo of intellect and emotion. This is evident in where your eyes go when you’re talking (up, down and side to side). Terrific balance in your approach to life and your personality. One other note about my injuries from birth (and other injuries) that I mentioned in response to your last video. I have an interesting artifact to my birth injury, the dura mater was caught up underneath my skull for over 60 years. I was able to release it in recent years but that caused an instant cataract!

[@littletraumamama]

I love that compliment! Thank you! I’ve tried to write stuff down before I film, but it just doesn’t come across nearly as sincere so I just try to pretend I’m having a conversation with a friend. That’s crazy about your dura!

[@ToddDouglasFox]

@@littletraumamamaI’ve spoken to top experts in the world on the dura mater experience and they CANNOT explain it any better than I can. Basically I could not touch my head or barely lay my head on the pillow at night as a child. My ear is flat on the opposite side because it was the only way I could lay down. Of course as a kid, I thought all kids must experience something similar and I never talked about it. I started getting a lot of hands on body treatments as an adult and that is when I found out that I was nearly killed at birth. Still I didn’t know about the dura mater issue until I had a certain osteopath treat my head. After years of direct work and some other approaches, I finally could move my neck with more range of motion and that is when myself and another person felt something shift at the base of my skull. We actually heard a sound. This release stopped the pulling over my eye that I had felt all of my life. It’s a pattern in all of us that goes along the back of the skull and up over the top and stops at the eyebrow. We think that when this shifted, the filaments that hold the eye in place were compromised and allowed debris to enter - which caused the instant cataract. I have many unique parts to the various injuries I’ve had and some of the approaches I’ve used towards recovery. I have an affinity for unique cases as a result. You certainly qualify!

[@peachxtaehyung]

Oh wow I didn't know that could do that

[@ToddDouglasFox]

@@peachxtaehyung mine is a unique combination of factors. You can’t just move your head and neck and cause something like this. Always be careful to check the research. You won’t find it. Of course if you do come across something that seems similar, let me know here.

[@peachxtaehyung]

@@ToddDouglasFox yes I will for sure!

[@ericscaillet2232]

Thank you to all care giver and all in the medical field,your work and time is highly valued and appreciated.

[@kaytidmore1948]

Thank you so much for sharing and being vulnerable! My husband passed away last year and I was his caregiver. Your talk is helping me to understand what he must have been feeling during those last few months. 😢

[@littletraumamama]

I'm so very sorry for the loss of your husband. Wishing you peace and comfort 🫶🏻

[@dlutes2995]

My husband passed 4 months ago after a long illness. I was his caregiver for the last year. At first it was very difficult for me. I was tired, emotional, afraid of the future & had insomnia which did not help one bit. 😢 I felt very guilty of how I felt in the beginning of his care giving. Then 1 day it all went away & I was able to give him the best care I could. We spent his last 3 months laughing, holding hands & living each day to the absolute fullest. 🙏🏼💙🙏🏼

[@kaytidmore1948]

So sorry for your loss! As much as you may prepare for the inevitable, you can’t prepare for that absence. I attended GriefShare which was very good for me…helped me process and walk through all of the emotions. My best to you as you will get through this. ❤

[@sherlyv8542]

Bless you ! My son was hit by a drunk driver. He is nonverbal and in a wheelchair. BTW, I am from Anniston and sold property close to Cheaha. Keep on keeping on.

[@sarahh1331]

I don't know how you do this. To be honest, I'd have wanted to just not survive. You are so brave.

[@alicjap3482]

Greetings from Vancouver Canada. You are a wonderful human being. Brave, kind and beautiful. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It is very important to me as my sister was in a motorcycle accident and was in a coma for 5 weeks. She died. She was 20 years old and I was 16. In a few months it will be 54 years since that happened but it feels to me like it was just yesterday. I wish you all the best.

[@dorothysmith5154]

Hello from Texas. I want you to know what an incredible story of human survival you are bringing thru your podcast. So glad I discovered your podcast and I am really enjoying your story. I have seen parts 1 and 2 and look forward to all. You are a walking, talking miracle and may God bless you and you family.

[@smarttechaddict]

You're educating me and bringing back memories of a traumatic surgery I went through, helping me process things. My brain wasn't working and I wanted to make it look like I was ok, so what's a sensible question? I asked what time it was over and over, sometimes many times a minute as i couldn't remember asking but to my addled brain it was a normal thing to say. I know this as my ex screamed at me to stop saying it. I'm so glad you had such good support as that was the worst part of my recovery, the ex left me after 12 years shortly after I had the surgery.

[@terriifeelsobadforthesekid6387]

I am so thankful I was lead to your podcast! Yes, its very interesting, but very human. I lost my soulmate to pancreatic cancer. We rode motorcycles. Yes, I too had my own! I'm thankful you are healing! Thank you for your courage to relive it all again!

[@user-tl4hd7so4y]

Thank you very much for sharing such a personal yet important personal experience. I agree with you that medical staff are incredible care givers probably sent from up above. You are a miracle and extremely inspirational!! Thank you and God bless you and your family ❤

[@user-it2vi8no1x]

Im so glad i came across your channel. Im going through alot medically and you have given me so much help . If you can get through everything you have been through so can i. I told my doctor about you and she is also watching your channel. Christy THANK YOu SO MUCH!! It dosnt help that i lost my Mom 2 months ago. Sending you so much ❤ & 🙏 ps i totally understand about the diaper changes😭💯

[@khillikialea]

I am allergic to all opioid medicintions. I can not imagine how i would make it though what you had and do. The chronic pain i go through is managed best the dr's can with the limited meds that i am able to take. With my Nursing background i know the affects of medications over a long term. I do hope your pain management treatments do not have a long term affect on your body. Much love and bugs sent your way for sharing your story.

[@shelley6746]

I had to change my moms diapers while she was dying from lung cancer and I cried every time and my mom was embarrassed but she knew I took care of her very well….

[@littletraumamama]

Watching someone die like that is a special kind of hell. I hope you are taking care of yourself now!

[@kavitadeva]

HI CHRISTY! YES YOU ARE ON YOU TUBE. I AM VERY ILL AND MOSTLY BED-BOUND . YOUR HONESTY IS PARAMOUNT, PLEASE STAY BRUTALLY HONEST. THAT IS WHAT HELPS OTHERS WHO SUFFER. I HATE CHANNELS WHERE THEY ONLY FOCUS ON THE GOOD. YOUR LIFE HAS TOUCHED ME DEEPLY. YOU ARE DOING GREAT WORK. BACK TO THE VIDEO. 🦋🔥💙💙

[@peachxtaehyung]

Hi Hun I'm sorry you're so ill! I am mostly bedridden too. I have Spina bifida and severe chronic pain

[@kavitadeva]

@@peachxtaehyung hey there thanks for your reply. I have no idea how Spina Bifida affects an adult. But, being in serious pain I do understand, and I am so sorry it's a big part of your life. Being bed-bound also can suck. Do you live alone? Do you have a strong support system? Bless you, hang tight. kavita

[@peachxtaehyung]

@@kavitadeva Spina bifida has made me stuck in a wheelchair since I was 16, my pain worsens as I get older. But everything else hasn't changed since I was a kid. But yes pain is horrible to live with but luckily I do live with my parents and they help and support me alot 💖

[@Teenywing]

YOUR CAPS LOCK IS STUCK ON. Or are you screaming at strangers?

[@arrahslichenmyer4986]

I'm very glad that you can walk!

[@amandafrance8464]

Hi Christy, thank you so much for sharing your story and for your vulnerability and compassion. I was a nursing assistant for a few months while in college recently and occasionally floated to ICU. I changed a lot of diapers and watched--and assisted--with horrible things like putting a catheter in a woman with dementia who couldn't understand why we were doing it. I completely understand what you mean by people becoming sacks of meat. I really appreciate getting to hear the patient’s perspective. Even though I've seen it, I can't imagine what that must be like to be helpless and trapped and to lose all sense of autonomy and privacy like that. I'm so glad you have come out on the other side. ❤

[@g188les]

Wow this just has me so emotional to hear about your recovery in the ICU. When i was 19, i was pregnant with twins and a drunk driver crashed into me and my husband in the middle of an intersection. The whole experience was traumatic and the hospital stay was so hard but nothing compared to your story and it makes me wanna cry because i know some of the pain and the mental agony that comes with it. Im so sorry for your experiences but im happy you made it out. Hugs. ♥️

[@dianagrimes8881]

Your body has suffered so much Im glad your recovery is continuing and you're going to do well. Im a Neuro ICUnurse who have seen patients like you. Its interesting to hear from the patients point of view. It must have been horrific.

[@juneweyman8482]

Hi, its very endearing to lisen to you. Yes im also got my eye on your parrot when you cried bless him he put his head to oneside so he could hear your change in voice monitone. So cute.

[@angelatollison5103]

I just came across your podcast and the ICU trauma really resonated to me. I experienced symptoms of PTSD after brain surgery, and when I returned to my neurosurgeon to discuss this, he acted like this was was a no brained, no pun intended but he says this isn’t uncommon after my brain surgery

[@Puggernaut]

I’ve worked in the operating room for 8 years at a level 1 trauma centre, when I have seen dura repairs we do them with patches like Dura Guard or Dura Matrix, and lots of stitching under a microscope. Then a sort of “glue” like dura seal or vista seal to seal any gaps. This is in Canada so I’m not sure if the states is the same but that is what I have seen personally. I saw one person in a forklift accident who was also internally decapitated and “survived”, however they were basically vegetative for a few years until they passed. Your story is really amazing and I’m thankful to hear you share your experiences. I also love crocheting!!

[@Lynn-td3ly]

I was in the hospital during covid. On the ventilator for 19 days. I’m ICU 30 days and in the hospital 70 days. I had Mercers pneumonia. I died 2 times. Yes you feel like a piece of meat! Can’t speak, move, communicate! Nothing! No family to check on you. I didn’t feel like I was treated very well at all. I had 1 little nurse though that figured out how I could point at A B C ‘s to spell to communicate some! It was horrible

[@flamingogirl57]

Hello Christy ! Another Kristy here 😊! You really touched my heart with this video. I lost it 😢 several times, you really got me talking about taking care of your Mother in law. I was my Momma and later my Husbands care giver. As I said in last video I was injured in 2 car accidents and can so relate to the not being able to speak or move and feeling like a bag of meat. Can also relate to the whole diaper change feelings and giving me you more compassion caring for your Mother in law. It surely helped me in caring for my Momma and my Husband until they passed in my arms. God bless you and keep you and yours !!

[@littletraumamama]

Caregiving is HARD! I'm glad you took the time to comment 🫶🏻

[@lonskyland6097]

I’m a retired respiratory therapist. I have always felt so bad instilling saline and suctioning trauma patients. I felt like it was so cruel but absolutely necessary. 😢

[@antoinette2840]

Your channel caught my eye tonight. I was curious as to what internal decapitation is. I had covid in 2021 and was on a ventilator for 10 days in ICU. I still have PTSD. I still have some survivor's guilt. I want to tell you, God has something for you to do and I believe you're doing it.

[@sandrawhitaker8008]

Give God the Glory!!!

[@littletraumamama]

Hi, so I am no longer a Christian and deconstructed a long time ago. All are welcome here that wish to be here and are willing to have a mutual understanding not to impose our beliefs on one another.

[@lynngliottone2812]

I'm watching this video feeling very foolish. I fell off my kitchen counter and simply broke my femur, and felt sorry for myself. I just had one surgery and rehab. You are an amazing young woman! I cannot imagine the emotional and physical pain you went through. May life bring you nothing but happiness, and God Bless!

[@littletraumamama]

Oh no! Don't feel foolish at all- a femur fracture is a big deal! You are definitely allowed to complain when you need to. There's always someone out there way worse off than we are, but that doesn't mean it still doesn't suck!

[@lynngliottone2812]

Thanks for the kind words, and for taking the time to say them. I will be listening to the rest of your journey and cheering you on!

[@l0velyquiet194]

I was 4 years old when I had thyroid storm. There was this moment I remember before I started seizing, which was feeling sick. I was throwing up n stuff. The next thing I remember is waking up a little bit, I couldn't move or talk ( later I realized when I became a healthcare worker what it was) I was intubated and they were slowly lightening the sedation because I was beginning to breathe over the vent sporadically. I was one of the sickest kids my endocrinologist had seen (he told me that when I turned 18) because he thought I wouldn't make it that night. I should NOT have survived. That memory of looking around a dark room and then the door being cracked, seeing the nurse's station down the dim hallway. It's so weird what our brain retains. Even for me being so little. I developed white coat syndrome pretty badly. It's a bit better now but I still don't like being the patient. This is a moment when I knew I wanted to be a healthcare worker. I'm a former CNA and In school to be a medical assistant. Lmao funny how we gravitate to the things that made us so scared but I think for me to know how the body works helps me understand what happened & it isn't as scary I guess.

[@l0velyquiet194]

9:45 i Can relate to the trauma of being in the ICU. I really remember my mom being what you said "a piece of furniture" they were rocks and didn't cry too much, they didn't let their emotions get to them. I couldn't quite understand what was happening and that made it all the scarier. When my breathing tube was pulled out my uncle was there, not to mention when I moved down to the peds ward not the PICU they took my blood without my mom there and my IV was not working. This wAS very Traumatizing. I remember watching myself from the outside, it was extremely weird. I now believe it was my way of disassociating. I am glad someone who has Medical Trauma is speaking so frankly about it. I feel like it's taboo to be so honest because people who haven't been there don't understand and don't wanna hear it. 16:52 my dad was the one who realized I was seizing and he carried me up to my mother and didn't really know what to do. Poor thing froze. I feel bad for both my parents. Almost losing their baby, I flatlined in front of their eyes for almost 3 minutes. It's absolutely nuts how Medical stuff can affect a whole family. My dad had a pill wheel bc to be home I had to be on a truckload of drugs. My mom learned how to check my blood press manually. 19:17 I remember feeling really sickly for a long time and I had multiple procedures afterwards. My compassion for people and kids really made me good at my job as a CNA. I empathized so much with these people and loved them as much as I could to either healing or to the end. I wasn't afraid-I am not afraid of death and I can tell people that it's not scary. I am so sorry you had to go through all of that. No one should have to be bed bound and have their dignity taken away but that's the natural order of things unfortunately but empathy and compassion is important when caring. Being a healthcare worker. You're amazing and thank you again, this was so healing for me

[@littletraumamama]

ICU trauma is definitely a thing, but you just don’t know unless you’ve been through it. I’m glad that this helped you feel seen- I know I always feel validated to find out someone else can relate to something that was hard for me ♥️

[@wandacanon2885]

Thanks for sharing your story. You are very brave.

[@sandrapowers6099]

Thanks!

[@ERRNCJ]

I've been an RN for 45 years. I was also a patient in ICU during covid. I can relate to much you said, things I just shoved away in humiliation. I have slowly realized I am recovering from medical PTSD. Thank you for your transparency and courage in speaking about your experience, your truthfulness has touched me today. I didn't notice your facial scars, they do not take anything away from your natural beauty, but rather are a testimony to your will for survival. Stay strong and blessed! 💖

[@littletraumamama]

Best wishes to you in your recovery! I’ve found a lot of peace just knowing I’m not alone in how I felt through all of that.

[@ERRNCJ]

@@littletraumamama I agree with you. I see women, and even more so, women of faith, who are afraid to speak of things that are not " parlor room conversation," (as my mom used to say!) Without courageous women being vulnerable and REAL we are left to suffer alone needlessly. I find it amazing 45 years of nursing that I didn't even know about medical PTSD from an ICU! Too many years in the ER. "TREAT AND STREET. " You taught an ol dog a new trick! My son who is an ICU nurse says now it's an automatic referal to a therapist after a week in ICU. You and I deserve lifetime memberships! 😆

[@littletraumamama]

@@ERRNCJ ER, ICU nursing, and EMS will turn you into a machine.

[@donitawhite8111]

As a nurse in a skilled rehab facility, I do my fair share of changing patients but we never call them diapers. Diapers are for babies. Adults use "briefs" or "underwear".

[@loiscassels8966]

For my Mom, I called Depends her fancy pants.

[@arrahslichenmyer4986]

I like your bird buddy.

[@lisaalston2236]

Hi Christy. Someone more knowledgeable probably already answered about a dura repiar, but I'll share an experience which may or may not be applicable. My husband had a pituitary apoplexy in 2002 (a pituitary tumor in which a blood vessel burst). The surgeon that the hospital wanted to do the surgery was out of town so my husband waited 10 days for the surgery. When he was able to have the surgery, the neurosurgeon had to take sinew (or whatever the medical term for that is) from his leg to repair the dura. I don't know if they have other means of patching it, that was just what they did in his case which probably wasn't as extensive as what you required. I'm so amazed at your journey and recovery and thank God that He spared your life. Thank you for sharing your experience to help others.

[@divineranch5705]

My dura was repaired using "cow hide" that's how the surgeon described it to my husband.

[@sheilamcinerney4291]

You are so brave, I worked as a home caregiver,on leave at the moment. I try also to keep the dignity intact of the person but depending upon the person I also make it light hearted too and that sometimes helps. I’m so glad you are doing so well in your recovery.

[@lisagerson7735]

I know I’m off topic, I’m an aesthetician and you have the most beautiful skin!

[@littletraumamama]

Girl that's just good lighting and a camera! I couldn't figure out why that little vlogging camera made my skin look so good, and I found a setting in it the other day that was a "soft skin" effect and it comes with the default set on the middle setting. I wish it looked that nice in person! But also, thank you :) There's some videos on here taken with my phone or a gopro that aren't so flattering 😬

[@lisagerson7735]

@@littletraumamama oh I’m sure it isn’t the lighting, I was laying in the tub tonight and saw your video about your accident and watched another, so I had to subscribe! My husband lost his leg on a Harley many years ago. I’m going to get caught up on the rest of your videos.

[@jenniferortiz9553]

God bless you. Thank you for sharing 🫶🏻

[@babzhill1011]

Thank you for sharing.

[@annamariemiller3877]

I appreciate your candor!!!

[@rhondaramey6756]

Thank you for sharing your amazing story.

[@geselagrendel630]

Your an amazing, beautiful young lady and never give up. You have a heart of gold, your husband too! Take care of yourselves and thanks for the videos. 🇬🇧💖

[@lauriepierce4068]

I so understand. I helped care for both of my parents and my adult children ended up helping with my dad. You just do it and it is not anything we ever minded doing. It was just body functions.

[@tiffshorse13]

Wait! You herniated? Girl, that’s when I come in to do the brain death scan. You are a true miracle. I’ve always been so proud to be a healthcare provider and do what I can to help patients who are in dire straights. It’s been a privilege.

[@littletraumamama]

I’m not sure how much I herniated, but it was enough that I went into respiratory arrest, lost my gag reflex, and blown pupils. They must’ve got the EVD in super fast.

[@vivaloz1030]

Thank-you ❤

[@meghood]

Thank you for sharing this part of your story. Thoughts and prayers, Meg from FL🙏

[@1969Therose]

Christy thank you for this. So far so good. Enjoy your trip.