Thread by @sbattrawden

What having a child in ICU taught me about being a doctor.

There’s a room in every ICU. The one with a couple of sofas, a watercolour on the wall, and a well placed box of tissues.

I never expected that one day, I might be on the other couch

#thread

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When our son got sick, it didn’t hit me how bad things were until we taken to that room in ICU.

It would change my life. Despite the odds, Joshua would pull through his resuscitation.

Now, as an ICU doctor, it’s my turn to be there for families on the worst day of their lives

Here is what I learned from the compassion I was shown:

1) It is absolutely ok to show some emotion. To know that someone cared so deeply about what happened to my child was the one thing I clung onto.

2) The waiting is the hardest part. It is agonising. If you can, please pop out and give regular updates.

3) Get to the point. There is only so long people can hold their breath, waiting for that warning shot. I shut out almost everything until the bad news started coming.

4) We hear a lot in paediatrics about including parents in the resuscitation. It’s a deeply personal choice. But please offer. Each extra minute away from Joshua when his life hung in the balance was torture.

5) Consider physical touch. If it seems appropriate, ask “can I give you a hug?” It’s one of the moments with our consultant that has always stuck in my mind. It’s not for everyone, but I’ve been amazed just how many people really do want a hug, and hug you back with ferocity.

My final thought is this. I know how much the team sacrificed to be there. The endless training, the long nights, the weekends away from their children so they could look after mine. I thank god for the neonatal team every time I see Joshua smile.

I know our jobs are tough. But this is why we do what we do. To get someone’s son home to their family. To be there for someone on the worst day of their life.

You make that happen. In someone’s eyes you are a hero. Never forget it

/ends 💙

My full blog is here on Instagram. I always get really nervous sharing something so personal, I would love to know what you think. Do pop on over and say hello 👇🏻

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