Episode 1: “The Week I Don’t Remember"

There are days of Michael Paul Patrick’s life that everyone around him remembers except him. In November 2024, a car accident led to cervical spine surgery. During extubation, he aspirated, developed aspiration pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and spent a week in a coma. Then he woke up and was extubated. Only afterward did the hallucinations, nightmares, and ICU delirium begin. In the premiere of SURVIVING DISCHARGE, Michael shares the story behind “The Week I Don’t Remember”—and what happened when surviving the hospital became the beginning of a recovery he hadn’t expected. From profound weakness and cognitive changes to disrupted sleep, fear, and stepping away from trial practice, Michael explores how critical illness reshaped his work, relationships, and sense of self. He reflects on the experience his family remembers, finding language for Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), and writing his memoirs, I See U and I Hear U. He also shares how survivor advocacy, Orlando’s Walk4PICS, and speaking on a Society of Critical Care Medicine panel helped shape the Life After ICU Initiative and its peer-led support work. This is one survivor’s story, an introduction to the community behind this podcast, and an invitation to keep talking about what happens after discharge. Next episode: What Is PICS? Learn more about the Life After ICU Initiative and peer support at https://lifeaftericu.org. Content note: This episode discusses critical illness, ICU delirium, hallucinations, nightmares, and emotional distress following intensive care. This podcast shares lived experience and education, not individual medical advice. Peer support complements clinical care; it does not replace medical treatment or psychotherapy. SURVIVING DISCHARGE A Life After ICU Initiative Podcast Building the bridge from intensive care to life after. What helped you build your bridge? Intro and closing narration done by Luulu Soul. Learn more about her at https://luulusoul.carrd.co