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ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 A University of Central Florida researcher is advocating for federal recognition of a little-known condition that can follow patients home from the intensive care unit. <\/p>\n
Brian Peach, a researcher with the UCF College of Nursing, is among the group that formally proposed creating a specific diagnosis code for post-intensive care syndrome, or PICS.<\/p>\n
The proposal was presented to the federal ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee in March. The committee, co-chaired by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u2019s National Center for Health Statistics and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reviews proposed changes to the nation\u2019s medical coding system.<\/p>\n
The proposal submitted to the CDC argues that the lack of a unified code makes it difficult to determine the prevalence of PICS and can hinder screening, diagnosis, and coordination of care.<\/p>\n
The proposal is now awaiting federal approval.<\/p>\n
PICS can include physical weakness, memory problems, anxiety, depression, and PTSD that develop or worsen following a critical illness.<\/p>\n
Orlando resident Cheryl Thompson experienced those effects after an outpatient surgery led to sepsis, cardiac arrest, and nine days in a medically induced coma.<\/p>\n
After surviving the medical emergency and returning home, Thompson said she began experiencing panic attacks and reminders of her time in the ICU.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would hear these sounds that reminded me of the ICU bed inflating and deflating,\u201d Thompson said. \u201cIt brought me right back to the ICU.\u201d<\/p>\n
Peach said an estimated 50% to 80% of ICU survivors experience PICS.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen somebody\u2019s life is saved, we want them to have a good quality of life after they leave the ICU, and what we\u2019re recognizing is that is not happening,\u201d Peach said.<\/p>\n
For Thompson, one of the biggest challenges was not knowing what to expect after leaving the hospital.<\/p>\n
Catherine Garrett is another ICU survivor living with long-term effects.<\/p>\n
She suffered a rare pregnancy complication and a stroke and spent nine days in a coma. Seven years later, she remains in occupational therapy.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven if there\u2019s a smile on my face, I\u2019m in pain,\u201d Garrett said.<\/p>\n
She hopes greater awareness will help other ICU survivors recognize that the symptoms they experience after leaving the hospital may be shared by others.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want survivors to know they\u2019re not alone,\u201d Garrett said. \u201cWe\u2019re here to support you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Survivors and their families can also connect<\/a> with others and find resources at the Walk for PICS Orlando from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Blue Jacket Park.<\/p>\n Click here<\/a> to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here<\/a> to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.<\/p>\n