Pseudocoma (LIS)

Cherry

By Rhiannonw

Mon, 29 Oct 2018
  • 1662 reads
9 comments
 

Couldn’t scream
couldn’t move,
couldn’t speak

could think

and blink

– once for ‘yes’,
twice for ‘No’:
some easing of stress
and distress
– they know
I’m awake,
can make
some contact,
a little impact,

gain response.

"Do you want to say more?
– letter by letter:
‘yes’ or ‘no’",
with perseverance to go
on till the words spill out
– not a shout,
just a dribble,
seems so feeble
but progress
slow and steady,
relief
in grief
to gain some part,
a start
of involvement
to share
in the world out there.

[IP is a first line challenge:  'I couldn't scream'.]

 

Certificate U
Poem
Families
Love
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

What a nightmare that must be! What does LIS mean?

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

LIS is 'Locked in Syndrome' which is probably a more familiar term, really. Yes, it must be very, very hard. But a huge relief apparently when family and doctors realise that you are not in a coma, and are aware of what they are saying etc. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Jane Hyphen on

I can think of very few things worse than this scenario Rhiannon. The desire in most of us 'to share in the world out there' is so strong that to be trapped, locked in like this must be horrific.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Yes, though, as I said to Insert, at least if people realise you are aware what is going on, it is a little better.

I can only accept that in such awful trouble, grace to help cope is available, as is so in any illness and in/through death. And a loving family and friends and nursing staff who can give time to 'listen' must be a help. Which is why I put it under 'love' as well as IP. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you for the cherries. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by airyfairy on

A brilliant and really scary response to the IP!  Something like this is far more frightening than any ghoulies or ghosties.  

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, yes such a situation is agonizing. I don't think we can visualise any way we could possibly cope, but that, as I said above, in any situation, grace that only God can give can somehow support and comfort, and having loving, kind people around. I wonder there is such a fascination with playing with imaginary fright, maybe to keep from thinking about reality. Sometimes children don't like to admit they don't know what to do about real fears. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by hilary west on

Yes, a real horror story. I have heard of this LIS before and thought it is worse than death, please God let them go!

Hilary   sad

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

I think we have to beware of assuming we know what is going on, but yes, they may be granted their desire to go, but maybe with a little time will be more ready to go to him, and put themselves trustingly in his hands! Some have recovered from this condition, and maybe more will be understoodabout the conditon before long. Rhiannon