I know the question is not as light as my usual, but…
Counting the two times in my most recent surgery I have had to be intubated a total of four times.
Not familiar with the process? Here is a good/easy to read page on the topic.
It is truly frightening to me… before going under for surgery with the ability to breath on your own… to be able to communicate by voice, to have your needs made clear. etc… to then being put on a ventilator and being made prisoner to your own body….waking up in an ICU.
You, obviously, cannot talk. And try as you might thru pointing or other devices nothing really gets people to understand what you are trying to “say.”
It is by far the scariest experience (Actually, experiences) that I have ever been forced to endure.
Have you had the privilege?