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Other people's stories

In this section, we've included other people's experiences of what it was like when they first got home, and the things they found helpful.

 

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Article: "You have to stay positive"

When we've spoken to other people about their illness or recovery, they very often tell us that "staying positive" (although sometimes difficult) was very important to them. It is often surprising to hear this from people who have had the most difficult time of it, but time and time again, they tell us how "lucky" they feel and how helpful it is to "count your blessings". Here are some examples of the things people told us. It may take some time...

Article: "You've got to be determined"

Patients very often tell us how important their own "determination" is during the recovery process, particularly after they get home. While some people may always have had a determined personality, others told us that they had no choice but to be determined. "You've got to have the will...and say, "Yes, I am going to get better. I'm going to try and get my life back." It's important to stay focused on moving forward in your recovery, but...

Web Link: Blog from an ICU survivor (Louise)

This link will take you to Louise's blog site, which she regularly updates. Louise was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth in November, 2018. She spent 13 days in the Intensive Care Unit, due to a perforated oesophagus (gullet) and another 71 days in hospital before being discharged home to her family. Louise writes in a very authentic and compassionate way about her experiences of having ICU delirium (strange or distressing dreams or hallucinations) and...

External Video: Bob describes his long term recovery

In this short video, Bob (a former Intensive Care patient) talks about his recovery over the months and years since his accident.

Web Link: Getting home: a short video from former patients

This is a link to a short video, in which 2 former patients and their partners talk about the first few weeks of getting home.  Borrowed, with grateful thanks, from the INSPIRE (ICU) research team in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde

Web Link: Getting home:family members' experiences

This is a link to a short video, in which 2 couples talk about their experiences in the first few weeks of getting home. Borrowed, with grateful thanks, from the INSPIRE (ICU) research team in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde 

Web Link: Healthtalkonline:patients' experiences of Intensive Care

Many people find it helpful to hear that other people's experiences are similar to their own. This link will take you to the Healthtalkonlone website and to the section on patients' experiences of Intensive Care. Here, you can watch short videos, listen to voice files and read their interviews.

Web Link: Healthunlocked.com

Many people find it helpful to hear that other people's experiences are similar to their own or to share their experiences online.This link will take you to the Intensive Care web page of Healthunlocked.They have a blog page in which patients and family members can ask questions and share experiences of Intensive Care and the recovery process.

External Video: Louise describes her critical illness and the process of getting better

In this video clip, Louise a former Intensive Care patient talks about her experiences of critical illness five years on and the process of getting better and getting on with her life. You can read interviews,listen to voice recordings and watch clips of other patients' experiences of Intensive Care by using the link to a free website called Healthtalkonline: http://healthtalkonline.org/search/all/intensive%20care