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Getting home

Getting home is a huge step on the road to recovery. While it is often an enormous relief to be back home, some may find the first few weeks a bit of an emotional rollercoaster in terms of readjusting to everyday life. In this section, we've provided some general information and advice on the common physical and psychological issues you might face,what you can do to help the recovery process along, and the types of help that might be available to you and your family after you get home.We've also included a few short pieces on other people's experience, which we hope you will find helpful.

 

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Web Link: Support for mental health: Scottish Association for Mental Health

This link will take you to the website of the Scottish Association for Mental Health. It's for people experiencing problems with their mental health or emotional well-being, and the people who care about them.They provide information on common mental health issues and resources for self-help and well-being (including a tool to measure your well-being). There are also links to support in your local community. You can speak with someone from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.  Phone: 0141 530...

Article: Support groups

ICUSteps: who they are and what they do ICUSteps is a charitable organisation which was set up by former Intensive Care patients, their family members and ICU staff in Milton Keynes in 2005. Their main aim is to help support patients and families who are recovering after Intensive Care. They hold informal meetings where you can come and talk with others who have had similar experiences to your own. Many people find this really helpful and reassuring. You can go along to as many or...

Web Link: Support services for carers

This link will take you to the website of Carers' Trust (Scotland). They offer online information and advice on a whole range of issues, including respite care and looking after yourself. They have a "help directory" of local support and a lively forum and chat room where you can talk online to other carers.

Article: Swallowing issues

Some patients develop problems swallowing

Document: Telecare: keeping you safe at home

Telecare is a simple system that can tell someone when there is an emergency in your home and makes sure you get help quickly e.g. if you have a fall. This short leaflet from Edinburgh City Council tells you more about the types of equipment that are available and what they do.Much of it is free. Contact details are provided for the people who can assess your home for whatever you need

Web Link: Tests & treatments: find out more

This link will take you to the webpage of NHS Inform.Here, you'll find easily understandable information on common tests (eg blood tests, various types of scans, etc ), medical treatments and surgical procedures (everything from a knee replacement to heart surgery).

Document: Tiredness (fatigue)-how to save your energy

This booklet outlines techniques that you can use to make the most of the energy you have without making yourself exhausted. These techniques can be used to manage different physical symptoms including breathlessness, fatigue and pain.

Article: Tiredness/Fatigue

Why do I feel tired and fatigued? Tiredness/fatigue is a symptom that is often reported by people after they have been in Intensive Care. Physical, mental and emotional effort can increase the fatigue you are experiencing. How long the fatigue lasts can vary between people and some may experience it for three or four months and others much longer for example a year or beyond. It can be really debilitating being tired and fatigued all the time and can make it difficult to carry out...

Article: Voice changes

Is it common to have voice changes after Intensive Care? Some (but not all) patients notice changes in their voice after Intensive Care. This can include things like developing a whispery or husky voice, or a voice that isn't quite as loud as before. Voice changes are more common among patients who have spent longer on the ventilator or breathing machine, and among those who've had a tracheostomy (a tube inserted through the throat and into the windpipe). Why do I have...