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Moving on

Recovery can sometimes take quite some time, although everyone is different. It is fair to say that we probably know the least about longer term recovery. This is largely because the current research recommendations are to follow patients up for "at least 6 months" after Intensive Care. Also, much of the research that has been done has tended to use questionnaires which, although very useful, may not actually tell us very much about what recovery is like for patients in their everyday lives.

Having spoken to a number of patients at one year after hospital discharge, however, it seems that while some may have lingering physical and psychological issues after being in Intensive Care, many have learned to live with them. The main focus at this time would appear to be keeping well, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and getting out and about. For some, the "anniversary" of their time in Intensive Care can prompt them to reflect on their emotional journey. In this section, we've provided some links to general information and advice. We hope you find it useful.

 

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External Video: How do I increase the amount of activity I'm doing

This short clip will explain how you can start building up your activity and exercises levels. For some people returning to normal activities may take a few weeks while others it can take months and even over a year. The important thing is to listen to your body and go at the right pace for you. This clip should help you understand how to do this. If you're struggling to increase you activity or exercise speak with a Physiotherapist who will be able to give you some guidance.

Web Link: How To Support Your Employees Return To Work After Critical Illness

A guide from The UK Sepsis Trust on supporting employees physical and mental health after a stay in Critical Care.

Web Link: http://www.aliss.org/

This link will take you to the ALISS website (A Local Information System for Scotland). It is a fantastic place to find information on support for help with health and well-being in your local area.We highly recommend it!

Web Link: Diaries - family experiences of keeping a diary

This link will take you to the Healthtalkonline website and their page on the use of diaries in Intensive Care. Here, you can watch short videos and listen to voice files on other people's experiences of keeping a diary for their loved one.

Web Link: ICU Support Groups

Some people find it helpful to meet and talk with others who have been through similar experiences to their own. This is the weblink to ICUsteps website with details of patient and family support groups UK wide including Edinburgh and Dundee It will tell you more about the groups, who they are, what they do and when and where the meetings are held.

Web Link: Intensive care: Experiences of family & friends

Text from site: In this section you can find out about the experience of having a close friend or relative in intensive care by seeing and hearing people share their personal stories on film. Researchers travelled all around the UK to talk to 38 people in their own homes. Find out what people said about issues such as visiting, keeping a diary, receiving information from doctors, recovery and adjusting to a changed life. We hope you find the information helpful and reassuring.

Web Link: Intensive care: Patients' experiences

Text from site: In this section you can find out about the experience of being in intensive care by seeing and hearing people share their personal stories on film. Researchers travelled all around the UK to talk to 40 people in their own homes. Find out what people said about issues such as regaining consciousness, emotional experiences, recovery and impact on lifestyle. We hope you find the information helpful and reassuring. You may also be interested in our section on Intensive...

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

Web Link: Managing Anxiety: Breathing

Breathing is something we ordinarily do effortlessly and without thinking. We are now in the centre of a pandemic that primarily attacks the human respiratory system and whose main symptom is breathing difficulties. Now seems an appropriate time to consider how we can use noticing our own breathing to help anchor us in our roles as leaders.

External Video: Managing your physical symptoms using pacing

This short clip will explain what 'pacing' is and how it can be used to manage some of your physical symptoms including breathlessness, fatigue and pain.