Once you can breathe unaided, and you no longer need intensive care, you will be transferred to a different ward to continue your recovery. Depending on your condition, this will usually either be a high dependency unit (HDU), which is one level down from intensive care, or a general ward.
The time it takes to recover completely varies greatly from person to person, and it will also depend on a variety of factors such as:
- your age
- your overall level of health and fitness
- the severity of your condition
When you are finally discharged from hospital, it will probably still be some time before you feel that you are back to normal.
Follow-up clinics
Some hospitals offer follow-up clinics, or outreach services, for people who have been in intensive care. These clinics provide an opportunity for you to discuss your time in intensive care with the intensive care doctors and nurses. This enables you to:
- understand the treatments and procedures that you were given
- fill in any gaps in your memory that may have been caused by sedation (medication that makes you drowsy)
- discuss your recovery and any problems you are having, which may help to speed up the time it takes you to recover
If your hospital does not offer this service, you can visit your GP to discuss any problems that you are experiencing following treatment in intensive care.
Common problems of recovery
Being in intensive care can put an enormous strain on you, both physically and emotionally. Even after you have been discharged from hospital, your recovery may be slow. Some of the most common problems that you may encounter while recovering are described below.
Severe weakness and tiredness
Severe weakness and tiredness is the most common problem of recovery. Although it is hard to predict how long this may last, it will improve over time. Many people who have been in intensive care start to feel better after two to three months.
However, it may take as long as six months before your energy levels are fully back to normal. If you have had a severe trauma, such as a head injury, it may take even longer.
Loss of weight and muscle strength
If you have been in intensive care for a long period of time, it is likely that you will have lost weight and muscle strength due to the length of time that you have been immobile (not moving). Your joints may also be very stiff.
It is important that you regain strength and balance by walking but, at first, you should not attempt to walk without help. If you are given an exercise plan by your physiotherapist (a healthcare professional who uses physical methods, such as massage and manipulation, to promote healing) you must stick to it. However, you should never exceed the amount of exercise that you have been given.
Talk to your GP, or physiotherapist, before starting more vigorous exercise, such as swimming, running or cycling. See the Health A-Z topics about Physiotherapy and Exercise for more information about how you can regain your strength and mobility after being in an ICU.
Weak voice
If a ventilator has been used to help you breathe during your stay in intensive care, your voice may be husky or croaky. However, you should find that this will start to improve quite quickly.
Inability to grip small items
After being in intensive care for some time, you may also find it difficult to grip small items. For example, at first, you may not be able to hold a pen and write.
Feeling depressed
If you have been in intensive care for some time, you may feel very low afterwards. Some people may experience anxiety while in an ICU and, in some cases, this can become worse after they have been discharged. Some people may:
- feel angry
- feel tearful
- feel panicky
- have flashbacks
- have nightmares
In severe cases, it is possible for people who have been in intensive care to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can cause sleep problems and panic attacks, as well as distressing images or sensations.
PTSD should pass within a month of leaving hospital. However, if it does not, or if you are finding it difficult to cope for any other reason, you should see your GP or return to your follow-up clinic or outreach service.
See the Health A-Z topics about PTSD and Depression for more information about these conditions.
Cognitive function
After being in intensive care, some people experience problems with their cognitive function (mental ability). For example, you may have problems concentrating, or struggle to remember things.
Rehabilitation
If possible, you will be assessed while you are still in hospital to determine whether you are at risk of developing any physical or emotional difficulties after your stay in an ICU. For example, you may be asked about:
- any physical problems you are having
- any communication problems you are having
- any psychological symptoms that you have, such as depression or anxiety
If there is a risk of experiencing problems during your recovery, you may be set some rehabilitation goals to aim for. This information will be passed on to the team of healthcare professionals who are treating you after you leave the ICU. If necessary, they will use it to develop a rehabilitation programme for you.
As part of your rehabilitation, you may be:
- provided with any necessary information, for example, about your diet, when you can drive again, or when you can return to work
- referred to further healthcare professionals, for example, an occupational therapist will be able to help identify any problem areas in your everyday life, such as dressing yourself, and help to work out practical solutions
See the Carers Direct - practical guide to caring if you require care after an illness or injury, or if you are caring for someone. This section explains what support is available, and offers practical advice about financial issues.
