Feelings and Emotion
It is quite normal for patients and their relatives to feel apprehensive about leaving the ITU. You will have become familiar with the staff on the ITU and the routine there.
Many patients do not have very clear memories of their ITU stay, because of their illness and the sedative drugs. It is therefore important to repeat important things several times and update them on what happened during their stay. It is also important to remind them the current date and time of the day and possibly to provide them with newspapers, radio or TV, to get back into the rhythm of everyday life.
On the ward there will be more patients for each nurse, but this is because patients can do more for themselves. However, nurses are always near by and each bed has a call bell so even if you can’t see the nurses, they can be alerted. Going home is now in sight so you will be closely working with the staff in preparation for this.
Sleeping
Patients often find sleep is difficult after the stress of an ITU stay. Some people experience nightmares or even post traumatic stress disorders and should ask for professional help.
Exercise and Mobility
After an ITU stay, patients often lose some weight and muscle strength. Joints might feel stiff having been immobile for a long period. Even mild activity might take a lot of effort for the patient. The time taken to resume a normal activity depends on such factors as the patient’s age, previous level of fitness and length of ITU stay. Physiotherapists can help improve mobility and exercise tolerance and Occupational Therapists can help to arrange extra assistance for day to day activities, if needed.
Eating
It is common to have poor appetite or have a different sense of taste for the first few weeks. Eating in itself might be a tiring exercise. However, it is very important for the patient to eat enough to recover their muscular strength. Smaller frequent meals and extra snacks can help if the appetite is small. A feeding (NG) tube may still be required once a patient has left ITU. Dietitians are on hand to advise and provide dietary support.
A Final Word...
...take it easy! It can take weeks to months to recover from a serious illness. Do not try to rush things, but do not stay passive either. Follow the advice of dietitians and physiotherapists, pick up the latest news from your friends and relatives, read, watch TV, get back into life.
Information on Leaving Hospital
For More Information
Please look at our information booklet or West Middlesex University Hospital website for more information
Feedback
Your feedback is very important and helps us to improve our service. We would be very grateful if you want to leave any comments (forms available in Reception).
