Icu

[Superking39]

It's been a year and 6 months since being in intensive care I still get confused for example I will give my dogs fresh water in there bowls and then 5 mins later can't remember if I did it or not.

I still feel anger and 8 months ago started to fill very down and depressed for no reason still have lines on my nails and my hair is still thin. How long will it take to feel like my old self.

[Amslovessparkle]

Hi, I just wanted to say your not alone, I have been out 13 months after 3 1/2 months in ITU. My hair to is still very thin, my memory can be dreadful, and get confused and my concentration levels are very poor. I think everything your experiencing is normal and part of the healing process, or so I have been told for me. I can get very frustrated and low, mabe you should go and speak to your Dr, they will be able to advise you. You have certainly come to the right place lots of understanding people here, just remember it's still early days and give yourself time, you have been through a major trauma, I take one day at a time.

Sending you lots of luck and wish you all the best.

[Offcut]

I was in ICU in 2008 for 32 days and I still have short term memory issues from time to time. I do try and do only the one thing at a time which has helped me no end.

Be Well

[Luckyone]

Hi, How you are feeling is quite common for ex-ICU patients the trauma of being in a life threatening situation can be very difficult to come to terms with, the question we most often ask ourselves is "why me" most people will never understand the trauma of the nightmares & hallucination that felt so real at the time and you remember them all so clearly. I spent 3 months in ICU 4 years ago and went through a very difficult time of confusion & depression when I left hospital at times wishing I hadn't survived, but life does get better I found my solace in becoming involved in a local ICUsteps support group, talking to other that have been through the same thing helps you understand you're not alone in the way you feel, a list of local ICUsteps can be found at icusteps.org

Best wishes on your continued recovery.

[Chez01]

I totally agree with all of the above, the emotions you have are normal. It's been 3 years for myself, I still struggle with memory and Im very short temepered, I used to be so laid back and easy going. This site is a god send, your with friends that have been through the same or similar experience and for me it made me feel like I was no longer alone. Take care and sending you big hugs xx

[ICUsteps-Peter Partner ICUsteps]

Recovery is different for everyone, but it does take a long time and can often be a year or longer. A phrase that cropped up repeatedly in my recovery was "Don't beat yourself up about it" - it almost became a catchphrase. It's natural to focus on what we can't do rather than how far we've come.

Knowing that what you're experiencing is normal can help take away some of the frustration (See our guide at icusteps.org/guide for more information). Ridges on fingernails and hair loss / being different (thicker, thinner, curlier or straighter) are things that seem bizarre when we encounter them. Even when you learn these are common things following a critical illness, they still seem strange but not quite so daunting.

Know that you're not alone in what you're going through and that there are others who understand, as you'll see from the other posts. Time helps and for many things, they do get better.