Weightloss during ICU time

[Marcita]

How much did you or your loved one lose during their ICU time?

I haven't seen my mom for about a month and I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for the moment.

[ICUsteps-Peter Partner ICUsteps]

When we're in ICU at first we look really swollen due to all the fluids, but when a patient is on a mechanical ventilator, we can lose up to 2% of our muscle mass per day. This is slow to recover and we can be very, very weak but it does recover in time. Before my accident I was a mountain biker and would go off on 30 mile off-road rides, or ride in the Derbyshire Peaks, but after three weeks in ICU and a further three on the ward, I had to use a zimmer frame to walk, and to begin with a walk to the post box just 100 yards from my house was a challenge.

The main thing is just to be ready for the weakness and support your mom in the weeks and months of recovery. It's hard not to get frustrated by how long it takes to recover, so sometimes it can help to make a little record of things you can do that you couldn't a few days or week before to help focus on what she can do rather than what she can't. Patience is the key. You (and she) may find it helpful to read our guide to intensive care and recovery. icusteps.org/guide

And you'll both get support here if you need it!

[Copse77 in reply to ICUsteps-Peter]

I often send this guide to people as it was the only reliable source of information together with the information on this website that we could find when my younger brother was critically ill 2 years ago. Thank you to everyone on here who support others going through the rollercoaster of ICU.

[Sepsur]

I lost about 25/8kg overall from 85/8kg down to 60kg

[Stayloose]

It's difficult to prepare yourself emotionally. When I first helped my husband shower on return home I was shocked . It was pre Covid so I had visited in hospital but he was in his pyjamas so it hadn't been so evident. The good news is that he has, with hard work and patience regained muscle and strength. I wish you both better times.

[fishnets]

my husband was 5 weeks on ventilator and 3 weeks on ward. He lost 3 stone but its understandable when they are just receiving fluids on ventilator. You do not notice it much when they are in there but sure do when they get home. It is all slowly, slowly, keep smiling my friend, I am sure all will be well.

[Coraluz]

Hi, my husband has gone back on ventilator as he was getting tired breathing on his own he's now been in ICU for 19 days, he was slim to start with so I expect he is looking particularly thin, I just hope we can get to the recovery stage, they are going to try and reduce sedation again so fingers crossed.

[VickyC1982]

I went down to 6 stone so lost 2 stone in 10 days x

[Luckyone]

I was in ICU for 3 months back in 2010/11 and lost almost 4 stone and when I returned about a year after to do a talk about my experience to many of the nurses and physios that had supported me during that time I met a nurse who said he had to shake my hand as I looked 20 years younger than I did at the time that I was so critical no one thought I would survive.

[stevet11753]

When I first saw myself in a mirror after six weeks in critical care I hardly recognised the gaunt face staring back at me. It takes time to recover but my cheeks eventually filled out again!

[Twacked in reply to stevet11753]

I lost over 40 pounds. I still have to maintain a high calorie diet along with other medications to maintain my weight my body seems to be in a constant state of repair and it’s been over 2 years