Help for processing what has happened?

[OT2021]

Is there a good book or site for the emotional and psychological effects of being on icu both for the patient and their families?

[AKAICUsurvivor]

Welcome OT2021 - there is excellent info on this page - clicks on any of pdfs on this link cc-sn.org/information

This group also has a private FB group & weekly zoom drop-ins for patients and their loved ones

[LeopardGecko in reply to AKAICUsurvivor]

I have found the relatives group incredibly helpful.

I also had EMDR therapy which also helped with my PTS symptoms.

[8SofMB]

I spent time in ITU with meningococcal bacterial meningitis, sepsis and pneumonia. The hallucinations can be very weird and upsetting, I was in a temporary psychotic state for around three weeks. If a critical care diary isn't being kept by the staff, I would recommend doing this yourself, you'll feel more involved and it will help making sense of it all, if you need to afterwards. Full recovery once home is unfortunately a long haul. I got a lot out of writing about my "journey" afterwards, it really helped. That eventually turned into a book that I published just before Christmas its called Eight Seconds of MenB, if you feel inclined please read it, it will give you an heads up on the sort of thing that may happen, but believe me keep positive at all cost. When you're ready, and they start up again, go to the ICU Steps meetings you will find one locally I'm sure. Always be positive and the very best of luck.

Pete

[allotment22-2]

Hi, the information given here is fabulous. I also read Many Different Kinds of Love by Michael Rosen. He was in ICU with covid and his book is about his experiences in ICU and his rehabilitation and onward recovery when discharged home. Take care x

[CLM68]

I was prescribed therapy with a counsellor who had been asigned to the ICU and I found that very helpful. I didn't start straight away as I had so many other things I needed to get my head around first! I also visited the ICU where I had been to meet with staff, see what equipement had made the marks on my body and what it was used for and to help me establish what was real and what had been an ICU halucination! That was also really helpful to me. ICU Steps is also great and the ICU you were in should be able to point you in the direction of one.