Recovering from intensive care

Once a person no longer needs intensive care, theycan be transferred to a different ward to continue their recovery before eventually going home.

Some people may leave the ICU after a few days. Others may need to stay in the ICU for months, or may deteriorate there.

Many people who leave an ICU will make a good recovery. But sometimes there can be lingering problems, such as:

  • weakness and stiffness
  • fatigue (extremetiredness) and a lack of energy
  • loss of appetiteand weight loss
  • sleep problems
  • depression , anxietyor post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)
  • problems with mental abilities for example, not being able to think clearly, and being forgetful

These problems can last several months.Get medical adviceif they are a persistent issue for you or a loved one. Some people may require ongoing support and treatment (rehabilitation) to help them recover.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018