‘Getting out of hospital is where the rehab really starts’

When Paul started to feel unwell in the run-up to Christmas 2022, he thought he was suffering from a bad cold.

But when his condition suddenly deteriorated, he was rushed to hospital by ambulance. When he arrived at Pinderfields Hospital, Paul was diagnosed with flu, pneumonia and respiratory failure. He was admitted to intensive care and put into a coma.

After initally making good progress, Paul’s condition took a downward turn as his body worked to fight the infections he was suffering from. Eventually, after enduring a number of complications and set-backs, he began to make good progress.

But even as his physical health improved, Paul’s mental health was suffering.

Paul said: “I was in hospital for almost four months, and jumped at the chance when they said I was ready to go home. But around ten weeks after I left hospital, I started to suffer from terrifying flashbacks and nightmares.

“My physiotherapist mentioned there was a psychology programme at Pinderfields for patients who had been in intensive care, and I was referred for treatment.”

Paul began seeing Senior Clinical Psychologist Nate Shearman to deal with the ICU-related distress he had been suffering with.

Paul continued: “And after 24 weeks of seeing my therapist, I finally went my first week without a nightmare.

“We need more understanding for patients that come out of ICU. It’s not just the physical side that needs treating, the mental side can be just as bad.”

Nate added: “Patients who have been severely ill and treated in intensive care can suffer from a number of psychological issues as a result of their admission, including higher levels of anxiety, lower mood and traumatic stress such as experiencing flashbacks, nightmares and being on edge.

“The process of physical recovery can take months, but addressing the psychological impact takes time too. The aim is to try to ensure that patients have the best chance possible to move forwards and live a meaningful life for them.”

Watch Paul's story in his own words here: Paul's story - YouTube