Q: What are some common symptoms after an ICU stay?

Physical symptoms Weakness or loss of strength Fatigue Shortness of breath Difficulty sleeping Changes in balance, endurance, or ability to complete daily activities Thinking, memory, and concentration Confusion Brain fog Difficulty concentrating Memory problems Trouble organizing tasks or making decisions Emotional and mental health symptoms Anxiety Depression symptoms, including irritability and decreased mood Post-traumatic stress symptoms Nightmares or vivid dreams Feeling overwhelmed or unlike yourself

Question 1

What are some common symptoms after an ICU stay?

Accepted Answer

Physical symptoms

Weakness or loss of strength
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Difficulty sleeping
Changes in balance, endurance, or ability to complete daily activities

Thinking, memory, and concentration

Confusion
Brain fog
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Trouble organizing tasks or making decisions

Emotional and mental health symptoms

Anxiety
Depression symptoms, including irritability and decreased mood
Post-traumatic stress symptoms
Nightmares or vivid dreams
Feeling overwhelmed or unlike yourself

Question 2

Who should come to the Critical Care Recovery Clinic?

Accepted Answer

You may benefit if you're experiencing new, worsening or ongoing physical, cognitive, or emotional symptoms after an ICU stay. There are no referral requirements, and self-referrals are welcome. Post-ICU syndrome can affect anyone at any time. Please call us for more information.

Question 3

Do I have to have been an ICU patient at OhioHealth to participate?

Accepted Answer

No. You do not have to have been a patient within the OhioHealth health system to schedule an appointment. We accept referrals from other healthcare providers, but they aren't required.

Question 4

What is post-intensive care syndrome, or PICS?

Accepted Answer

PICS refers to new or worsening physical, thinking and memory, or mental health concerns that continue after critical illness and ICU care. Symptoms may include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, or sleep issues, among others.

Question 5

What is post-intensive care syndrome-family (PICS-F)?

Accepted Answer

PICS-F refers to new or worsening thinking, memory, or mental health concerns among caregivers who went through a critical care admission with their loved one. Symptoms are similar to what patients experience and can include anxiety, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, depression, PTSD, and changes in the ability to work or provide for the family.

Question 6

What happens during a critical care recovery clinic visit?

Accepted Answer

Your visit may include a review of your ICU stay, a discussion of your current symptoms and goals, a medication review, screening for physical, cognitive and emotional concerns, and referrals to additional services. Our advanced practice provider will also summarize your critical care stay in case there are gaps in your memory.

Question 7

Can family members, caregivers or loved ones participate?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Family members and caregivers often play an important role in recovery after critical illness. We encourage your loved ones to attend and be active participants in appointments. Our care team supports caregivers as part of the recovery process.

Question 8

How do I schedule at the critical care recovery clinic?

Accepted Answer

Self-referrals and provider referrals are both accepted. Please call the clinic directly at (614) 566–2540 to schedule.

Question 9

Is the critical care recovery clinic covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The clinic appointment is insurance-eligible depending on your provider and coverage.

Critical Care Recovery Clinic at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio

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