ECMO is a powerful therapy that can be life saving, but the treatment itself can be challenging both on the patients, their families and loved ones
Following the removal of the ECMO device, patients will continue to recover for sometime in intensive care. As they improve and their intensive care needs reduce, they will likely be transferred to a general ward to continue their recovery.
It is still common to have lingering symptoms that can persist for many months after such a severe illness and ECMO treatment.
Commonly reported challenges for patients recovering from ECMO and long intensive care stays in general, include weakness, anxiety, sleep disorders, changes to thinking and memory, leg pains or abnormal sensations in the legs. These can be difficult on the patients recovery, but often they do resolve with time support, ongoing care and therapy.
Whilst ECMO is a powerful therapy that can be life saving, the treatment itself can be challenging both on the patients and their families and loved ones. Some patients report difficulty obtaining information about their illness and explanations for ongoing health problems after they leave hospital, and referring to the Victorian ECMO service brochure and website are beneficial in these instances.
We're happy to report that people treated with ECMO can benefit greatly after treatment, but will typically require ongong help and support of medical teams, family and friends.
If you would like to provide any feedback regarding your stay in ICU, you are invited to complete a hospital stay experience feedback form to the Victorian ECMO Service, which will only take 2 minutes to complete: My experience in ICU
To provide feedback regarding your, or a loved ones, stay in ICU, please contact info@vecmos.org.au.
Information and resources for patients, families and caregivers who have experienced an ICU journey - mylifeaftericu.com
