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• Intensive care >> Intensive care: Patients' experiences >> Aged 30 and under >> Interview 12 >> She was embarrassed when she was hoisted from the bed to a chair and surprised at how weak she looked when she saw herself in the mirror.

Was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Had to have surgery to remove colon. Had kidney failure and was in intensive care for about 21 days, High Dependency Unit for about 2 weeks and a general ward for 2 weeks.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: Patients' experiences >> Aged 51-60 >> Interview 30 >> She was unable to move or talk and felt isolated and powerless.

Was admitted to intensive care in 2005 because of epiglottitis and severe sepsis. Spent about 6 days in intensive care and 5 days in a High Dependency Unit.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: Patients' experiences >> Aged 41-50 >> Interview 04 >> Using bedpans was humiliating but this motivated her to recover and become independent again.

Had bowel complications and septicaemia. Was in intensive care for nearly 5 weeks. Spent 1 week in a High Dependency Unit and was then discharged.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: Patients' experiences >> Aged 61-70 >> Interview 27 >> He had to balance his dependence on nurses with his own dignity as a person, and was pleased when he became less dependent for his personal care.

Was admitted to intensive care in 2005 because of pancreatitis and septicaemia. Spent 2 weeks in intensive care, 2 weeks in a High Dependency Unit; 6 weeks in a general ward, and 2 weeks in a rehabilitation hospital.