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• Intensive care >> Intensive care: Patients' experiences >> Aged 61-70 >> Interview 20 >> He was glad he hadn't visited ICU before surgery for cancer because it might have made him more anxious.

Was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2004. Because of complication (idiopathic thrombocytopenia, diagnosed in 2000), short stay in intensive care was planned, following surgery. Spent 8 days in intensive care and 18 days in general ward.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: Patients' experiences >> Aged 51-60 >> Interview 02 >> He had a breathing tube in his mouth so got the nurses' attention by shaking a container that rattled (he had pneumonia).

Had very severe cold and coughing in 2005, which turned out to be pneumonia. Was in intensive care for nearly a month and in general ward for about 4 days. Has now fully recovered.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: Patients' experiences >> Aged 31-40 >> Interview 14 >> She slept very little in intensive care because of the lighting, medications and visits from family and medical staff.

Had a planned caesarean in 2005. Had a complication (placenta accreta) after she'd delivered and had to have a hysterectomy. Following hysterectomy, was in ICU for nearly 2 days, then spent 2 days in her own room in the hospital with her new baby. Discharged herself and has had no problems since.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: Patients' experiences >> Aged 51-60 >> Interview 32 >> She would rather have a bit of pain than hallucinations caused by morphine.

Was admitted to intensive care in 2004 because of a perforated duodenal ulcer and septicaemia. Spent 29 days in intensive care, about 6 weeks in a general ward, and 6 weeks in a rehabilitation hospital.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: Patients' experiences >> Aged 61-70 >> Interview 20 >> He felt calm and accepting because there was nothing he could do but rely on the help of others.

Was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2004. Because of complication (idiopathic thrombocytopenia, diagnosed in 2000), short stay in intensive care was planned, following surgery. Spent 8 days in intensive care and 18 days in general ward.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: Patients' experiences >> Aged 31-40 >> Interview 14 >> After talking with the doctor and some tests, she discharged herself because she felt she'd be better off at home where she could get some sleep.

Had a planned caesarean in 2005. Had a complication (placenta accreta) after she'd delivered and had to have a hysterectomy. Following hysterectomy, was in ICU for nearly 2 days, then spent 2 days in her own room in the hospital with her new baby. Discharged herself and has had no problems since.