"Thanks to all the project staff"

I had been surgically treated in Monklands Hospital for a leg abscess and developed Necrotising Fasciitis last year. I was on life-support in the ICU for 2 weeks, having had extensive surgery to my left leg, buttock and groin. I was not expected to survive. Thanks to the skill of nurses, Doctors and all staff in the ICU then Ward 7, I recovered, and was discharged I was still very unwell, and needed a high level of attention from my partner, my mobility was very poor, and I had developed very severe depression. I was referred to InsPire, a project set up to help people who had long ICU admissions, and had been discharged.

The project ran for 6 weeks, and was life-changing for us. We had felt very isolated when I got home, and my partner was finding it difficult. I could hardly walk to the toilet, I had a huge wound which leaked all the time, and we struggled with all this. InsPire gave us advice about medication, practical advice, exercise classes, and nurse support. We spoke with a psychologist, but most of all, we shared experiences with others who had life-changing illness, and we realised, we were not alone. My partner and my sister came very week and were very involved.

I had barely went out since discharge, but gradually my confidence and motivation increased, and we started going out for lunch after InsPire every Monday. I don't know where we would be today without it. Thanks to all the project staff, especially Doctor Phil, Nicola Physiotherapist, Jen Pharmacist, Lynne the Nurse, and all others involved, including fellow patients and their families.

We recently went back for a review, and got good help and advice re pain control from Phil, Lynne and Jen, and we were pleased I could manage much more walking, and showed improved upper muscle strength.