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Common physical issues

In this section, we've provided some general information and advice on some of the common physical issues you may face after getting home. These commonly include general weakness, tiredness, difficulty getting around (mobility), poor appetite and difficulty putting on weight.Not everyone is affected by these issues, though. Everyone is different, and it can very much depend on how fit and healthy you were before you ended up in Intensive Care and how long you were there for.

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Web Link: Exercises to keep you mobile

People who spend time in Intensive Care often experience tiredness (fatigue), muscle wasting and joint stiffness. This is particularly so for patients who have spent longer in ICU. This link will take you to Lancashire Teaching Hospitals' excellent online resource on recovery after COVID-19. This section includes a short video from a physiotherapist, and some short videos of simple exercises that you can do in bed, while sitting in a chair, and standing. You can access the full resource...

Article: Eye problems after Intensive Care

Some people develop problems with their eyes after Intensive Care.This commonly includes conditions called corneal abrasion (a painful scratch on the surface of the clear part of the eye) and keratitis (inflammation of the clear part of the eye).Symptoms include sore, dry or gritty eyes which can last for a few weeks after Intensive Care. If your symptoms are particularly troublesome or don't seem to be getting better, speak to your doctor, GP or optician.

Web Link: Fatigue (tiredness) after COVID-19

Fatigue (tiredness) is a normal part of the body’s response to fighting a viral infection such as COVID-19 (sometimes called post-viral fatigue). It's also very comon after any serious or critical illness, and may last for some time. You may find that you sleep more, are perhaps a little shaky on your feet, and that your concentration and memory are affected. This link will take you to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists' expert guidance on managing fatigue while...

Web Link: Fatigue (tiredness): M.E. Association

The M.E Association aims to support people with M.E. (Myalgic Encephalopathy), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS), and their family members. Fatigue is really common after Intensive Care, and may also be a symptom of "Long COVID". You may therefore find some of the support and guidance from the ME Association helpful, so we've included a link here. They offer information, advice and support, including leaflets, a telephone support service,...

Web Link: Fatigue (tiredness): practical advice

Fatigue is a normal part of the body’s response to fighting a viral infection such as COVID-19 (sometimes called post-viral fatigue). It can continue for some time after the infection has cleared. It can make you sleep more, feel a liitle shaky on your feet,and it can affect your concentration and memory.This link will take you to expert guidance from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, with practical advice on self-isolation, rest, eating well and gradually increasing your...

Article: Feeling weak

Article length: 5 minutes (Read now or tap the button above to add this resource to your personal library to read later) Is it normal to feel so weak? Yes. It is very common to feel weak and washed out in the first few weeks and months after getting home, even if you were previously fit and well. From what other people have told us, it seems that the legs are most severely affected by weakness, but you may also notice weakness in your arms, hands and shoulders. Going home usually...

Web Link: Getting out and about for wheelchair users: Euan's guide

This link will take you to a website called Euan's Guide. It was originally developed by, with and for disabled people (particularly wheelchair users). Euan's guide is a site where patients and their families can find a list of wheelchair accessible places and add honest reviews about their experiences of visting them.Even if you're only using a wheelchair temporarily, it's good to hear about local bars, shops, hotels, coffee bars, visitor attractions, etc that have...

Article: Hair loss

Article length: 1 minute (Read now or tap the button above to add this resource to your personal library to read later) Is hair loss common after Intensive Care? Some (but not all) patients experience hair loss or thinning in the weeks and months after Intensive Care. What can I do about hair loss or thinning? Hair loss can be upsetting as it may affect your appearance and confidence. Ask your barber, hairdresser or pharmacist or GP about any products that might help e.g. hair loss...

Article: Hearing loss

A small number of patients may experience hearing loss after Intensive Care. We're not quite sure why this happens, but it may be a side effect of some of the medication you were given in Intensive Care.

Web Link: Hearing loss-information and advice

Some patients experience hearing loss after Intensive Care. This link will take you to the Hearing link website.They provide information, advice and support for people experiencing heraring loss and their family members.

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Common physical issues

You have 36 results.