We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Privacy Policy

OK


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.

 

You have 36 results.

Apply a filter below to refine your search results.

Web Link: Shoulder problems: "brachial plexus" injury

Sometimes, and particularly if you or your family member was nursed lying on their front (in the "prone" position), a shoulder injury known as "brachial plexus injury" can occur. This happens when nerves through the shoulder joint become overstretched or compressed. It may cause: Pain, that is typically described as "electric shocks" or burning Loss of movement in different parts of your arm Changes in sensation to your arm e.g. numbness or tingling Dry...

Article: Skin and nail changes

Dry or itchy skin Patients sometimes experience dry, itchy or sensitive skin in the weeks and months after Intensive Care. Others have told us that using moisturiser can help.Ask your GP or pharmacist for their advice on which products to try. Scarring You may notice a number of scars where you've had lines or tubes inserted, usually in the hands, wrists, arms, neck, groin, chest or near your collarbone. You may also have a scar from any operations you may have had. Although some...

Web Link: Tests & treatments: find out more

This link will take you to the webpage of NHS Inform.Here, you'll find easily understandable information on common tests (eg blood tests, various types of scans, etc ), medical treatments and surgical procedures (everything from a knee replacement to heart surgery).

Article: Tiredness/Fatigue

Why do I feel tired and fatigued? Tiredness/fatigue is a symptom that is often reported by people after they have been in Intensive Care. Physical, mental and emotional effort can increase the fatigue you are experiencing. How long the fatigue lasts can vary between people and some may experience it for three or four months and others much longer for example a year or beyond. It can be really debilitating being tired and fatigued all the time and can make it difficult to carry out...

Web Link: Top tips on recovery after ICU: a video

This link will take you to a video from ICUsteps, the UK's ICU patient charity. Their website can be found by clicking here: ICUsteps. In it, the group host a Question and Answer session, and discuss a range of top tips on recovering after ICU, including managing fatigue (tiredness) and improving sleep. THe video is just over an hour long, and we hope you find it useful.

Article: Voice changes

Is it common to have voice changes after Intensive Care? Some (but not all) patients notice changes in their voice after Intensive Care. This can include things like developing a whispery or husky voice, or a voice that isn't quite as loud as before. Voice changes are more common among patients who have spent longer on the ventilator or breathing machine, and among those who've had a tracheostomy (a tube inserted through the throat and into the windpipe). Why do I have...