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


Managing your own recovery

From listening to what other people have told us, it can be difficult to work out what to do for the best, in terms of helping the recovery process along after you get home. Many patients are surprised and frustrated by how long the recovery process can sometimes take.Some unfairly blame themselves for "not doing enough" or "not trying hard enough" while others tell us that "trying to do too much" can knock them back and sap their confidence.It's important to strike a balance.

In this section, we've included some information and advice on some simple things you can do to help you manage tiredness (fatigue), build your strength, deal with breathlessness, and look after your emotional wellbeing. For some issues e.g. breathlessness, we've provided links to several different resources. This is because each of these resources offer something slightly different, and what works for one person may not be right for another. 

 

 

You have 27 results.

Apply a filter below to refine your search results.

Web Link: Personal well-being plan

This link will take you to the website of the National Academy for Social Prescribing. This page takes you to their template for personal wellbeing, which you can complete yourself and share with family, friends, carers and healthcare professionals. The aim is to reduce the number of times you need to tell or repeat your story to someone new, by summarising your personal circumstances and key information in an easily readable document. The Personal Wellbeing plan covers: Basic...

Web Link: Physical activity (over 65s)

This link will take you to NHS Choices physical activity guidelines for older adults.

Web Link: Self-management help

This link will take you a website with Self-amanagement advice. Self management is about people living with long term conditions being in ‘the driving seat’. It supports people to live their lives better, on their terms.

Web Link: Sleeping better

Many patients struggle with sleep after spending time in Intensive Care. This link will take you to the UK's Sleep Council. They provide advice on preparing for a good night's sleep, a range of tools that you can use, including a sleep calculator, plan and diary and "nodcasts" to help you drift off. There is also a sleep hub, with information and advice on common sleep disorders, including insomina and vivid dreams.

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).

Document: Tiredness (fatigue)-how to save your energy

This booklet outlines techniques that you can use to make the most of the energy you have without making yourself exhausted. These techniques can be used to manage different physical symptoms including breathlessness, fatigue and pain.

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.