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

Read Aloud and Translations

Common physical issues

In this section, we've provided some general information and advice on the physical issues patients commonly face during the ward stage of recovery. These include things like general weakness, weight loss, tiredness, joint pain and problems with mobility. Everyone is different. You may or may not experience these issues and they may be more severe or troublesome to some patients than others. Many of these issues will improve over the weeks and months after Intensive Care.

 

You have 29 results.

Apply a filter below to refine your search results.

Web Link: Shoulder pain, and exercises that might help

It's not uncommon to experience some shoulder stiffness, and sometimes pain, after Intensive Care. This is often because the shoulder joint has not been moving much while you or your family member was very unwell, so the joint becomes stiff. This link will take you to an NHS webpage, with some simple exercises that you can try.

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...

Web Link: Swallowing problems ("dysphagia") after COVID-19 (video)

Some patients may develop problems with swallowing, after spending time in Intensive Care due to COVID-19. Patients who spend a longer time on the ventilator (breathing machine or life support machine) may be at increased risk of developing these types of problems. This link will take you to a 10 minute video from an NHS Speech and Language Therapist. Some of the language used is a bit technical, but there are short animations that will help you understand the normal process of...

Web Link: Swallowing, speech and mouth care

Some patients who have had COVID-19 may develop problems with swallowing, their voice (which might be weakened, rough or hoarse), and a sore or dry mouth. These problems are particularly common among patients who spend a bit longer in Intensive Care. This link will take you to Lancashire Teaching Hospitals' excellent online resource on recovery after COVID-19. This section includes advice from healthcare professionals on eating and drinking, and looking after your voice and mouth. You...

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: Voice problems (video)

Some patients may develop changes in their voice after Intensive Care, and patients who spend longer on a ventilator (breathing machine or life support machine) may be at increased risk of developing these problems. This link will take you to a 7 minute video from an NHS Speech and Language Therapist. Some of the language used is a bit technical, but there are short animations that will help you understand the normal process of speaking, how these can be affected, and some of the symptoms...

Web Link: Voice problems: information & advice from the British Voice Association

Some patients may develop changes in their voice after Intensive Care, and patients who spend longer on a ventilator (breathing machine or life support machine) may be at increased risk of developing these problems. This link will take you to the website of the British Voice Association. There are a number of free information leaflets that you can download, to help you look after your voice. There is also a link, where you can find a voice clinic in your local area.

Article: Weight loss

Article length: 6 minutes (Read now or tap the button above to add this resource to your personal library to read later) Patients can lose a lot of weight during their time in Intensive Care (sometimes up to 20% of their weight on admission) and often have issues with eating after transfer to the general wards. This can happen for many reasons; some are physical, some psychological and others are to do with hospital routine (eg being presented with food at very different times to when...

  • © 2020
Endorsed by:
  • British Association of Critical Care Nurses
  • Intensive Care Society
  • ICU Steps
  • The National Outreach Forum
  • UK Clinical Pharmacy Association
  • Critical Care Network-National Nurses Leads
  • European Federation of Critical Care Nursing Associations
Recommended by:
  • Asthma UK
  • UK Sepsis Trust
  • British Lung Foundation
Critical Care Recovery COVID-19 is a joint project by:
  • Critical Care Recovery
  • Life Lines