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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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External Video: How do I increase the amount of activity I'm doing

This short clip will explain how you can start building up your activity and exercises levels. For some people returning to normal activities may take a few weeks while others it can take months and even over a year. The important thing is to listen to your body and go at the right pace for you. This clip should help you understand how to do this. If you're struggling to increase you activity or exercise speak with a Physiotherapist who will be able to give you some guidance.

Article: Joint stiffness and pain

Patients sometimes suffer from stiff and painful joints after Intensive Care, particularly in the ankles, knees, elbows and shoulders.This can make it difficult to do simple things like getting out of bed, walking around the ward or washing and showering. Why do I have joint stiffness or pain? Patients who have spent longer in Intensive Care seem to be at greater risk of developing joint stiffness and pain. Joint stiffness and pain can be due to several things but is most...

Article: Mobility issues after getting home

Patients sometimes tell us that they continue to have problems getting around after they get home. This can happen as a result or a combination of many things; muscle wasting, general weakness, fatigue, joint pain and stiffness or issues with balance. Some people also tell us that they lose their confidence a little, in the first few days of getting home.

Article: Numbness and "pins and needles"

Is it common to have numbness and pins and needles after Intensive Care? Patients sometimes experience numbness and or pins and needles in theirfingers and hands, which can lead to difficulty with everyday things like grip.Others experience numbness and or pins and needles in their feet, which can interfere with balance and mobility. Why do I have numbness and pins and needles? These symptoms are sometimes called "critical illness neuropathy" or "critical...

External Video: Nutritional advice

In this video, Judith talks about her role as a dietitian in Intensive Care. She talks about the nutritional issues patients commonly face after Intensive Care, and offers some advice for patients and family members to help the recovery process along.

Web Link: Pain support

This link will take you to painconcern.org.uk. It's a really helpful website, providing information about different types of pain and how to deal with it. There are free booklets to download, a helpline, videos to help you manage your pain, podcasts (voicefiles) from other people, and an online chatroom. We hope you find it helpful.Please consult your doctor in the first instance.

Article: Skin and nail changes

Article length: 2 minutes (Read now or tap the button above to add this resource to your personal library to read later) 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,...

Article: Swallowing issues

Some patients develop problems swallowing

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...

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Common physical issues

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