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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 generally increase your ability to do more.There are some useful short videos from physiotherapists who specialise in rehabilitation after Intensive Care. 

 

 

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Web Link: Ageing well activities (Edinburgh Leisure)

This link takes you to the webpage of Edinburgh Leisure and their section on Ageing Well and Active Lives. They offer a fantastic range of activities for people over 50, including allotment gardening, buddy swimming, chair based exercises, dancing, photography, indoor curling, singing and walking.Why not give it a go?

Document: Balance exercises (NHS Choices)

This is a document from NHS Choices. It gives advice on some simple exercises to help with balance.You might want to speak to your GP or Physiotherapist before trying them.

Web Link: Borrowing a wheelchair

Although you may not have been issued with a wheelchair when you leave hospital, some people continue to have problems with walking after they get home.It might be helpful to borrow a wheelchair "just to get out of the house", if you're not sure how far you can walk, you tire easily or have lost your confidence a little. This link will take you to the webpage of the British Red Cross, who may be able to lend you mobility equipment.If you type in your postcode, they can...

Web Link: Breathlessness: what it is and how to manage it

This link will take you to the British Lung Foundation website. There's some really useful information on how to manage breathlessness, including treatment, breathing exercises, staying active, etc. You can enter your postcode into their website to find support in your local area. We hope you find it helpful.

Web Link: East Lothian Community Physiotherapy Services

This link will take you to the webpage of the East Lothian community physiotherapy services. This physiotherapy service is available to those people living within East Lothian. This pahe will tell you about the type of physiotherapy available and how to access it.

External Video: Exercises and Physiotherapy to help recovery

In this clip physiotherapist, Dr Bronwen Connolly explains how critical illness affects joints and muscles to cause joint stiffness and fatigue and how you can practice certain types of exercises to help you recover.

Document: Exercises for flexibility (NHS Choices)

This is a document from NHS Choices.It gives advice on simple exercises to improve flexibility.You might want to speak to your GP or Physiotherapist before trying them.

Web Link: Going back to work

This link will take you to the website of Healthy Working Lives.Although this page is intended for employers, it will give you some insight into your rights and your employer's responsibilities if you are thinking about going back to work or retiring early.

Web Link: Healthy Living-take life on

This link will take you to a website from Healthier Scotland. There's loads of information and advice on eating well, including really simple recipes. There's also loads of information on how to get more active, with links to activities in your local area. 

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.