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Read Aloud and Translations

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. 

 

 

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Web Link: 10 today: videos of 10 minute exercises

This link will take you to BBC Radio 5's webpages, where you'll find 10 short videos that will help you get moving and stretching. The exercises are gentle and easy to do at home.

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...

External Video: Breathlessness: how "pacing" can help

This short clip will explain how a technique known as "pacing" may help feelings of breathlessness. You might also find the booklets on bodily positions to help breathlessness, breathing control and how to conserve your energy helpful in dealing with breathlessness. Video length: 02:23 (Watch now or tap the button above to add this resource to your personal library to watch later)

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: British Lung Foundation: find help in your local area

This link will take you to the British Lung Foundation, and to their UK-wide network of support. Simply type in your postcode to find activity and singing classes in your local area, and breathe easy and pulmonary fibrosis groups near you.

Web Link: Exercises for balance

This link will take you to an NHS website, with gentle exercises that you can do at home to help improve your balance. There are some helpful pictures and easy to follow instructions, that will show you what to do.

Document: Exercises for balance (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.

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: Exercises whilst sitting

This link will take you to an NHS page on exercises that you can do whilst sitting. There are exercises for flexibility, balance and strength, including helpful pictures that show you what to do.

External Video: Fatigue (tiredness): how "pacing" can help

Video length: 06:32 (Watch now or tap the button above to add this resource to your personal library to watch later) This short clip will explain how the technique of pacing may be used to manage any fatigue (tiredness) that you may be experiencing.

  • © 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