Post ICU Physical Health Recovery Help Guide
To help you think about your recovery in this area we have organised a series of films from our specialist clinicians that aim to answer some of the most common questions we have heard our patients ask.
To support the information contained in the films we have also organised a series of ‘information cards’. These cards give you a brief overview of the topic, the logo or name of the organisation you can access the information from, and the trusted web link to the information we recommend.
These are the physical rehabilitation question topics that we have created the resources for. Click on the question that you want to find out more about, and it will take you directly to the relevant section.
- What should I eat to help rebuild my muscles and strength?
- I’m having problems with eating after my ICU stay.
- I feel very weak – how can I get stronger after being on ICU?
- My breathing is worse than it used to be – should i be worried?
- I’ve noticed other changes to my body – is this part of being on ICU?
- I’m struggling with my energy levels – how do I stop feeling so tired?
A good starting point to help your recovery in this area
ICUsteps PDF
ICUsteps are the intensive care patient charity which is focused on helping those who have been through ICU.
What should I eat to help rebuild my muscles and strength?
Top tips to help rebuild muscles
- Include protein rich foods with each meal and snack
- Protein rich foods include meat, dairy, eggs, fish & seafood, tofu & meat alternatives, nuts and seeds, pulses
- Try milk or soya milk based drinks between meals for extra protein e.g. milky coffees, milkshakes or smoothies
A good starting point to help your recovery in this area
British Dietetic Association (BDA)
This information tells you about the nutrition to have at home and how to help with common problems you may have with eating.
I’m having problems with eating after my ICU stay – what can I do?
Top tips to get more energy in my diet
- Aim to eat little and often e.g. 5-6 small meals daily
- Choose full fat foods and avoid ‘Light’ or ‘Diet’ foods
- Fortify your meals by adding high calorie ingredients e.g. butter, cream, cheese or oil
A good starting point to help your recovery in this area
ICUsteps
ICUsteps are the intensive care patient charity which is focused on helping those who have been through ICU.
Bradford Council
The Community Meals Service is a local meals service providing meal deliveries to people in their own homes. The service provides both hot and frozen meals.You may find the service helpful if you find it difficult to prepare and cook meals.
Wiltshire Farmfoods
Wiltshire Farmfoods deliver free of charge throughout the UK, so stay safe and warm at home as they can deliver the meal.
British Dietetic Association
This fact sheet gives you information about supplements and who needs to take them.
I feel very weak – how can I get stronger after being on ICU?
Top tips to help you gain strength
- Set yourself realistic small goals each day
- Enjoy the activity/exercises you choose to do
- Keep an activity diary
A good starting point to help your recovery in this area
Critical Care Support Network (CCSN)
Critical care network aim to help anyone who has been in ICU rebuild their strength and get moving again.
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
CSP are a membership organisation of more than 64,000 chartered physiotherapists, associate and physio students.
West Yorkshire Critical Care Network (WYCCN)
This booklet aims to help you recover after your critical illness. It is normal for you to feel weak after your hospital stay and these exercises will help you develop your strength and fitness.
My breathing is worse than it used to be – should I be worried?
Top tips to help your breathing
- Stay as active as you can
- Practice “Breathing control”
- Find positions that reduce your breathlessness
A good starting point to help your recovery in this area
The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care have some useful information if you are short of breath or if you have phlegm on your chest. You can find some good tips for your breathing on their website
ICUsteps
ICUsteps are the intensive care patient charity which is focused on helping those who have been through ICU. This section shows how to deal with breathing issues.
Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care
They aim to show you how to cope with being short of breath through various breathing exercises
Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care
They aim to show you how to cope with being short of breath through bodily positions that can help.
Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care
If you have sputum on your chest, then the Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) will help keep your chest clear and prevent sputum building up and causing infections.
I’ve noticed other changes to my body – is this part of being on ICU?
Top tips to help cope with changes to your body
- Remember how far you’ve come and that things are likely to improve
- Talk to your surgeon or healthcare team if things are worrying you
- Check the Dietitian sections on the site for advice around nutrition
A good starting point to help your recovery in this area
British Dietetic Association
It is common to have changes to your hair, nails of skin in the months after your critical illness. Visit the website for more information
How to Squeeze
This link takes you to BTHFT Physiotherapy advice on how to do pelvic floor exercises to improve continence issues
ICUsteps
ICUsteps also have some information on how critical illness can affect your body
Relate
Everyone goes through phases where they don’t have the time or energy for regular sex. If this has become the norm and you would like to rediscover your sex life, sex therapy might be for you.
I’m struggling with my energy levels – how do I stop feeling so tired?
Top tips to help your energy levels
- Plan 30–40 minutes of rest breaks between activities.
- Collect all the items you need before you start a task.
- Use the help available to you from others and delegate tasks where possible.
A good starting point to help your recovery in this area
Royal College of Occupational Therapists
When you are ill or recovering from an illness, you are likely to have less energy and feel tired. This guide will help you to find ways to conserve your energy as you go about your daily tasks.
