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Read Aloud and Translations

Moving on

Recovery can sometimes take quite some time, although everyone is different. It is fair to say that we probably know the least about longer term recovery. This is largely because the current research recommendations are to follow patients up for "at least 6 months" after Intensive Care. Also, much of the research that has been done has tended to use questionnaires which, although very useful, may not tell us enough about what recovery is like for patients in their everyday lives.

Having spoken to a number of patients at one year after hospital discharge, however, it seems that while some may have lingering physical and psychological issues after being in Intensive Care, many have learned to live with them. The main focus at this time would appear to be keeping well, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and getting out and about. For some, the "anniversary" of their time in Intensive Care can prompt them to reflect on their emotional journey. In this section, we've provided some links to general information and advice. We hope you find it useful.

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Web Link: Looking After Your Physical and Mental Health While Staying at Home

The majority of us are still spending most of our days at home, so it is still important to look after both our mental and physical health. Staying at home for long periods of time with limited contact with others can be challenging and so it's important that you take care of your mind as well as your body and to get further support if you need it. We hope the guidance and advice on the following websites will help you stay healthy and active whilst staying at home.

Web Link: Loss of sense of smell: link to ENT UK

This link will take you to ENT UK, and their web page on "anosmia", the technical term for the partial or complete loss of your sense of smell. Loss of your sense of smell (a common symptom of COVID) can have a real impact on your appetite and enjoyment of food. This can be a real issue for some people, especially if you have already lost a lot of weight after Intensive Care and/or if you are having problems swallowing. ENT UK report that for many patients, their sense of smell...

Web Link: Loss of sense of smell: link to Nosewell

This link will take you to Nosewell (with support from the British Rhinological Society) and their excellent webpages on the loss of smell after COVID-19. Their guide aims to help you understand more about the loss of your sense of smell. There are also links to Facebook groups, a patient forum, a self-assessment guide, some videos and top tips for managing your loss of sense of smell, and a guide on retraining your sense of smell.

External Video: Louise and her recovery from Swine flu

Video length: 22:33 (Watch now or tap the button above to add this resource to your personal library to watch later) In this video clip, Louise talks about her experiences of being critically ill with Swine flu. Five years on, she talks about the processes of getting better and getting on with her life. You can read interviews,listen to voice recordings and watch clips of other patients' experiences of Intensive Care by using the link to Healthtalkonline.

Web Link: Low mood and depression

"Difficult events and experiences can leave us in low spirits or cause depression." Find out more, including where to get support, by visiting the NHS Inform website.

Web Link: Managing A Cough

Text From Site: While recovering from coronavirus, you might continue to have a cough for some time. On this page, we explain how you can manage a dry cough and a cough with phlegm.

Web Link: Managing Anxiety: Breathing

Practitioner's Resource: Breathing is something we ordinarily do effortlessly and without thinking. We are now in the centre of a pandemic that primarily attacks the human respiratory system and whose main symptom is breathing difficulties. Now seems an appropriate time to consider how we can use noticing our own breathing to help anchor us in our roles as leaders.

Web Link: Managing The Long-Term Effects Of COVID-19

Text from site: This guideline covers identifying, assessing and managing the long-term effects of COVID-19, often described as ‘long COVID’. It makes recommendations about care in all healthcare settings for adults, children and young people who have new or ongoing symptoms 4 weeks or more after the start of acute COVID-19. It also includes advice on organising services for long COVID.

Web Link: Managing your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak

This link will take you to a resource from Mental Health UK Find information and tips for managing your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak (also known as COVID-19). Whether you're social distancing or self-isolating you may be feeling anxious or stressed during this time, and that's completely normal. There are simple steps you can take to look after your mental health and wellbeing. We will continue to add and update the information to this page.

External Video: Managing your physical symptoms using pacing

Video length: 02:16 (Watch now or tap the button above to add this resource to your personal library to watch later) This short clip will explain what 'pacing' is and how it can be used to manage some of your physical symptoms including breathlessness, fatigue and pain.

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Critical Care Recovery COVID-19 is a joint project by: