RETURN PATIENTS : TIPS FOR COPING WITH PH SYMPTOMS

Fatigue

• Plan ahead
• Set priorities and make choices about what you want to use your energy for.
• Sit for activities that cost energy, e.g. washing or preparing meals.
• Rest before and after activities e.g. shopping or bathing.
• If you are on long term oxygen, stock up before and after any activity. Better still, keep it on!

Breathlessness

• Breathing control and learning to relax can help breathing to be more effective.
• Breathe in slowly through your nose and out slowly through your mouth.
• Adopt a comfortable posture, shoulders and chest relaxed.
• Avoid activities which you know will make you very breathless. Are these ?must do? activities?, Do you have to do them personally?, Is there another way to do it?
• Small, regular meals are important as nutrition will help build chest muscles and protect against chest infections.
• Large meals or gas forming foods can lead to stomach distension which makes breathing more difficult, and should be avoided.
• Early intervention if you suspect you may have a chest infection is vital. Contact your GP if you feel you may have a chest infection. Signs to look for are increased breathlessness, productive cough, wheeze, and chest pain.

Swollen Ankles

• Contact your GP if you suddenly or gradually notice that your ankles are swollen!. If you are in any doubt, contact your nurse specialist who will advise.
• If you are on ?water tablets? ensure that these are taken as prescribed. If you miss a dose you should endeavour to take it as soon as you remember.
• Many people find that their ankles swell a little if they are standing for a long time. If this is the case for you, it is important to ?put your feet up? as soon as it is possible.
• Sudden weight gain associated with feeling more short of breath should not be ignored, and this should be reported to your GP.
• Keep an eye on your weight, perhaps weekly.