How to regain strength after long hospital stay
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Thank you for all the suggestions. I have been searching online and found a product called suplimed. It was developed specifically for cancer patients and AIDS patients who were having a hard time maintaining nutrition and weight goals so we are trying that. We will also try the pudding- my dad will love that!
In December and January after being diagnosed in early December, I did not have an appetite. I lost 30 pounds. For some reason smoothies tasted really good. There are different recipes. I used frozen fruits with peach nector you can get in a can. You can add protein powder or yogurt or milk for some protein. My doctor prescribed a small (10mg) dose of ritalin to help with the fatigue. I also went through a blood infection after my first ERCP and ended up in the hospital. I went through 3 weeks of IV antibiotics at home. It is hard. It just takes time to get your strength back, especially when you don’t feel like eating and have spent alot of time in bed.
Let me know if you have any questions about my experience.
Michelle
Deb,
So sorry I’ve taken so long to get that receipe for your dad! I checked with our nurses and here it is:
1 box (3.4oz) of instant pudding
3/4 cup half & half cream
1/2 cup of water
1 cup of carnation evaporated milk (use canned not powdered etc.)Mix together in a bowl then mix with a mixer for one minute until it begins to thicken. This receipe makes 4 servings. We use it to help individual’s we serve who are under weight to assist in gaining weight. As you can see…it is very rich and full of calories etc. Let us know how your dad is doing!
Karen
When I’m feeling very tired, walking around and exercise sound much too intimidating. Might I suggest small exercises that can be done while lying down or sitting?
For instance, if I’m watching tv on the couch, I might straighten my legs and flex my feet by pointing the toes away from my head, and then bringing them back towards my head. This helps to build some calf and shin muscles. Then I’ll take each leg, one by one, and raise it just a few inches off the couch and squeeze my quadricep muscles. For my arms, I bought a hand grip exerciser.
None of these things will make him a body builder, but they are simple and not intimidating. And sometimes just getting the blood circulating into the muscles again will rejuvenate just enough to do some other exercises.
-John
Thank you! My dad says he is feeling a little stronger but still very weak… can’t wait to see recipe for power pudding!
Deb,
You might want to look into power pudding. You can make it at home. We use it alot in the field I work in for individual’s who need to gain weight and strength. I haven’t the receipe on me at this time but will get it tomorrow for you. Your father is in my prayers…
Karen
I agree with Barbara in that the infection will zap much strenghts and will need to take it’s course. Does your Dad have an appetite for something special whatever it might be? Sometimes, when enjoying a bite of their favorite food it might not only give some strenghts but, it also lifts the spirits of the people we care for. And don’t forget about yourself, either. Us caretakers forget too quickly to tend to our own needs, also. I am wishing for you Dad to feel better a little bit each day.
MarionI slept a lot when I got out of the hospital after a c-diff infection. Let him sleep for a few days and then spend more time sitting up and alking around. It took me awhile to recover but I did.
Hi. My dad is out of the hospital after being in and out of it 4 weeks of the last 6. He has a home health nurse coming daily to give him iv antibiotics to help finish fighting off the staph infection in his blood. The problem now is he is so very weak and tired. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to kick start his regaining strength process? He eats so little compared to what he used to and he has a hard time walking and just wants to sleep all the time. He was doing well with his chemo before all his infections put him in the hospital and we want to get him strong enough to begin chemo again. He drinks Boost shakes as supplements too. I would appreciate any suggestions- thanks.
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