Husband is 15 weeks post op. No energy. Are there excercises noted anywhere that will help without causing damage but help sleep

[Jusjust]

[hilr]

Hi, I suffer from fatigue, mainly from the post-op chemo, but perversely find that the more I do the less fatigued I feel, so for me it's a case of getting past the feeling if fatigue to do something, then I feel much better. For me this involves going to work for the day, going for a lovely walk in the countryside or going to the gym/swim. They all stimulate me and lift my spirit and then leave me needing and njiying a really good night's sleep.

I am five and a half months post-surgery and 3weeks post chemo.

Hope this is of some help.

Hilary

[Jusjust in reply to hilr]

Thank you Hilary . My husband has lost nearly 5 stone so very weak at moment . Did you lose much weight and are your bowel movements all regular now. He worries about swimming and not being able to control himself.

[Danko]

Hi there. 15 weeks is still very early days in the recovery process as your husband will still be very weak. Unfortunately the onset of winter can restrict gentle outdoor exercise. Many of us who have had the op and chemo feel the cold more than before. I am about one year further on than your husband and found that my strength and sleeping routine, appetite etc started to improve significantly in the spring following the op. This coincided with a return to part time work which got me back into a routine of sorts. I still don't sleep very well, waking up regularly every two hours or so. When I was at your husband's stage I just accepted that I would be awake a lot at night and doze during the day. I would read a lot and listen to the radio on iplayer at night which would keep my mind occupied and provide some comfort. Sorry that I can't give you an instant solution but wish you both all the best. Things will slowly improve! Martin

[Jusjust in reply to Danko]

Thanks martin just great to have someone to talk these things over with

[Spikey]

I agree with Hilary. I am 6 years post op and still suffer from occasional bouts of fatigue, but find that if I go to the gym, or for a brisk walk, I actually feel much better.

Soon after my surgery and post-op chemo, I saw a physiotherapist, who gave me some gentle exercises to rebalance my muscles and build up my strength. I found this a great help. She also advised 20 minutes brisk walking per day, which helped clear my chest and helped me sleep.

You husband's 5 stone loss of weight may or may not be significant depending on how heavy he was to start with. I lost 2.5 stone, which was 20% of my body weight, and am still 1.5 stone lighter than before my op., but feel fit and well.

Bowel movements can take longer to settle down, but usually do within a few months.

Good luck,

G

[willow13]

Hello my husband is 15 months post op. and does not have lots of energy nowadays. Hey but he is 73 so maybe age is playing a part. Just take it easy it is still early days after your op. and you do not want to do yourself any harm

[Hidden]

The body does take a surprisingly long time to recover from the surgery, and the lungs do have to have time to recover. Sometimes it is worth having the vitamin B12 and iron levels tested because anaemia can lead to fatigue.

There are a couple of information sheets on sleep and relaxation that you can download from here opa.org.uk/regional-shop/lo...

Gentle exercise in the open air is very therapeutic. And a physiotherapist may also help.

The surgical scars all heal after 6 weeks so you will not do any damage as such, but your body does get stiff from not stretching as you used to. So gently stretching is a good thing.

It has been a traumatic time for you both, and coming to terms with everything that has happened takes time takes a long time too.

Worrying about losing control of one's bowels is a real anxiety. You can get special pants with very absorbent pads built in. It is not something that anybody would wish for in themselves, but sometimes there is a trade off in reinforcing confidence. And perhaps swimming or exercising at some points in the day might be less of a problem in that direction than others?

[jay2908]

Lots of good advice and yes weight loss is common post op. Definately making an appointment with your nurse if you feel the weight loss is too much. There may be an option for tube feeding via a nasal tube to take the pressure off eating.

It's still early days so bound to be tired. B12 and multivitamin plus getting back to work helped with my energy levels.

Amitriptalene at 25mg/night also helps with my sleep, apitite and general mood.

Regards,

Jay

[Stevewellswood]

Hi just at 54 I am now 18 months post opp and I lost 4 stone and I never carried any excess weight so could not really afford to loose any but my weight has now just started to stabilise and I have actually put on a couple of pounds Over the summer

The help of the hospital diatician has also helped greatly

I am now resigned to the fact I will never be the same weight as I was pre opp

I got myself a new wardrobe for the new skinny me

I found just taking exercise slowly was better for me starting with short walks of 5 mins now I am ok for walks of 30 mins I also feel the cold more now than before my chemo so make sure you wrap up warm And don't try and run before you can walk its a long road so please make sure your husband paces himself

Good luck

Steve w

[Jusjust]

Thank you for your comments over last few years

I’m the husband my wife has been speaking about. Apart from issues with food and being some 6 years post op I’ve never regretted a minute of all of my issues. You’ve got to be in it to win it as they say. It’s tough and yes weight loss is difficult as is reflux and everything else everyone on here discusses but better the alternative. Thank you all for your comments pre op and now post op. I suppose I could be called a veteran now haha.

I know that at times I doubted everything as it’s such a mad situation to find yourself in but with everything said , without the help and support of my wife and kids I think I would of been near the edge a lot more than I was .

I have found that cannabis oil helps me a hell of a lot and can now not get by without it. It allows me to eat a lot more varied options albeit still very restricted but not throwing up every time I eat and not getting that sick feeling after every eating session. One or two drops under tounge and bobs your uncle. It does give you the munches and I only found out this after a trip to Amsterdam and a chocolate brownie . I could not believe that I had struggled so much before and after one mouth full of cake I sat on a river boat and ate all e it slowly a three course meal and drinks at the same time which for me was in heard of.