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Melissa Luebbe c/o Pain Management Department. Remember, to receive credit you must have forwarded your answers and blogged the discussion question.
Questions
- What are some of the causes of cancer fatigue?
- What are some of the potential risks patients may face due to decreased activity?
- How does regular exercise improve the stamina of patients receiving treatment?
Discussion Question
Suggest how a severely fatigued patient can incorporate exercise into their day.
I would have them start slow and become more "aggressive" with their exercise as they built up more endurance. Don't set unrealistic expectations for the exercise they were planning tho do, because if they don't accomplish what they set out to do they may become discouraged. If they are unable to work out for 30 minutes straight, try 3 10 minute activities throughout the day. Make it something they really enjoy, such as walking the dog or going for a bike ride.
ReplyDeleteA severely fatigued patient can do short periods of activity alternating with rest.If they are inpatient they can start with sitting on the edge of bed for 10 minutes then lay down. They can do divided periods of activity such as excercising 10 minutes at a time two to three times a day instead of doing one session for extended amount for thirty minutes. They can originate a schedule and also keep a log of activity. Sometimes by seeing what one has accomplished can be motivation to keep on trying and setting new goals. Eventually the ultimate goal would be less fatigue.
ReplyDeleteA severely fatigued person can begin to incorporate exercise into their day with increased activity. Short walks inside the house, increasing the length of time they are up and moving. Using ankle or wrist weights to do some resistance exercise while sitting in a chair a few times a day. Stretching exercises with deep breathing exercises every hour is a simple but easy way to incorporate exercise. Walking to the kitchen to eat vs. having the food brought to them. The key is that the physical activity does not need to be long or strenuous. It is important that it is incorporated into daily activities on a regular basis periodically throughout the day.
ReplyDeleteA severely fatigued person can get tips from physical therapy here in the hospital for exercises specific for their needs. They can also start out slow, like with chair exercises. Working out to music always gets me moving! :) They also should pick a routine that is feasible and enjoyable for them to accomplish. If they do not like what they are doing, they will be less likely to continue.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to set realistic goals and slowly build yourself up. A severely fatigued patient can incorporate exercise into their day by doing some gardening, house cleaning, or walking the dog. It is important to listen to the body and allow time for rest periods. Taking the stairs, instead of using the elevator, if physically able is another easy way to incorporate physical activity!
ReplyDeleteA severely fatigued patient can incorporate periods of rest with periods of activity. Patients at MRMC can be scheduled for a consult with PT. PT can assess the patient and then customize a plan according the the patient’s abilities. PT will adjust the amount of activity according to how well the patient is tolerating the activity.
ReplyDeleteIn a severely fatigued patient, they should start with a few minutes’ multiple times a day of exercise. They should increase the time spent with exercise daily, to reach the max. of 30" daily. One could start with chair exercises using weights and resistance bands and increase the activity based on the body’s response. It is nice to have a partner or someone to enjoy the time with and to exercise together to help keep motivated. Tami
ReplyDeleteFatigued patients really have to start slowly with a routine that does not worsen fatigue. Im really an advocate of walking . First to use the muscles, maybe even to get the heart rate a little faster. Everything in small steps!! Mary O
ReplyDeleteTry to exercise at a time of day when energy seems the highest and patient is not experiencing symptoms of nausea, pain, etc. There are multiple resources available for low impact/low intensity exercises, such as chair exercises (Dr. Oz, videos, classes, You-Tube). Exercises can be split into 5 min. or 10 min. segments and increased as tolerated. There are relaxing exercises such as floating and/or walking in a pool, slow yoga, or Tai-Chi, stretching, using resistance bands, gardening, light housekeeping.
ReplyDeleteA consultation with PT and OT would be an initial recommendation. I also advise patients to start slow and exercise in divided increments. For those patients spending much of their day in bed or a recliner, I recommend to start by walking around the house. Then they can graduate to walking outside. Addressing the emotional aspect of fatigue can be aided by family or friend accompanying during brief walks. Reinforce the patient's accomplishements and positive improvements with activity. They need to hear of their progress, even if slow.
ReplyDeletePatients can start slow by taking short walks and building up. They can also do some chair exercises on commercial breaks doing leg lifts, arm lifts and when feeling stronger adding some ligt weights or exercise bands. Physical therapy can help with a rebuilder or even occupational therapy depending on how fatigued the patient is. After while they will feel stronger and feel better.
ReplyDeleteDiscussion Question
ReplyDeleteSuggest how a severely fatigued patient can incorporate exercise into their day.
Taking a daily walk, riding a stationary bike for 15 minutes daily, using light weight exercises, swimming (depending on treatment), jogging, stretching, and yoga are some examples of obvious light exercising patients can do. The less obvious is playing with children, grandchildren, taking them to the park or local pool, cooking a meal or baking with them. Light housework can maintain daily activity while having a sense of accomplishment. :)
Severe fatigue can be difficult to overcome when trying to incorporate exercise into a daily routine. Patients should be encouraged to start small, with short periods of activity during a part of the day when he/she feels the best. Gradually increase the amount of time, maintaining realistic goals and ensuring adequate periods of rest. Do something enjoyable and include family members or friends. Stay hydrated and eat a well balanced diet.
ReplyDeleteFatigued patients can incorporate excercise into their day by first setting up a daily routine, then starting out slowley. Try short periods of excercise with frequent rest breaks. Use relaxation and visualization techniqus to reduce stress. They should balance activity and rest, and finally ask for help when they need it.
ReplyDeleteI agree that a severely fatigued person should start out slowly and progress slowly. Try swinging your arms or moving your legs while sitting in a chair, lifting soup cans while watching tv or listening to music. March in place while sitting or holding the back of a chair. Break up the exercise throughout the day instead of all at one time.
ReplyDeleteSeverely fatigue patients need to incorporate their exercise into their daily routine-take little steps starting with moving legs while sitting in chair ,taking short walks around the house and increase the exercise according to their abilities.
ReplyDeleteA severely fatigued patient should start out slowly with exercise. It is important to establish a routine and get into the swing of things. Get up and exercise when you have the most energy. Start out with something simple like take the dog outside and slowly work your way up to taking the dog for a walk. Also take enough rest periods and make time for you to rest throughout the day. If you have family to rely on use them whenever they offer, this can take a huge burden off you and allow you the proper rest. Also create a schedule for yourself so that you can have a regular bedtime so that you can get enough sleep.
ReplyDeletei suggest that a fatigued patient should conserve energy and undertake only the most important tasks when one has the most energy. keep a log book of the periods when one is at the least tired. move around and exercise when one is well rested and have the most energy. be realistic in setting goals. don't be too proud to accept help from someone who can do the chores.
ReplyDeleteIn a severely fatigued cancer patient you can add exercise in gradually starting with walking. Usually patients have the most energy first thing in the morning, and this time should be reserved for any physically exhausting "chores", such as getting weekly blood draws. Patients should conserve energy whenever possible and take frequest naps/rest breaks.
ReplyDelete