ok so i read walknlites post about getting some exercise. andy lays in bed all day. sleeps most of the day but does get up to get on computer-has to read the n.y. papers-for about 30 minutes. he is up about 1 hour each day, the rest is in bed.

i have been making him stay in bed. when he gets up, i tell him to lay down...that he needs to rest. i didnt realize he needed exercise...just rest. am i hurting him???

i also do not let him do anything around the house. i didnt want him to over exert himself. if he tries to do anything, i make him stop. should i let him do stuff?? he always says that he wants to help because im doing too much, so i just took it that he really doesnt feel like doing anything but he felt guilty that i had to do everything.

geez...please let me know what yall think on this subject. how much exercise (i would think walking)???
should i let him do stuff around the house?? he basically did all the cooking, dusting and floors (we have tile floors)-i did the kitchen/bathrooms and laundry.
we have a track right by the house, and since i definately need exercise (i wanted to start running again-my passion) should i take him and let him walk while i run???

Teresa,

My doctors strongly urged me to keep exercising through my treatment! It actually helps reduce fatigue, lifts the mood and is better for your body in the long run. I walked, did housework and took care of my pets throughout my treatment and recovery.

I'd recommend doing as much activity as one can but being mindful to not 'over-do' and with proper attention to nutritional/hydration needs. I also think reading papers and books was extremely important for me - kept those synapses firing and reduces time spent mulling about how horrible it all was.

- Margaret

Teresa,
My PCP told me I was so clogged because of lack of exercise. All I wanted to do was rest and sleep, but she said without exercise abd no movement the body really can not do what it is supposed to do. I will be getting out my WII fit a few minutes a day and have fun while moving things around.

Teresa,

You should let him do what he feels comfortable doing. If he feels up to cleaning the floor or making dinner, let him. I'm not sure I would take him to the track, he may feel obligated to overdo it, but I would definitly get him out for a short walk every day you can.

Kelly

Angelia,

Are you measuring your fluid intake daily as well? And I do mean measuring. You should know how much water is going into you each day that you are in treatment. Use that Peg and pour, pour, pour water several times a day (or during your feedings) but make sure it is room temp or a little warm so your tummy takes it OK. So important and something that can easily be forgotten when it is so difficult to swallow. This should definitely help your digestive track.

Deb

Teresa,
Definitely let him do what he feels up to doing. All lying in bed all days does is cause muscle loss. When one is losing all that weight, one doesn't need more muscle loss from inactivity. He is probabaly sleeping so much from boredom. I know I did. They may be a point when he will be to tired to do stuff, but don't go there unless it is necessary. A nice walk in the park is always good if it is possible this time of year. Good for the body and the soul.

Take care,
Eileen

Hi Teresa,

When I was in treatment, I exercised daily - floor exercises, weights, recumbant bike. I also took walks with my wife (caregiver) daily.

Now, the flip side was that I did not work very hard at it - I didn't want to use up very many of those precious calories (that were so hard to maintain).

So, for me the exercise was a way to "keep moving", and like others said were a spirit boost - and I think had some (although probably not much) value as exercise.

Unfortunately, this did not help my bowels much and by the end of treatment I was horrifically stopped up.

Best wishes,

Chris

My 3 Drs in Wheeling all 3 told mme that they wish all of their patients were like me and kept busy,, and drank plenty of water and other fluids. I drink no less than 8 1 1/2 bottles of spring watewr daily and more on quite a few of them. I work out 2 to 3 times a day also. I work out until my body says no more , go sit a pell. LOL I do feel great except for the mouth, tongue and throat area. The rest is like it belongs to some much younger guy. Let him help you and do what he wants. It will do both of you good. Heck, I even hand dig my garden and mom grass 2 times a week when it is growing. In this weather I find other things. I just put in close to 20 hrs cleaning and detailing one of my daughters cars so she can get a few bucks out of it. I do all of the house work because I have no choice. LOL But I enjoy that for the exercise too. Not to bad for a guy that is veery close to 74 very soon and has 4 major surgeries plus lesser ones.

I should have added that my daughter is the Charge Nurse of the Heart Unit of the Hospital in Steubenville and encourages me. I don't know if it is because of the Love she has for her hormoned Dad or wants my ex to get my life Insurance . LOL J/K

I worked out as much as I could during treatment. I did resistance training, walked outside, walked stairs, kept busy and did what I could. It kept me occupied and allowed me to feel at least like I was contributing and a bit productive.

I just liked working out anyway...gave me some normalcy.