Managing Fatigue: Post Hospitalization

[@embuikema]

I have to say, every time you post a video (on anything, even if it's not personally useful for me) I get a huge burst of motivation for a few days to exercise and do physical therapy at home, so thank you! This video IS very relevant to me though and made me realize how much time I DO spend in bed. I'll be honest, I've been telling myself that it's ok because "sleeping helps the brain recover after a trauma" (something my doctors told me repeatedly after my stroke) and while that's certainly true, I've definitely been using that as an excuse to be very sedentary. This video really reminded me that too much of a good thing can be harmful. I need to stop using it as an excuse to be in bed all the time.

[@HalfWarrior]

Tara, you have a keen ability to make logical sense of things that so many have ‘lost’. Your insights are amazing! Thank you for your perseverance!

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks "HALF warrior." You always leave such kind comments and appreciated encouragement. 🙏🙏

[@HalfWarrior]

@@rehabhqofficial My pleasure. In a place where often times one can feel so alone;your understanding and help is greatly appreciated!

[@paintnamer6403]

I still don't have my endurance back three months after my ischemic stroke affecting my left side. I was lucky that I could still limp and did so around my hospital room. One of your videos had a hand exercise like flicking water off of the fingers that helped me the most of any KZbin videos ever! I found your channel two days home from the hospital when I learned my first PT session was weeks away. Walking around the neighborhood, gardening and playing guitar are things I got back. Bike riding on bike paths is my next goal. Thank you very much!

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi "Paintnamer"! Thanks for watching and for sharing your story! What an amazing success story! Keep going!!!

[@sk13ppy]

Some great ideas, thanks. I'm recovering from ACDF surgery. 5 days after I was discharged from hospital I couldn't get comfortable in bed after numerous attempts at adjusting pillows and cushions. So I spent the next 2.5 weeks sitting up all night every night on a sofa, improvised with armchair pushed and turned with my knees to face the sofa before I went into hospital. Boy was I glad I'd had the foresight and knees to almost replicate a recliner. It saved my neck a lot of pain from not having to contend with gravity! Now over 5 weeks since discharged, I'm almost back to walking twice daily but feel so fatigued after one walk, I don't want to push myself too hard. Might do some of your chair stomping and walking in the meantime until the weather is better and I feel more energetic! 😆

[@teresacollinsporterfield5488]

Thank you Dr. Tobias! I wish I would have had your direction when I got out of the hospital 3 1/2yearsago. I know I would have been where I am now a lot sooner. But, I am so thankful and blessed to have you now. Have a wonderful week.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Teresa! From what I can tell, you are on the right track (now) and that is what matters 😊 I hop you have a great week!!

[@yusufibraham383]

I feel like I just got out of a pool except the heaviness doesn't go away. Especially when I get up in the morning. Walking to the bathroom in the middle of the night is challenging.

[@Nina_2288]

Dear Dr. Tara, you are so right, movement is everything. Muscle mass disappears in days and then takes months for rebuilding. And also the whole system needs blood flow. My fatigue struggle kicked in at 6 months post stroke because I was mainly home (so no vitamin D from the sun) and avoided meat (so lacking B vitamins). A doctor recommended to take D and B and also Magnesium. Now I have 400 Magnesium and 3000 vitamin D every morning and a mix of ALL eight B vitamins every afternoon. NO brain fog days any more!!! Fatigue is gone since that day. 🌞🌞🌞😀😀😀 Wishing you a happy day 🌞🌞😀😀

[@rehabhqofficial]

Yes Nina! As you are astutely aware of, it is multifactorial. Thanks for sharing the things that have helped you!

[@Kevinswope23]

He needed to hear that thank you

[@kellyrosegreene1698]

yhank you for addressing this. it has been a very difficult journey having a 25 year energy disabilty..chronic fatigue syndrome..hospitalized for over 30days!

[@eilatminstrel]

Thank you so much for this. Helped me understand much better.

[@jond4014]

This video hit the nail on the head for me. I was wondering why I was so inactive when I got home from the hospital/ rehab. I was a very active person before my stroke so I just didn't understand why all iwanted to do was sleep Over the last couple of years I've slowly built up my activity levels and I feel like now I'm getting much better with my activity level. I'm exhausted after a 6 hours workday sitting at my desk still. I'm working on that by pushing myself. To keep moving. My dog actually helps with this because he won't stop bugging me until I take him out for a walk as soon as I step away from my work desk.( I work from home).

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for sharing Jon! I am glad to know you have made so much progress from your early days :) Oh and btw, dogs make everything better 😊 Man's best friend......

[@usbly]

Very Nice video again, 😊

[@BR9900-w5l]

Excellent video. Thank you. 😊

[@scottwhite2583]

Once my Foley catheter was removed I sat on the bed all day I guess I never want to stay in bed that long again so she was I was up get dressed and get out onto the couch to start walking around

[@ccd1449]

Thank you sooooooo much Doctor

[@rehabhqofficial]

My pleasure. 😊 I hope it helps.

[@maijah95]

Hi I appreciated the video. One question what if you are using a walker or walking aids, does that negativity affect recovery in similar ways? If you already talked about this can someone tell me what video to watch. Thankyou.

[@samfrazier7735]

You are amazing! Thank you!

[@scottwhite2583]

Watching this I thinking back to my time in rehab hospital for 3+ months I spent most my time in the bed I didn’t wanna trouble anybody to get my AFO wanna dress me to sit in the chair which in itself was a mistake because they knew what I was afraid I would get up on my own and start walking around

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Scott! Thanks for sharing your story! That is a really common set of circumstances. And, yes, I have had patients tell me they stayed in bed because they did not want to bother anyone. Sounds like you made it through and have made some progress!!! That is awesome! Keep going!!

[@scottwhite2583]

@@rehabhqofficial Tara being honest I was supposed to go to bed permanently I said goals for myself every day at first it was doing 10 laps in my living room and dining room and the kitchen after I pulled up to going outside doing laps in my driveway and then walking up and down the street and in the past three And a half years I haven’t taken a day off have any detail

[@rehabhqofficial]

@@scottwhite2583 YES!! Thanks for sharing this. Your experience is invaluable to those who are where you were. It is all about setting those small goals

[@jacquelinebonneau5102]

I had a wonderful floor to ceiling pole by my hospital bed to get me into wheelchair. My physio and OC started the very next day after admission. I'm not walking yet, 3 years post ischemic lacunar stroke. My balance is very poor. I'm 80 years old and weigh 105 lbs. Although I have good appetite I can't seem to gain weight.

[@rehabhqofficial]

@@jacquelinebonneau5102 thanks for sharing your story and your tips!

[@marialuigiamenga2199]

I was in this hospital on my back for three months

[@glenwest1911]

I'm late today.i will definitely check out this video!

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Glen! Better late than never :) Glad to see you in the comments this weekend. I hope you have a great week!

[@glenwest1911]

Thanks!!

[@samanthasims7123]

Thank u

[@revdocrandy]

Thanks for another helpful video. I need to check out your other videos on fatigue, which may answer some of my questions. But, I was intrigued by the 10 hours a day in bed guideline. You said, mostly at night. What are your thoughts on napping? Since my stroke nearly 4 years ago, I know my endurance is improving, but I still seem to need an afternoon nap, or I eventually pay for it with a tension headache in my neck. I was extremely active pre-stroke; I’m pretty active post-stroke (normally, 7k to 12+k steps/day average, though my gait needs a lot of work)! Thanks!

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Randy! This is an excellent question. I think napping is ok. My suggestion is no longer than to 20-30 min.

[@lindalai9092]

It has been a year and I still suffer from fatigue

[@darkodarkovic7827]

Very well explained. In the later phase of recovery, is it better to lie down after a long walk or exercise so that the blood in the veins circulates more easily, I think because of the weaker work of the valves in the veins, or to rest and sit down? Thank you so much, have a nice day.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Darko! This is an excellent point. Generally speaking, I typically tell people (in stroke recovery), to try and stay out of bed during the day. A "20 min power nap" can easily turn into a 2-3 hour nap. That being said, for the issue you are describing, the first recommendation to someone who has some venous insufficiency would be compression socks when out of bed. That should be enough for the issue you are describing. I hope that helps! And thanks for bringing this up! It is an excellent question.!!! I hope you have a great week!

[@darkodarkovic7827]

@@rehabhqofficial Thanks for the reply but I didn't mean to ask. I was thinking that because of the significantly reduced muscle activity and due to the reduced muscle micro movements that normally occur in healthy organs and thus maintain body temperature and stimulate blood flow in the veins. Therefore, the question is whether it is more effective to lie down for 20-30 minutes or sit for so long after exercise or a long walk. Thank you so much.

[@antopoul13]

Love your nails!!

[@samanthasims7123]

I have a question how long does post stroke last though and is this part of respite care ?

[@adromeda3087]

Hello, very good video! What about ms fatique? Is there a relavant video?Thank you

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Adro! Thanks for watching and for the question! There is a link in the description that I made for general neurologic fatigue, but I think I will do a separate one for MS fatigue. Stay tuned!

[@adromeda3087]

@@rehabhqofficial Thank you so match!!

[@samanthaworthington7172]

Sorry to keep asking, but could you do a video on dystonia in Feet please.

[@hilariosalmos2900]

I used to sit down most of the day. I guess I need a cushion. I noticed also that my affected leg gets heavier.

[@annemariemytka668]

I have been in bed 4 10 months when I get up I get dizzy my head feels heavy I have a bacterial sinus infection my blood 🩸 pressure is very high, it is the heavy head that makes me worse can you please get back me thank you

[@fitnessgoals4417]

Hi dr i m from pakistan my husband had a stroke attack in23 October 2019 and his left side paralysed .we consult lots of physio therapists for his tharapy but after the therapy he was just able to walk but not properly .his shoulder muscles work little bit but his hand doesn't woked yet.after his stroke i saw your videos and saw a hope plz de reply my text .i m from pakistan waiting for ur reply

[@johngalt26]

I believe my big issue is my shoulder is not strong enough, which keeps me in a wheelchair and limits my walking progress. My main exercise for this is crawling Your swim fan lol

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching and for sharing John! The goal is just to get a little bit further each day. Eliminate as many barriers as possible and just keep going! Have a great week.

[@ameliajohnson481]

i dont english. my finger is sttif ess