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Convalescence (01/04 RMD)
Convalescence has been recently shown by the King's Fund to be a useful
means to full health after a debilitating illness.
It supports the bodies natural recovery processes and helps stave off
depression which often follows such illnesses. It also ensures more
rapid return to normal function and work.
The principles of convalescence are simple:
1. Eat more natural as opposed to processed food. Ensure your diet is
rich in fruit, vegetables and fresh meat or eggs. Eat small amounts if
your appetite is poor but if the quality of the food is good this won't
matter.
2. Drink plenty of water. Most people don't drink enough when they are
unwell. Try and double your intake of water. If nausea is a problem try
the isotonic liquid
formula below.
3. Go to bed early and try to get up by 9am each morning. A mid afternoon
rest is helpful if you feel tired but try not to rest for more than an
hour and a half.
4. Exercise gently EVERY day. Walking is good if you can, and 1/4 to 1/2
a mile daily taken at a gentle pace is possible for most people. Try to
walk around your house or flat and avoid letting others fetch and carry
too much. Muscles need daily exercise or else they weaken rapidly, so
use them. Don't overdo it however. Remember GENTLE exercise.
5. Avoid smoking and alcohol. Even smokers will benefit from this advice.
Smoking uses up a proportion of the oxygen carrying capacity of your
blood and can increase tiredness. If you can't stop smoking then at
least limit yourself to 10 cigarettes daily.
6. Keep your mind active. Try and take an interest in something that has
caught your attention before but have never had the time to do. Keep a
diary, or do crosswords or puzzles or read something new. Avoid
excessive time in front of the television. Listening to the radio can be
restful.
7. Try and spend time talking to other people if you can. Take an
interest in their lives as it helps to take the focus off how you are
feeling and helps reduce depressive feeling. Learn to tell people when
you need to rest. People can be tiring too.
8 If you have a faith, read and pray and invite others to pray for you.
It can be quite strengthening.
9. Take whatever medication your doctor has prescribed at the correct
times and see your doctor if they cause problems.
Remember that if your doctor has given you this leaflet that he expects
you to make a good recovery in the near future.
Isotonic liquids
Oral rehydration solution is the best drink to heal and calm the
stomach. It also provides water and calories so you don't need to worry
about eating. It can be bought over the counter as Dioralyte, Lucozade
Sport or Isostar.
It can also be made up as follows:
Take half a 5ml spoon (level teaspoon) of salt and Eight 5ml spoons of
sugar and add to 1 litre (1 and 3/4 pints) of water.
Dissolve thoroughly and then flavour to suit with orange/lemon or
blackcurrant squash (optional).
Drink as much of this solution as you like but at least 1 glass an hour
sipped frequently over the first day. After that it can be drunk
whenever you are thirsty.
An alternative drink is 50% real Coke and water with a pinch of salt to
each glass.
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 Whitnash
Medical Centre
110 Coppice Road
Whitnash
Warwickshire
CV31 2LT
Tel: 01926 316711
Fax: 01926 427260
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