question

[ElaineM]

If you don't have the energy to get up and walk you can do exercises in bed. Get some exercises from your therapist for your arms. You can make believe you are peddling a bike while you are laying in bed. You can also do butt crunches, move your feet around and do finger exercises. You can also get some breathing exercises from you therapist. That will help your stamina. Good luck with the PT. Take care.

[AlaskaAngel]

Elaine,

I have been surprised at just how much difference doing a few exercises daily on a consistent basis in bed does make for me. I didn't get the exercises from elsewhere, and I started out slow with them, but they have been truly helpful.

A.A.

[StephN]

Speaking of exercise in bed - I mainly do stretches. You can bring your knees up to your chest and hug them to give your back and hamstrings a gentle stretch and hold. (The "egg" position.)

Sitting up in bed allows for some upper body and arm stretches as well as neck swivels in each direction. Keeping some flexibility will be key to adding some strengthening.

Just lying there is depressing, but some gentle movement and deep breathing will also be good for getting some oxygen circulating to your brain.

Keep at it - and be faithful to starting and continuing to build from gentle to a little more challenging.

Try to make yourself get out of bed, even if it is to sit in your den or living room. Be sure and eat some protein, even boiled eggs are simple and very nutritious.