Advice re nutrition and supplements to build muscle in frail DH

If it's a weight issue, the NHS dieticians are excellent, and provide various supplements free of charge (my husband is in a constant struggle to maintain his weight, so we have lots of experience). Do ask for a referral.

If it's muscle he wants to regain, then exercise is the only answer, combined with a high protein diet (the dietician will advise on this too). Could he get advice from a physio? Mine - who is private, so it may be different - signposted me to a number of suitable trainers and classes following a lengthy period of limited activity.

I agree re the protein, but increase the amount gradually and with food that your DH likes.
Same with excersise start small and increase gradually, going for short walks at first would help.

Thanks both for your help. Unfortunately DH can’t walk at the moment. Exercise is limited to what can be done in a chair.
Good advice about the dietician, thanks. I’ll chase that up while we’re in the hospital.

A good trainer would still be able to help, I think. One of the classes my physio recommended, when I was at my worst, was all chair exercise. I admit to sneering a bit, but I was surprised at how much resistance - thus muscle building - exercise is possible sitting down.

Would one of those Revitive machines be any use? Or even a seated cycle thingy? I’m sure his diet is more than adequate, exercise (gentle of course) is the best way to rebuild muscles.

I’ve been in the same position as your DH. I was in hospital late last year and bed bound for several weeks both in ICU & medical ward. On my discharge from hospital I had lost 2 stone in weight and was too weak to self mobilise. On my discharge the hospital arranged for a physiotherapist to come to my home, a dietitian with whom I have regular telephone appointments re nutrition and social services have provided a shower stool, toilet frame and handrails for the stairs. I have been home since mid October and although still underweight, I no longer need a bed downstairs as my physio has got me to use the stairs and I am able to do a lot more for myself as the exercises have made me stronger. I think you should contact your GP and ask for the help you need. By the way none of this was means tested and your DH is entitled to as much help as he needs. I wish you well 💐

Protein, gentle exercise and I think magnesium supplements will help.

I forgot to mention that the exercises I was given by my physiotherapist initially were lying on my bed - I was too weak for anything more - we progressed to chair exercises and then standing/walking/climbing stairs. I’m still very frail and weak but I’m so much better than I was.

In Wales there is a scheme the leisure centres run gym session for rehab
Dont laugh but I attended for cardio rehab I was on crutches and could do very little. The instructor was very supportive. And know your background The sessions were fun and everyone had issues got me out of house to so good for moral Break for husband as went on mobility scooter when weather dry
Referral is by GP physio etc and it was £2 per session
Depends were you live but might be worth looking into
I also had folding bike I used while listening to story on radio Less strain than walking and warmer in this weather
Gently gently catch ye monkey as the saying goes

Prior to my issues I used to attend pilates and one day we did chair exercises. More challenging than you might think
I too did bed exercises after hip replacement with positive results

Thanks all.
Siope I know of a local physio so may ask her to come and advice re how much exercise can be done.
RosesMaw that would be good but unfortunately DH can’t use his right foot at all. He’s encased in huge bandages.
His diet is normally excellent. We eat healthy at home but he has deteriorated so much since being in hospital the doctors have suggested I build up his nutrition.
Gradyma that is a most encouraging post. Thank you.
I hope you continue to improve and gain strength.
Oreo thank you I will look into magnesium.
Gwyllt I think our local council did the same but not sure they do now. I will definitely try and get DH involved more in the chair exercises.

You Tube has exercise and fitness for people of every age and level of ability. There are exercises for "elderly" people and for frailty. Some of them look do-able, though I'm no judge of suitability. Worth a look, I'd say.

Has your husband had input from a physio doodle? I’d hope so but a neighbour with very similar weakness wasn’t offered any. He went a private route and it made a huge difference. It’s just knowing which exercises are best for each individual.

I’m so sorry you’re having this experience. It must be hugely worrying for you both

Sorry. I’d left for a while and didn’t see your last post doodle. Really must do better here!

I’m a real cheer leader for good physios. They have kept me mobile that’s for sure.

They really shouldn’t have discharged him home without transferring him to a rehab place first and no physio? Are you in England?

Sorry, JaneJudge, he is still in hospital. I didn’t make that clear in my OP but I’m hoping will be discharged soon so I was looking for nutrition ideas to build muscle.
Thanks corner I will definitely arrange private physio if nothing regular is offered. He has had physio in hospital but it’s only once a week.
annodomini I will take a look. Thank you.

doodle, make sure he has a full occupational assessment before discharge and you have a carers assessment in place. He really should be discharged to a nursing home that offers rehabilitation to try and get him mobile

Doodle

Thanks both for your help. Unfortunately DH can’t walk at the moment. Exercise is limited to what can be done in a chair.
Good advice about the dietician, thanks. I’ll chase that up while we’re in the hospital.

Ask the physiotherapy department for armchair exercises.

As his strength returns then other standing exercises could be included.

When DH lost a lot of weight in hospital the diet sheet he was given seemed to consist of high calorie foods such as butter, cream, fats and didn't look very healthy.
He gradually put on weight as his appetite improved.

JaneJudge

They really shouldn’t have discharged him home without transferring him to a rehab place first and no physio? Are you in England?

DH was discharged without rehabilitation or any physio recommendations.
That was in Wales.

In Wales there is a scheme the leisure centres run gym session for rehab
I'm astonished! One visit from a physiotherapist, no exercises given, cheerio, you're on your own now! Perhaps it depends on area.

Doodle Are you in England? I was given physio twice daily for 2 weeks before discharge then the hospital physios referred me to the community ones. I’m in Hertfordshire.

My late husband died 10 years ago of a chronic illness. I was told that I had to keep his weight up (he was ill for eight years before he died.)

I reverted to feeding on demand, when he felt hungry I cooked for him, I gave him high fat foods such as cream cakes, fried breakfasts, fish and chips, ice cream, meat pies and fruit pies with custard or cream. He put on two stone in weight and kept the weight on until the day he died of pneumonia. The matron asked me how I had done it and asked me to speak to student nurses so they could write a paper on my technique. At the beginning he didn't feel like eating much but slowly he ate more and more until he was having full Roast beef dinners, sometimes in the morning as he felt hungry. We used to go out with his mobility scooter and oxygen and call at Subway and get foot long sub sandwiches, then next door to Greggs for cream cakes.

Thank you all.
Doctor popped in tonight (social rather than ward round) and mentioned OT and physio. Said the hospital was running on half the staff (sorry yes in England) but they would sort out help for him at home.
WonderfulLife (what a lovely username) I’m sorry you lost your husband. Sounds like you took great care of him. Thank you for all your helpful suggestions

I hope the doctor has reassured you Doodle. 💐