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Suggested routine to regain energy?

Page last modified on: August 19, 2008
Question from Amanda: Can you describe what a good day's routine would be to get your energy levels up and working?
Answers —Russell Portenoy, M.D.: I would never presume to outline a good day's routine because there is so much variation among people when trying to deal with the fatigue syndrome. It's really important to learn the kinds of tasks, and patterns of activities, that optimize the situation for the individual. This is why taking a good history is such a critical thing for a health care provider to do when a patient has fatigue. It is really best to individualize treatment and expectations.
Lillian Nail, Ph.D., R.N.: In one of our studies right now we ask people to keep track of their activities for a few days and then we have a nurse who goes over that activity list with them and which of those things make a good day for them or what makes them feel good and what activities are optional or what things would be delegated to someone else and help them sort out their fatigue level at various times of the day and tailor their plan to do things they like to do and move other off of the plate. People have told us that they really appreciated doing that and they continued to use the plan when they were done in the pilot study. We are looking now to see if that will make a difference with fatigue.

On Wednesday, March 21, 2001, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Ease Fatigue, Boost Energy. Lillian Nail, Ph.D., R.N., Russel Portenoy, M.D., and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about ways to manage fatigue and increase energy levels.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Lillian Nail, Ph.D., R.N.Lillian Nail, Ph.D., R.N., is the Dr. May Rawlinson Distinguished Professor and a senior scientist at the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Nursing in Portland.

Russell Portenoy, M.D.Russell Portenoy, M.D., is a neurologist and chairman of the Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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