Fatigue and decreased physical fitness

Fatigue can have many causes.  Different causes need different treatments, so figuring out the cause will be the first step in any treatment plan.

    • A physiotherapist can provide you with exercises that might raise energy levels.
    • An occupational therapist can
      • work with you to create a plan for energy conservation and management.  This involves setting priorities, scheduling your day building in rest breaks, and teaching you to recognize your limits.
      • do a home or workplace review, and suggest changes that will make tasks more efficient and less draining.
      • help you find outside assistance, such as meals-on-wheels programs.
    • A physiatrist may prescribe medications such as testosterone or vitamin B12 to boost energy levels.

Other Rehabilitation Therapies

  • A dietitian can work with you to build a healthy meal plan that can provide energy.
  • A social worker can
    • help you work through any issues that may be contributing to fatigue.
    • help you find outside assistance, such as meals-on-wheels programs.

Weakness

Several HIV-related illnesses can cause weakness.  A long period of rest to recover from an illness or an inactive lifestyle can also cause weakness. Treatment focuses both on regaining strength, and avoiding further injury resulting from a weakened state.

    • A physiotherapist can
      • provide an exercise routine to increase strength
    • A physiotherapist or occupational therapist can
      • work with you to practice walking and climbing stairs to reduce worries about falls
      • help you figure out the best ways to stand, sit, and move to make the best use of your strength
      • help you get a cane, walker, or scooter if balance has become an issue
    • An occupational therapist can
      • help you get access to the tools that you need to get around, such as a wheelchair or cane
      • do a home review to find potential hazards in the home.  They can recommend tools and equipment to help, such as grab bars by the tub or shower
      • help you rearrange you home to minimize the energy needed to do day-to-day tasks, such as reorganizing a kitchen to make cooking easier
    • A speech-language pathologist can
      • help with exercises to improve eating and drinking if the swallowing muscles have been affected
      • help with exercises if weakness has affected your speech

Other Rehabilitation Therapies

    • A social worker can help you deal with the emotional impact of weakness or other life changes.