If you experience any of
these, it would usually be
Advice for Patients10
- Talk to the healthcare provider about the pain. Be specific and describe how if feels, how strong it is, how long it lasts, and if anything makes it better or worse
- Let family know so they can help
- Take pain medicine as prescribed rather than waiting to feel like it is needed
- Try to relax by doing yoga, deep breathing, etc
- Talk to healthcare provider or a pain or palliative care specialist about the ways to control the pain
- Alert healthcare provider, a nurse, or a pain specialist to pain changes
- Do not skip meals
- Do not strain eyes for a long time, for example by looking at screens
- Exercise when possible
Advice for Patients10,11
- Eat 5 to 6 small meals and/or snacks each day instead of 3 large meals
- Drink slowly and consume 8 to 12 cups of clear liquids at room temperature each day
- Eat low-fiber foods
- Be gentle when wiping after bowel movements
- Let healthcare provider know if diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or if it is accompanied by pain and cramping
- Avoid hot or cold drinks, alcohol, milk and dairy products, spicy foods, greasy foods, caffeine, and foods and drinks that cause gas
- Stay at home and get plenty of rest
- Use antidiarrheal medication if indicated
- Eat when able to; there is no need to eat or avoid any specific foods
- Do not prepare food for other people, if possible
- Do not share towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils
- Consult with a dietitian to help manage treatment related gastrointestinal side effects
Advice for Patients10,12,13
- Watch for signs of fever at least once a day, or as often as your healthcare provider tells you to
- Use digital thermometer
- Ask your healthcare provider when you should call to report a high fever
- Call your healthcare provider if you have chills or sweats
- Do not take drugs that reduce fever, like aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen products, or any other drugs without first talking to your healthcare provider
- Take a lukewarm (tepid) bath
- Use cold or ice packs on your body for comfort
- Have a cool, moist wash cloth on your forehead or on the back of your neck
- Drink a lot of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated fluids to prevent dehydration
Advice for Patients10
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Use sanitizing wipes to clean surfaces and items that you touch
- Be gentle and thorough when you wipe yourself after a bowel movement
- Stay away from crowds and people who are sick
- Watch for signs of infection around your catheter
- Maintain good mouth care
- Take good care of your skin and clean cuts right away
- Be careful around animals
- Do not get a flu shot or other type of vaccine without first asking your healthcare provider
- Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold
- Wash raw vegetables and fruits well before eating them
- Do not eat raw or undercooked fish, seafood, meat, chicken, or eggs
- Call your doctor right away if you think you have an infection