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My mom had surgery recently, sick now
Hello Doctor,
My mother (62 years old) had elbow fracture surgery (plate/wire fixation) about 20 days ago.Its her son asking the question
Her wound seems to be healing slowly, and she still having pain. However, she is feeling generally weak and “sick” for the past surgery, she is taking supplements given the surgen, doctor told to not make more movements till next 6 months
Current concerns:
Persistent weakness and low energy
Swelling near wrist/hand
I would like to ask:
Is this kind of weakness normal after 2–3 weeks of surgery?
Could her medications be causing this?
She don't eat non veg, so what kind diet can help, What kind medicine can she take recover illness
What diet or supplements should she take to recover faster?
Please guide us on whether this needs further evaluation.
Thank you
Answers (10)
Hello, Some weakness, fatigue, pain, and swelling can be common 2–3 weeks after fracture surgery, especially at 62 years of age. Recovery may feel slower due to reduced movement, pain medications, low appetite, or low protein intake.
Next Steps
Continue follow-up with the orthopedic surgeon and monitor:
fever,
redness/discharge from wound,
severe swelling,
increasing pain,
or reduced finger movement.
For recovery, focus on:
high-protein vegetarian foods (dal, paneer, curd, milk, tofu, soy, sprouts),
nuts & seeds,
adequate hydration,
iron, calcium, Vitamin D & B12 rich foods/supplements if advised by doctor.
Health Tips
Do not start additional medicines or supplements without medical advice, especially painkillers or herbal products. If weakness is worsening, appetite is very low, swelling is increasing, or she feels unusually unwell, further medical evaluation may be needed.
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Hii, Test for Vitamin b12 and d3 deficiency and also iron profile
The affected arm should be kept at rest and only rehabilitation exercises should be done if advised
To tell you more about weakness due to medication I need the names of medicines she is currently using.
Also if its healing slowly you can introduce homeopathic meds along with allopathic medicines (it's safe)
For diet you have to put her on diet with high protein sources are paneer, tofu, soya chunks and beans, edmame, curd, yogurt, etc
Also divide the diet properly so that she doesn't feel heavy or bloated
Milk should be taken daily. With a pinch of turmeric it will be more beneficial in her case
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Affected arm should be kept at rest . Otherwise encourage her to move about in home . Eat home cooked food with paneer daal soya. Supplements as told by surgeon should continue . Keep her morale high . If there is other condition like diabetes hypertension just check if they are controlled well . As such this surgery cannot cause this much weakness.
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I understand your concern .
1. Take advice from doctor about this inflammation
2. Do a blood report of CRP, serum Albumen
Diet take a important part post surgery.
She need proper guidance about her therapeutic diet.
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Looking at the age and surgery done it will take time for recovery so don’t worry.
Follow the medications and rest instructions given by the doctor and weaknes is common make sure she eats small and frequent meals and maintain good water intake as it’s summer it’s advised to maintain hydration levels.
As she is a vegetarian try including protein rich sources like milk ,paneer,soya and avoid dals if advised by doctor instead you can give rajma..
If having any concerns post surgery in terms of pain or sweeping do check with doctor for better evaluation
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Give her chenna, curd, roasted white sesame seed with food, more vegetables, soyabean, tofu, pulses , chana etc in diet... Add more fruits and plenty of water. ....
Next Steps
For a proper postoperative diet plan consult me through the app... I‘ll guide you properly
Answered
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At this age fracture needs bone healing + muscle preservation + inflammation control
Add in diet
Calcium rich
Milk, curd, paneer , ragi , sesame seeds
Vitamin D essential for calcium absorption
15-20 min sunlight daily
Supplements may be needed ( doctors guide )
Protein
Add in diet dal, paneer , curd, soy
Vitamin C
Amla , lemon , orange - helps collagen formation
Magnesium and zinc
Nuts , seeds , whole grains- bones strength
Avoid or limit
Excess tea / coffee ( reduce calcium absorption)
Soft drinks
Smoking / alcohol
Very high salt foods
Tips :
Kips hydration good
Do physiotherapy advice
Don’t skip protein
If appetite low - use protein rich foods
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