Having cancer is a very tiring business! I’d be very surprised if you had never experienced this symptom. The cancer itself can sap your energy, especially if it is extensive and/or you have lost some weight. Many complications of cancer cause general weakness and lack of energy — for example, anaemia; lungs, liver or kidneys that don’t work properly; and too much calcium or too little sodium or potassium in the blood. All forms of cancer treatment can be very tiring. Of course, nervous tension and worry about the future can make you feel very tired and disinterested in any of your normal activities, even ones that you are physically well enough for.
It is worth checking for those factors that can be treated amongst the ones I have mentioned above if you feel particularly tired and lacking in energy. For example, anaemia can be righted with a blood transfusion. The mineral disturbances mentioned can all be corrected if they are found. Perhaps your anti-cancer treatment can be modified—ask about cutting down doses for example. You should also consider stopping your anti-cancer treatment altogether. Weigh the costs you are now experiencing against the likely benefits — your decision may not be the same as when you first agreed to have the treatment. Then you were working on what you were told was likely, now you can reconsider in the light of what is actually happening to you.
*186/40/1*
These injuries are due to violence occurring around the joints. The joint is disrupted and the bones moved from their normal position.
The earlier medical attention is sought, the easier it is to reduce the dislocation. Once the joint has been displaced for some time, rather strong muscular spasm is present, and it may be necessary to anaesthetise the patient to reduce the dislocation.
Simple dislocation of the finger joints can often be replaced by firm pulling of the end of the finger, and holding the wrist with the other hand.
It may be easier to do so immediately after the finger has been dislocated, and many sportsmen are quite adept at fixing their colleagues’ dislocated fingers.
The shoulder joint is a shallow “ball-and-socket” joint and is often subject to dislocation. Only a doctor should attempt its reduction because of damage to nerves and arteries through careless handling.
Some people develop recurrent dislocation of the shoulder, which may “come out” with only a very trivial injury. They become adept at replacing it.
An operation is available to correct recurrent dislocation of the shoulder.
A great deal of force is required to dislocate the knee or the hip, and these injuries are often seen in motor vehicle accidents. They are only to be handled by the expert.
First aid is to immobilise the injured part, relieving pain and treating shock.
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