Please help me look and feel better

[RiveterRosie]

I recently came out of hospital after an 8 week stay. I still don't feel even three quarters back to my old self,: Ive lost a lot of weight, my hair breaks easily as do my nails, and my skin is dull and grey.

I'm sure I'd start to feel better if I looked better. My problem is I have so little energy - standing for 10 minutes wipes me out - and so little money so I can't buy many products. I had major abdominal surgery and bending is painful At the moment I spend my days in pajama bottoms and baggy tee shirts.

I'd appreciate suggestions for a simple inexpensive routine that I can use . Many thanks.

You really have been through the mill, no wonder you’re feeling exhausted and washes out.

A quick fix would be some tinted moisturiser and a nice mascara and lip tint or lipstick. Superdrug’s MUA range is inexpensive and you could order it online so you don’t have to go out shopping. If you make it to a store you could have your eyebrows threaded (or just pluck them yourself at home) to make you look more groomed.

Can you stretch to having your hair trimmed? Again, a mobile hairdresser could come to your home so it would be easier physically and cheaper.

Rub olive oil into your cuticles every day and file your nails short and neat. They’ll soon start to regain their strength as they grow.

If your surgery scars allow, you could order some soft jersey harem trousers from next, and maybe a couple of new tshirts and a colourful cardigan from new look or asos.

Look after yourself, and I bet you look much lovelier than you think you do!

Ok, so having reread your post, I’m guessing spending, even modestly, isn’t really in your agenda.
I stand by the olive oil tip for nails, and you could dig out any existing products you have. You can use normal hair conditioner on for ten minutes to condition your hair more effectively. Moisturise every day and use vaseline on your lips with a bit of lipstick over the top to brighten up your face.
Save your money for a hair cut and some new comfortable trousers when you’re up to it.

It’s good you’re out of hospital, and I hope you have some support at home and are getting plenty of rest.

I guess you’re still having to take a fair bit of medication? If so, you’ll obviously need to take advice, but you’re probably woefully low on Vitamin D (unless it was prescribed during your stay in hospital). It might be a good idea to ask your GP about that and any other supplements you might need.

It’s the wrong time of year, but you should try to get outside as much as possible. And fill your fridge and cupboards with as much fresh food as you can manage. That will have an appreciable effect, quite quickly, on how you look and feel.

Not sure about hair etc but I find that even a really simple facial skin care routine makes me feel better. I use a really nice flannel get it really hot under the tap and cover my face with it and do this a few times over. I find the heat plumps the skin up nicely and improves the circulation. Then get a nice thick nivea moisturiser which is under £5 and put a thick layer on. Works wonders I find!

8 weeks is a long time to be in hospital and it will take at least that long before you feel 100% again.

Although you may not have much in terms of spare cash, I would suggest you invest in biotin tablets for your skin, hair and nails - 120 10,000mcg tablets for £4.49 on eBay - and also Vitamin D3 tablets 240 for £5.99.

Since taking biotin my nails have become so strong I have to cut them and my hair no longer breaks and has thickened considerably. It took about 6 weeks before I could see the improvements.

Imo everyone in the northern hemisphere should take D3 daily all year round. It supports the bones and immune system and I'm guessing yours is currently compromised. D3 also alleviates or eliminates S.A.D syndrome which can afflict us once the clocks go back and the days grow shorter.

Are you doing any physio to get your mobility up to speed? In any event, you'll find that 10 minutes will gradually increase and you will be able to bend comfortably again. It takes time - don't rush it.

I wish you a speedy full recovery. . I’m taking your budget comment into account. In the meantime, what about some sale priced colourful tops with some plain black leggings?

New earrings or costume jewely?

Or maybe a warm long sleeved dress picked up from a charity shop? It’s amazing what you can find in charity shops And the money goes to charity too.

Sale priced knickers can always be found. I think it always makes you feel good each day to put on some pretty knix first thing.

Wishing you completely better soon.

If your budget can stretch to £12.49 per month for 4 months + a one-off payment of £1.95 p&p this could be the pick me up you need, OP:
www.qvcuk.com/Elemis-7-Piece-Pro-Collagen-Gift-of-Gorgeous-Skin-Collection.product.239350.html?sc=TSV&UDC=TSV&MSG=TSV_OTO_INSTOCK