What to put in care package for injured athlete?

[EBD]

My cousin, a recreational runner and triathlete, just had a bad ski accident and will be on crutches for months (snapped ACL and other stuff). She's will have surgery in a few weeks and won't be able to drive for up to 3 months. I'd like to send her a care package, but I'm not sure what to put in it. Comfort foods are my first thought, of course, but I know she'll be watching her diet now that she can't exercise so I don't want to go overboard with the edibles. Thoughts? If you've ever been off your feet for an extended time, any gifts or gadgets that were particularly helpful?

Thanks!

[Blueberry]

Books, DVD's, supplies for any crafts she might like and could still do, magazines (maybe even a subscription) - Hmmm....I'll keep thinking. I'd stay away from too many comfort foods - might make it more frustrating....

[CyclaSutra]

After my ACL surgery (and MCL and meniscus tear, the ol' trifecta) I was bored stiff, but my docs sent me to PT and I wish I had had a trainer at home at that point (umm, yeah, 9 years ago now and didn't lay off the food at all which would explain that extra 20). Would have loved a DVD or three, spinervals if she's motivated enough. Good reading and TV watching is good for passing the hours until she's healed enough to do more. Seen and loved lately: "Waitress," "Big Love," "Rocky Balboa," etc. Books: "Little big book of life," anything by Tim Sandlin, Jennifer Weiner, little bites of doable stuff.

Best of wishes!

[Kimmyt]

I've always thought that if I got injured I might learn to knit, so maybe some craft learning kit that will keep her busy and focused while she's off her feet. Hope she heals up well!

K.

[KnottedYet]

Nice smelling lotions. Pure organic oils (grape seed is good) for the dry peeling skin near the surgical site. Loofa. A small roll of fluffy polar-tec fleece to pad the knee immobilizer. Fun toe-nail polish colors. One of those long-handled scratchers.

[Possegal]

when my sister in law had her first kidney transplant, i made her a big basket of pampering sort of stuff. nice fluffy slippers, nice smelling candles, lotions. can't remember what else now, but i remember it was a big hit and i was the favoritist sister in law ever. :D

[Aquila]

I was laid up after surgery for 2 months (not allowed to read, even), and I survived because friends went to the library and brought me books on tape.

If your cousin will have difficulty getting up and down, then one of those reach extender things is really helpful. I got one for a friend who had abdominal surgery, and she talked for months afterwards about how much that helped. I got her a really basic one, two or three feet long, maybe, light, aluminum, with a little grabber at the end, and behind that a small magnet. You should be able to find them at pharmacy places.

Wish your cousin well for us!

[crazycanuck]

Since i am almost mended but was just there :o I have to say a few things.

I didn't want to eat much as I knew from the start it would be hard to wear it off. I wanted to know what activities I COULD do to help me recover.
Books-give me lots please!

I still haven't started a new hobby :rolleyes: Ok, does perfecting the sad puppy look when you see a bike zoom past count :o

Let your sister know she's not alone in her recovery. :) All is not lost & she'll be back out there. Is she a patient person? The reason I ask is any injury of this sort will make you a patient person. :(

Also, LBTC sends a great photo each day & many of them made me feel :D

[Zen]

Crossword puzzle books?

[7rider]

Brave Soldier (http://www.bravesoldier.com/1/main.php) for the scarring.

[SandyLS]

Overstock.com has some nice reasonably priced already made baskets that are quite nice. There are are spa type products, food baskets, even one get well soon basket with chicken soup.

[DeniseGoldberg]

When I was recovering from my crash (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/dense2004crash) the thing that helped the most was books. And a little later - probably after I was home for about a month - one of my colleagues brought my work laptop to me.

On the food front - ask first. If she can't get around easily she may welcome some real food - not junk, but fresh fruit, vegetables, breads. When I was in a rehab hospital, my friends supplied me with good bread, peanut butter, and fresh salads, etc. from a place like Whole Foods. That was very welcome. Junk food was not, and pre-made baskets of food wouldn't have worked for me either. (OK, OK, I'm a little fussy about what I eat!)

--- Denise

[OakLeaf]

Gift card for an in-home massage? Depending on how much you want to spend. Books, movies, music, video games depending on her interests.

[jusdooit]

Denise I ditto your suggestion. No one ever said sending food meant that it has to be junk. I think fresh fruits are an excellent idea. I also concur about books, mags, etc.

[EBD]

Thanks you guys! These are really good suggestions. She lives far away so unfortunately it has to be things I can mail, but I bet I can put together some nice pampering and distracting items. I wish I could send her a personal assistant!

[OakLeaf]

Oh, I had another idea, what about one of those indoor garden kits for salad greens or culinary herbs? Raising plants is very therapeutic, you can watch them grow every day, you care for them, you look forward to eating them. They have these new hydroponic kits (http://www.amazon.com/AeroGarden-Pro-Gourmet-Herb-Seed/dp/B000REW1S8/ref=pd_bbs_5?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1200002262&sr=8-5) with the included grow lights, maybe you've seen them in gourmet stores. Or if she's got plenty of natural light and more of an inclination to tinker with the soil, just a regular kit with potted plants is a lot less $.

[Blueberry]

Oakleaf - that's a really good idea:)

CA

[pyxichick]

When I had my ACL surgery the best thing I did was get myself a pile o' magazines. They're great for when you're drifting in and out of pain medication induced sleepiness and a book would just be too difficult to concentrate on :)