planning post surgery

[ny biker]

I had ankle surgery back in '93 while living alone. I did stay with my parents for a few weeks immediately afterwards, but after that I was back in my 1BR apartment in NYC. A few years before that I had a benign growth chiseled off my shoulder blade when I lived in Chicago, a thousand or so miles away from all my family.

Before the ankle surgery I stocked up on groceries, particularly stuff that was easy to fix. (I'm a lousy cook, so most of what I eat is easy to fix anyway.) I also found it easier to use paper plates and plastic cups so I wouldn't have to worry about cleaning up afterwards. Also make sure you have plenty of non-food items like soap, shampoo, toilet paper and any medications you take.

You'll also want to have clothes that are easy to get in and out of. For your shoulder, you'll probably want tops that button or zip up rather than go over your head.

I could be wrong but I'm assuming you might have limited use of the hand/arm where the surgery is taking place, so you might want to think about putting important things in containers that are easier to open than what they normally come in. Like any medicine that you currently have in child-proof containers or food that you'll want to eat that comes in jars.

You might also want to think about how you'll entertain yourself while you're recovering -- stock up on DVDs, magazines, books, maybe buy a new CD or two to listen to.

Good luck!!

[snapdragen]

ny biker's post reminded me -- I went to Target and bought a large men's shirt, that buttoned up the front. It was perfect for my "going home" clothes. The bandage on your shoulder is liable to be quite bulky, so a too big shirt works great.

When is your surgery?

[withm]

Wow - these are good ideas, esp the large men's shirt- I have so little range of motion right now that I may resort to some of these right now. This thing has escalated to the point that the pain wakes me up every two hours. I had thought a recliner might be useful but sadly, I don't have one. I tried the hugging the pillow technique, and can see that it will be a big help once I find a smaller pillow.

I'll get the dates worked out on Monday. I think I have some help the first couple days (and transportation) worked out - depending on the actual date so that's a big relief.

I'll miss biking and will try to get in a few more short rides before the big day. Riding does not seem to bother it until around 20 miles but I'm sure that after the surgery it will be impossible for some time.

Thanks for the tips
Martha

[staceysue]

If you'll be using pain meds, make sure you have lots of fiber in the house, and maybe a laxative. They're very constipating.

[Kiwi Stoker]

Washing hair. I couldn't get in the shower for 3 weeks because the bandages could get wet (and I found the waterproof ones too itchy). I rang my hairdresser and said could they wash my hair every week.

It was the best thing ever as they have really nice couches to lay back on while they washed my hair and then blowed dried it. Because I went in the day during their quiet time, they had the shampoo girls practise blow drying my hair. And the best thing, they didn't charge me for it. It made my crappy accident just a bit better to have nice clean hair.

Otherwise find some dry, spray on shampoo. That helped in the in-between days.

[ny biker]

Washing hair. I couldn't get in the shower for 3 weeks because the bandages could get wet (and I found the waterproof ones too itchy). I rang my hairdresser and said could they wash my hair every week.

It was the best thing ever as they have really nice couches to lay back on while they washed my hair and then blowed dried it. Because I went in the day during their quiet time, they had the shampoo girls practise blow drying my hair. And the best thing, they didn't charge me for it. It made my crappy accident just a bit better to have nice clean hair.

Otherwise find some dry, spray on shampoo. That helped in the in-between days.

Good point. I was able to wash my hair in the bathroom sink, but I suspect that's much easier to do after ankle surgery.

[withm]

Oh geeze - hadn't thought about that. My kitchen has a separate sprayer but wait - so does my shower. I have had to do it one handed for months anyway - can't raise my arm up to touch my head at all. Should get a haircut before - maybe this is the time to go real short? yikes!