Wellness

[Laura14]

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@qualitygalwrote:

Does he or she have a lap top?  Retired?  

Puzzle while setting should help keep them occupied.  T.V.  They could bring some books for reading too.  Don't think they need to go out.  

Find out what they like to eat, snack on, for as close to home as that is, it'll help.  Think of yourself, as a temp B & B. Temporary. 

Card game?  Be sure and ask them what they do at their house, that they can do at yours.  Depending on Doc., and med's, and how they'll get about will have a lot to do with it.  HTH

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@qualitygal  Yes!  Her husband is bringing his big laptop and they are both retired although he consults a bit.  

Love the card thing.  We grew up on that.  I will make sure to have that and some bed tables/tray ready for her so we can play.  Time to break out all my pennies.  Might have to find some poker visors to just to make her laugh.

Thanks!!  

[Laura14]

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@fthuntwrote:

Mom is probably more concerned about hubby just sitting around - - that will make her nervous - so how about supplying your home with puzzles with subject of 'p' being something of interest to him.  Also, if he likes cross word puzzles - I believe they have little booklets (check magazine sections) of various word games, etc.  Even some kids word/picture games are interesting = Find Waldo

LOL

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@fthunt  Boy are you right!  Last night was all about him so I am trying to include her too since she is the patient! 

[hopi]

She will need soft foods.  Some examples -  marachaun noodles, assorted soups, soft bread or crackers.  Some juice but lots of water.  So a water picture by the bed is nice.

Also after surgery the opiates used in anesthesia and pain releivers cause extreme constipation.  Usually  you only purchase stool softener and give immediately the next day unless she has a BM.  Also they sometimes say take an asprin a day.  But you will want to have tylenol and advil in the house.

Her laptop,  phone  and tv should be enough to keep her busy.

[Laura14]

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@hopiwrote:

She will need soft foods.  Some examples -  marachaun noodles, assorted soups, soft bread or crackers.  Some juice but lots of water.  So a water picture by the bed is nice.

Also after surgery the opiates used in anesthesia and pain releivers cause extreme constipation.  Usually  you only purchase stool softener and give immediately the next day unless she has a BM.  Also they sometimes say take an asprin a day.  But you will want to have tylenol and advil in the house.

Her laptop,  phone  and tv should be enough to keep her busy.

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@hopi  Thank you!  A water pitcher is a great idea.  I'll make sure I buy one she can handle.   And ingredients for soups.    

[Mominohio]

@Laura14

I didn't realize that you are working, and if you will have to work through this visit, you need to remember your own health and rest (and keeping stress under control). 

Is there anything you can anticipate that because of having the extra responsibility, you need others to do for you? Will you maybe need help cleaning during that time, help with laundry or meals? Should someone be with your mom (or her husband) while you are at work? 

Is there family that can come in and help to pass the time with them while you are at work, or bring in a meal, or help with the housework? Or can you hire some things done, so the time you are off, you can be more available to them? 

Just a thought! But be sure to take care of yourself too.

[SXMGirl]

@Laura14, if she has not left home yet, ask her what she is planning to bring for herself and her husband since they will be at your home for several weeks.  Keep in mind that their time with you may extend.   Then, ask what she needs for you to do.  She will probably tell you not to bother, but you need to have foods that she will be able to eat, as well as something for him.  If they are both readers, have them bring their tablets or books--if tablets, ask if you can download books for them.

Let them know what your daily schedule is and have some prepared food already in the house.  If you have a slow cooker, make use of that, because you can make soups, stews, etc., and leave them on all day.   If they like certain snacks or beverages, have them on hand.  Keep a variety of beverages on hand.  If there are certain movies that they would like to see, maybe download or order them from your cable company.

I hope all goes well with the surgery.

[Laura14]

@Mominohio   I have two sisters around the corner who do not work who I am sure will be with her as well as her husband so she is well taken care of that way.

I kind of wanted to do my part to at least have some convenience/pleasure items waiting so they had some different things to work with.  My guess is she will be sleeping early on until she feels a bit better.

[Laura14]

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@SXMGirlwrote:

@Laura14, if she has not left home yet, ask her what she is planning to bring for herself and her husband since they will be at your home for several weeks.  Keep in mind that their time with you may extend.   Then, ask what she needs for you to do.  She will probably tell you not to bother, but you need to have foods that she will be able to eat, as well as something for him.  If they are both readers, have them bring their tablets or books--if tablets, ask if you can download books for them.

Let them know what your daily schedule is and have some prepared food already in the house.  If you have a slow cooker, make use of that, because you can make soups, stews, etc., and leave them on all day.   If they like certain snacks or beverages, have them on hand.  Keep a variety of beverages on hand.  If they are certain movies that they would like to see, maybe download or order them from your cable company.

I hope all goes well with the surgery.

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@SXMGirl  That is a wonderful idea!  I didn't even think of the slow cooker and keeping a soup warm since she'll be off schedule.  Fantastic!  And he loves a certain kind of beer that I got him for Crhistmas that I can have waiting for when he needs a break.  Adding that to my list.  

I love you people!  

[SXMGirl]

@Laura14, the nice thing about a slow cooker is that when your mother wakes up at whatever time, she may be hungry, but it might not be the time that she would normally eat.  This way, it will not matter what time.  We all know that when we are hungry and not feeling well, that we want it now and not have to think about preparing anything.

I might also add that if she usually craves certain foods when not feeling well, you might want to find out what those are and have them on hand.  It might be chocolate or donuts or fruit.  I know from personal experience.

BTW, I think you are wonderful for planning ahead and making sure both are comfortable.

[Laura14]

@SXMGirl  Thank you so much.  The slow cooker idea is fantastic!  It will help with constipation which they told her to expect, it's easy, and she loves soup.   

I'm trying to keep her off sugar (although I understand the comfort food angle!) as she is finally getting on a road to taking better care of herself.  She told me last night she already lost 10 pounds in the run up to surgery but I think having some fruit or nut snacks which she likes around for her to munch on is a great idea.