@highmaintenancejan
Hi Jan,
Noticed that you signed off with the statement that you're a wreck. That's certainly understandable! Let's see if we can place things in perspective and get a practical list going. And, yes, I retired from the medical field, with 75% involvement in Ortho. OK, let's get going.
1. Ice Machine: At least this is a given and you know you'll have one. It sounds quite inexpensive, so if it gives you any problems, contact the Game Ready folks and they will get you a rental unit ASAP.
2. Stages: Get yourself a notebook, notepad or some binder paper and make a list of things to do and things to procure.
A. Pre-op: You're in this phase now. (1) do all assigned reading, etc., relative to your surgery and rehab; (2) write down questions you have based on reading and prior appointments with your dr, PA or nurse and ask those questions prior to surgery. If you don't have another appt prior to surgery, call the doc's nurse and get answers; (3) Clothing: sounds as though you have a decent grasp on what is going to work for you. As you move forward, make sure to purchase bras which fasten in front!; (4) T-Bar: Is your husband handy? If he isn't or you know someone who is, I would highly recommend that person making what I'm going to describe. I'll take a photo of it later and load it on here, as I just thought of it. Take a 31" piece of white PVC pipe with 1" diameter. Purchase a "female" T joint that is 2.5" across and affix it to one end of the 31" pipe. Into each end of the female T, insert a 1" diameter x 4" in length piece of PVC pipe. You now have 3 ends which requite capping. Mine has black caps on it, each of which fall short of being 1" high. Note: The "T" requires a "double female thread to slip adapter." This will allow you to take the T off for storage or to change the 31" length if it should become broken or perhaps used by someone else who is a lot taller. Why am I telling you that you need this? Because, without a doubt, this was the single most important and effective at home piece of rehab equipment I used. It-is-fantastic!!! What do you do with it? Well, bring it with you to PT, once you've got some motion back in your shoulder and your PT will tell you. Don't let your PT tell you otherwise. I was the director of a PT rehab clinic for 10 years and know my business in this regard and this puppy is terrific. I was able to make major headway at home versus having only Thera-band, plus exercises to do in a corner, and those with a pully seated on a chair. (5) Wedge: Unless told to do so by your surgeon, no, I would advise against it - unless it is wide enough to accommodate you - shoulders plus elbows out to the sides from your low back up. This is a tall order, as most wedges do not come anywhere large enough to do that. You should be provided a booklet with post-op instructions. If not, ask for one. They exist. Plan on having a few to numerous pillows available, until such time as a "bed plan" is firm in your mind, based on recommendations. If you do not receive recommendations and require them to lower your "fret level," ask where your rehab will be and definitely look into a pre-rehab visit, which you may have to pay out-of-pocket, asking for advice re sleeping. In the meantime, I will ask my daughter who is a therapist and has many shoulder patients. (6) Look at every room of your house and determine what needs to change for the next 8-12 months based on your needs. Write this all down and make it happen now. Simply tell your husband that your surgeon advised that you do this. (7) Create menus, shop, cook, freeze: I don't know how much you cook or bake, but please don't wait until the last minute. Create menus of your favorite plus easy meals and freeze them. Make lasagna, as an example, because you can get quite a few meals out of it. Are you on Facebook? Reach out to your friends, indicating that you are having major surgery, state the date, and ask them to sign up for dinner delivery for, say, the first 3 weeks or so. I have several friends who've done this before surgeries or prior to births and it's really, really worked out well. People always bring dessert, too! Make sure you mention any food allergies. (8) Throw rugs/carpets: get these out of the way, if they are on top of wall-to-wall carpet. They are trip hazards and, believe me, you do not want to take a fall on your post-op shoulder. (9) Get all of your favorite sandals and shoes out where you can get at them, without a problem. Re-organize your closet to accommodate new purchases. You may need a few new hangers so things slip off easier. (10) Make-up, etc.: don't know which brands and application techniques you use, but take a real hard look at this. If you use a time and technique intensive foundation, think about going another route for your recouperation months. For foundation and so you don't spend a mint, I'd suggest Cover Girl in a pumper. Place some on a small butter dish that will stay put. Use a small laytex sponge or fingertips for application. You can do your entire face with your available hand. Stopping here and continuing with a folllow-up entry.
Blogs & Forums
