Twelve days to go!! Right wrist surgery, not really ... - NRAS

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Twelve days to go!! Right wrist surgery, not really looking forwqard to..

16 Replies

All of a sudden it's Feb. 29, and I realized, Holy Cow, that means tomorrow is March already. Twelve days, less than two weeks to be prepared!

I have been working on many of Allanah's suggestions already. Maybe it is fortunate I live alone, don't have to worry about how others will manage, except Bridget. I have been practicing ususing my left hand to scoop her cat food, and carry water without spilling it. (Need more practice!)

I think my greatest challange might be making coffee in the morning, and no I have already ruled out resorting to instant coffee! Just not quite the same thing. Though I may have to relent.

I am not sure yet, if I will have use of my fingers, or if they will be restrained in the splint...That would make a difference in managing to get dressed. but, I'm thinking they may not want me doing anything like pulling on the fingers in the process of getting my jeans on :) or other comfy attire, like those sweat pants I see people out and about with but wouldn't be caught dead wearing!

The OR nurse is in today for scheduling, so I am going to call her and ask if she can tell me what to expect, as to how limited I will be.

I have my kindle and will be downloading the latest James Patterson novel, so I can get into that immediately.

One daughter-in-law and I are going shopping on Friday and I have started a list of supplies, like mostly frozen Lean Quisine or Weight Watcher's meals. I will open the boxes before I stack them in the freezer, so all I will need to do is microwave and I can do that with one hand if need be.

breakfast is easy: Quick oatmeal in a large coffee cup, add cinnamon and raisens and nuke it for 2 mins.

Eggs: Spray inside cup with spray oil, drop in egg, stir with fork, , microwave 1 min. add cheese and mw another 20 sec.

Cold cereal, in same type cup, add milk, etc.

I find holding a cup with a handle is easier than trying to hold a bowl still, and can dine in front of the TV, or in my sunroom on a sunny day.

My friends have already promised to come visit, they are thinking of working out a schedule so one of them, of the 4, will be here each day, to do things like wash up dishes, load the laundry machines, run the vac to keep up with the shedding cat, change her dishes, etc. Oh gosh, just remembered the litter box! I can't expect them to do that! Might be able to handle that single-handedly.

And my family, mostly daughters-in-law, will be coming by also. I don't expect the single handed part to last very long.

If any of you can think of anything else I need to do, let me know. I will blog as soon after OR as I can, so Rheumytoidymommy will have some idea of what to expect.

I have been typing with the splint on for weeks now, and I have to go back and make alot of corrections where I am hitting two keys at the same time!

Cheers all, stay well. Loret xxx

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16 Replies

OOOPs , forgot to edit the title!

Love the picture of your home Loret - it looks heavenly! Not quite so sure that clothes on and off won't be the biggest problem - doing up bra for e.g? I know that when my right wrist was at it's worst before Xmas I really struggled with most things so you have my complete admiration as usual - in anticipation! TTx

in reply to

OOOH i have a method for the bra thing, I instituted when I had carpal tunnel surg. I hooked all my bras together, so I just step into one and pull it up. I do that all the time now.

I think getting clothes on and off will be the most struggle. especially since most of my wardrobe is pants with elastic waists. Maybe I could just live in lounging pajammies for a while. Think I got the undies worked out OK. Thanks, I was out yesterday looking for green things poking through the ground, found the daffodils! So exciting, so we know Spring is coming!

allanah profile image
allanah

hiya,

you have got so organised wow!!! I hope it all goes well for u and I'll miss your blogs if you cant manage for a while, oh and when u get the ww meals dont forget the soups and puddings cos I just want the puddings when i'm poorly lol

Will be thinking of you and if u can get the family to let us know you are ok, I'm sure it will go very well and you will really benefit from the op. rest up and do whatever they tell you!!!

loads of love

Axx

in reply to allanah

Aw thanks, Allanah, I have already made a couple batches of soup and chili and put in the freezer in individ. servings. I usually do add to the WW meals with extra veggies and sugar free jello and pudding. Thinking I might make those and put them up in the frig in small containers.

I am planning on being right back here and blog, singlehandedly :) And I will be around for 12 more days!

Thanks for all your kind words, Love and hugs, L. xx

allanah profile image
allanah

oh and dont forget your toothbrush!!!!!!

Axx

in reply to allanah

Thought I'd use the electric one.

sylvi profile image
sylvi

You'll be fine Loret,i know your worried, I'll keep telling it to you and when i get my date you will be able to tell me the same. Love your bungalow. love sylvi.xx

helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

What are friends for if not to empty a litter box when you're incapacitated? Heaven's above, if they're adults they'll have probably dealt with a lot worse in their lifetimes! You really don't want to risk upsetting your wrist in the first few days - or upsetting Bridget - so better to ask for help first than have damp litter scattered across your carpet because of trying to cope single handed.

But it sounds as if you're well organised, should be fine. What about hair washing - is there a local salon you could go to? Px

in reply to helixhelix

Yes, the Hair Salon is just a few blocks down the street. My friends and daughter-in-law have all volunteered to take me.

Well, I wouldn't want to ask, but i know two of my friends and my local daughter-in-law will just comein, see what needs and do it!

Even dr, Doug, comes every Weds night and picks up trash to put in his dumpster at his office, and he frequently re does the litter box, if I haven't gotten to it before he gets there. I've told him he's the best dressed, best lookin trash man in the neighborhood. :)

allanah profile image
allanah

What is it with you LLoret to be lucky enough to have a good looking Doctors and good looking trash men!!and a good looking house!! I think I have to move near you!!!! I cant stop giggling now lol

ha ha Axx

in reply to allanah

LOL, now I am gigling :) Maybe it's just all in the eye of the beholder :)

But lest you think otherwise, I am truely blessed at the moment, with such good friends, family, etc. 8 years ago, not so much.

Another example of lemons and lemonade.

rheumatoidymummy profile image
rheumatoidymummy

Hi Loret, my op is just a few days after yours on the 19th so we will be recouperating at the same time.

I hadn't even considered getting dressed or making lunch - left handed eating will be quite challenging let alone left handed preparation! Hmm - will have to have a think about that one....

Hope your op goes well.

xx

in reply to rheumatoidymummy

Sure hope yours does too. Maybe we should just plan on sandwiches! There is a local restaurant down the road that delivers after 4 pm and they have the most divine hot roast beef sandwiches, with peppers, etc!! Then there is the pizza, they deliver. Maybe this is not the time to diet?/ OMG! I could swell like a balloon on a diet like that!

Back to the drawing board! L.xx

Tinwoman2 profile image
Tinwoman2

Loret, I lived in elastic pants when I had my wrists fused. They are much easier to get on than jeans where you have to button them & the zipper is backwards (the fly goes to the right). I also had some wind pants, they are loud but so comfortable & colorful.

Also, make sure you have some slip on shoes, as you won't be tying shoes for awhile.

For my last surgery, I found these cast covers at Walgreens that allow you to take a shower & not get your arm/foot wet. They are some heavy plastic stuff that expands to get over the cast & then they constrict.

Good luck,

Christine

Hi Chris, I am going shopping tomorrow. Want to get a couple knit elastic pants, I do have several apirs of satin pj's, left from back surgeries, so I think I will be OK.

Not sure how pull over shirts and sweaters will work. Can't button anything, even now. But I tried last night to take off my shirt with just one hand, it was not good!

I do have slip on shoes and slippers. I ordered a new pair, with velcro strap, of course, they are back ordered!!

For cast covers, I have been saving those orange or green sleeves the newspapers come in. Work great. Will go out to salon down the street to get hair washed, etc. Have several volunteers to take me.

I knew I had to plan ahead, but once I start the list, it keeps growing as I think of things. Not going to try cooking anything, other than MW. Should have no trouble getting laundry folded or hung up, someone will be by every day. They are fightinmg over me!!!

I told them I would have a patio party and invite them all, in June!! To be catered by the local pizza parlour :)

Glad you escaped the tornadoes, but were they close to you? Just shudder to think of how it must be for those folks. cheers for now. L. xx

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