Tips for easy home recovery

[Lilysaidwhat]

Reading through some of the older posts, I'm finding tidbits here and there - like keeping regularly used pots and pans on the countertop, etc.

Can we create a sticky to hold all of the things you found helpful post-op to make your new routine a little easier? I'm talking shower chair, or one of those shower brushes with a long handle, liquid soap versus bar soap, computer set-up, etc.

Any tips are appreciated. I've stepped back from the ledge and am still on schedule for Feb 23, and this makes me feel like I have some sort of control to plan ahead.

Thanks!

[Elisa]

Great idea for a thread! In the near future (hopefully) we could have a similar thread for tips in dealing with our kid(s) who have recently had surgery and are now at home.

[LindaRacine]

I have a bunch of ideas on my website:

http://www.scoliosislinks.com/PreparingforSurgery.htm

[KathK]

My very best electronic "friend" during my recovery has been the iPad. We also have wireless high speed Internet and subscribe to Netflix.

This has allowed me to check email, surf the web (aka read the NSF forum!), and watch movies on demand anywhere! So, if you're like me and still like to lie down and rest even though you no longer nap, lie down and watch a movie. If the snow and ice have you walking on a treadmill, stick the iPad in the book holder and watch a movie while you walk! Of course, you can also listen to music. I'm telling you, I love this thing! (No, I don't own Apple stock....but maybe I should...)

[LindaRacine]

My very best electronic "friend" during my recovery has been the iPad. We also have wireless high speed Internet and subscribe to Netflix.

This has allowed me to check email, surf the web (aka read the NSF forum!), and watch movies on demand anywhere! So, if you're like me and still like to lie down and rest even though you no longer nap, lie down and watch a movie. If the snow and ice have you walking on a treadmill, stick the iPad in the book holder and watch a movie while you walk! Of course, you can also listen to music. I'm telling you, I love this thing! (No, I don't own Apple stock....but maybe I should...)

Hi Kathy....

I don't have an iPad, but totally agree. I had planned to buy one for myself until my iPhone 4 was stolen about a month ago, and I had to replace it. (In hindsight, wish I would have bought a much cheaper phone and used the rest of the funds for the iPad.) I just had a hint that I might be getting an iPad as a gift.

--Linda

[Lilysaidwhat]

Ok, so being on the "other side" now I think I can add a few things to the list.

• a mattress caddy with pockets - easy to reach the remote, etc and keeps nightstand decluttered
• Rent a Center - we ended up renting an electric recliner for $110 total for a month.
• Colgate Wisp were a godsend at the hospital. My husband was brushing my teeth as I came to in the ICU. When you're pre-ice-chips, fresh breath is a lifesaver.

[Elisa]

Those seem like really good ideas Lily. I'm for sure going to pick up some of those teeth wipes b/c my son is quite fanatical about his teeth which is probably why he doesn't have a single cavity. =D

[Lilysaidwhat]

Those seem like really good ideas Lily. I'm for sure going to pick up some of those teeth wipes b/c my son is quite fanatical about his teeth which is probably why he doesn't have a single cavity. =D

^5 your son for me - I'm almost 39 and am cavity-free too!

[Jacque's Mom]

I highly recommend this laptop table that I used for my meals, drinks, medicine (similar to what you use in the hospital). It was really great to have especially when you first come home. When laying down, the table tilts so you can use your laptop with no discomfort at all. My husband got it from Staples and it was on sale for $15.00. It was really great to have and I still use it for my laptop.

http://www.staples.com/Altra-Adjusta...product_729375