“Tracy” is about 58 years old. She receives PT services in her home. She, normally, has morning and evening walks-good, strong strides.
She manages apartments and runs up and down several floors. Her husband has been helping her a lot, but he is semi-retired.
I think there have been some really good suggestions!
I like all of the ideas and do appreciate all of the thought put into this help. I don’t think I can cook anything for her, given the pandemic, but I can purchase some prepackaged soup-like items where husband would just add water.
I do like the non-slip sock idea because it just sounds comforting.
I’m still working on trying to figure out a lap pouch/bag pattern with velcro. Been hindered, lately, by all of my to-do lists!
I already shipped her an aroma therapy cold/hot pack.
Thanks for the great suggestions!
I’m reading with interest. My sister is having knee replacement surgery in late August. She is 68 has Parkinson’s and has had psoriatic arthritis for 30 plus years. She is going to struggle as she is not in great shape but her knee is so bad she doesn’t have any other option.
She lives alone in my city so I will be one of her support people. My other sister is coming to stay with her for a month. I’m making note of the suggestions. Fresh flowers will definitely be on the list.
@auntbea, I found two patterns online that looked like they might work – will PM the info. I posted on one of my quilting groups and will see if they have other suggestions.
My best friend had a knee replacement - she really was too wiped out for reading.
2 things I did for her - first I subscribed (and paid for) a year of Netflix (she had never realized the wonder!). She can watch in the living room as well as her bedroom. She loves it so much I told her I’ll continue the subscription for her.
And second, I loaned her a fanny pack so when she would take her walks she could have something to carry her necessaries.
When my MIL had knee replacement, she found that a basket that fits on the front of her walker very helpful. She could put books, water bottle, etc in the basket as she walked into other rooms.
I would suggest you find out what the recommendations are for your friend and walker use. A friend had knee surgery three weeks ago. She used a walker for three days and transitioned to a cane. She is now moving around her house sans cane.
I’ve been told this will be my treatment plan as well.
What I am saying is…your friend might not need a fanny pack or anything else walker related because she might not be using a walker even now.
I love the Netflix suggestion. Amazon Prime is another option if she doesn’t have it.
Gift cards for places that deliver meals might be nice too.
From the above posts it seems “one size fits all” is not true. The person’s preferences are more important than the surgical procedure from the suggestions. I would opt for something fun she would enjoy but not buy for herself.
post op right now from a sciatica surgery. I would like to have received flowers, really good tomatoes, bread, cheese and wine. A grocery store cooking magazine, Women’s magazine. A nice nail file set. English Muffins from Wolverman’s.
I would imagine that lots of people would do what most of us would do - plan ahead and acquire the things we need or have heard we should need prior to the surgery.
With that, I think just any little perks or treats to make the day a little more pleasant or tasty are appreciated. Wolferman’s muffins and some of their jam is an easy pick. Salsa Basket is another one (I’ve never had but have heard good things). Or even gift cards to a local food delivery service.
My brother recently had surgery and had to use a walker. He did fine with two bags that hung on either side of the walker. The lunch box was for his drinks and food. The canvas bag on the other side held all his documents that he constantly needed to refer to - medication instructions, doctor numbers, bills he needed to make calls about, his phone, etc. The canvas bag was slim so it didn’t bulge out or make the walker unstable.
He received a very large Grub Hub gift card and it is REALLY not worth it. He ordered 2 pizzas from a place we like, and the cost of the pizzas was probably $35, but it cost him $70 with the delivery charge and tip. When someone else said they were going to send a Grub Hub card, he asked them not to.
A big sign that says, “KEEP ME MOVING!” Only half-kidding. It was a constant battle to get the nurses and aides to get my dad up and walking. When my sister mentioned how important the doctor had said it was, they always had an excuse as to why they couldn’t. We think the lack of activity led to severe problems.
I completely agree that you have to keep moving after surgery. We, in rehab, get really frustrated that the only time we saw aides getting our patients up was when we were coming to their floor.
I had knee surgery just before covid hit in my area. Having a way to transport stuff as you hobble from one room to another is vital.
I appreciated “nesting” in my recliner in the living room, with stuff I might need in baskets or on tables, all within easy reach.
A small lap blanket was super comfy without being too bulky.
A fanny pack keeps your phone, tissues and chapstick handy. Chapstick is super helpful as I felt dehydrated after surgery and did not like having dry, chapped lips.
Having insulated cups for ice water and coffee were helpful. And access to Small snacks like crackers.
Basically, a post-surgery patient hates to have to ask for help. Arranging their space and giving them options makes them feel less needy.
Texting encouragement and phone calls brighten their day.
