Help me pamper my big sister

April 20, 2008 10:51 AM

My sister is having ACDF surgery on Monday, and I'm putting together a care package for her recovery. Any suggestions?

I've read a number of AskMe surgery recovery threads, and this one has some interesting stuff.

My sister likes knitting, but I don't know if she'll be able to knit. I know she's supposed to avoid driving for a week, and limit her exercise to walking for the next ten weeks. She's taking two weeks off work and expects to be feeling pretty good by the second week.

I realize this is a subjective question. There's nothing terribly odd about my sister. She has good taste, but not uncommon. I want to pamper her a bit, and I am looking for perspectives other than my own.

Special thanks if you've had this surgery and have a specific recommendation.

posted by owhydididoit to health (6 comments total)

Is this the kind of surgery that requires a bowel movement to be released? If so, I suggest dates. Got my step-dad out of the hospital nice and quickly after double-hip surgery.

Otherwise, a good book, favourite food (cookies? jelly beans?), maybe a mini DVD player and some good movies? (this last one is expensive, I know, but if you have one lying around it might be useful)
posted by Planet F at 11:00 AM on April 20

DVDs, puzzles, books on tape, microwave popcorn?
posted by DarlingBri at 11:48 AM on April 20

I'm laid up with a broken foot right now, and what's saved my sanity has been one of those travel-sized Scrabble boards where the letters pop in so they aren't loose. If she'll have somebody around a fair bit to play with her (and if she's into that sort of thing), it's great. It's compact and playable on the bed or couch, isn't super mentally taxing, but is just mentally involved enough to help distract one from intense physical discomfort. Crossword puzzles are also good for this.

I've also found that it's nice to have a hot water bottle or one of those socks filled with rice to put on the muscles and joints that get sore from prolonged lying around and holding your body funny.
posted by mostlymartha at 11:59 AM on April 20

Oh, and also, food. Stuff that can go in the freezer and be popped in the oven, or sandwich stuff, cut up fruit and snacks. After a week of being unable to get into the kitchen, I'm sick to death of takeout. My husband has been a wonderful nurse, but he can't cook worth squat.
posted by mostlymartha at 12:02 PM on April 20

Back Scratcher.
posted by Rich Smorgasbord at 1:12 PM on April 20

Thanks, all! She is recovering nicely and was very pleased with the care package.
posted by owhydididoit at 12:02 AM on May 3