Don't want to go crazy on bed rest
October 28, 2013 11:44 AM Subscribe
I will have to spend between one and two months on bed rest, not in my own home but in a hotel. How do I not go crazy?
I'm the OP in this question. I'm having fetal surgery in December, it's a two part procedure so at the very least I'm going to be on very limited mobility for 5 weeks so as to avoid membrane rupture and a premature birth. The doctor/hospital is not in my own home town, so I'm going to be spending this time in a hotel suite, at times with just my Mom, at times with my husband and toddler and maybe other family members.
I'm afraid I'm going to go crazy cause there's only so many books to read and TV to watch before you want to start banging your head on the wall. I'd appreciate it greatly if any Mefites who have been on extended bed rest or just home confinement themselves (or a close person) can give me any advice or ideas on what do to with all this time. Also, how to get myself a little tired during the day in order to be able to sleep well at night with the catch that I can't make any effort that will cause me uterine contractions.
ANY tips and suggestions are welcome.
I'm the OP in this question. I'm having fetal surgery in December, it's a two part procedure so at the very least I'm going to be on very limited mobility for 5 weeks so as to avoid membrane rupture and a premature birth. The doctor/hospital is not in my own home town, so I'm going to be spending this time in a hotel suite, at times with just my Mom, at times with my husband and toddler and maybe other family members.
I'm afraid I'm going to go crazy cause there's only so many books to read and TV to watch before you want to start banging your head on the wall. I'd appreciate it greatly if any Mefites who have been on extended bed rest or just home confinement themselves (or a close person) can give me any advice or ideas on what do to with all this time. Also, how to get myself a little tired during the day in order to be able to sleep well at night with the catch that I can't make any effort that will cause me uterine contractions.
ANY tips and suggestions are welcome.
Hang in there!
Being pregnant is exhausting all on its own, so succumb to napping when you can.
Perhaps take up knitting, or find some fun little games to play on your phone. Words with Friends, or Ruzzle. Interactive, but can be played in spurts of energy.
See if you can get out to the grocery store, sit in that motorized cart and just tool around for the novelty of it.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 11:54 AM on October 28, 2013
Being pregnant is exhausting all on its own, so succumb to napping when you can.
Perhaps take up knitting, or find some fun little games to play on your phone. Words with Friends, or Ruzzle. Interactive, but can be played in spurts of energy.
See if you can get out to the grocery store, sit in that motorized cart and just tool around for the novelty of it.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 11:54 AM on October 28, 2013
I would take up some sort of craft like crocheting or cross stitch. I crocheted a lot of stuff when I was laid up after food surgery. It was a little less mindless than tv, I felt a little more productive at the end of the day than I would have. And what about doing some sort of online course/study? Learn about something that has always interested you.
Also, World of Warcraft. I know I know, but seriously. I lost myself for DAYS AT A TIME on that game. It is easy to pick up, fun, and very easy to lose yourself in it. If I ever got laid up again that would be my first stop. I would buy the game and pay for a couple month subscription without a second's hesitation.
As for sleeping during the day, consider some guided meditiations. Have some recordings to listen to that will help walk you through the relaxation process. Andrew Johnson makes some that I find really helpful, both for just relaxing and for helping me to fall asleep.
My thoughts go out to you during this.
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 11:54 AM on October 28, 2013 [7 favorites]
Also, World of Warcraft. I know I know, but seriously. I lost myself for DAYS AT A TIME on that game. It is easy to pick up, fun, and very easy to lose yourself in it. If I ever got laid up again that would be my first stop. I would buy the game and pay for a couple month subscription without a second's hesitation.
As for sleeping during the day, consider some guided meditiations. Have some recordings to listen to that will help walk you through the relaxation process. Andrew Johnson makes some that I find really helpful, both for just relaxing and for helping me to fall asleep.
My thoughts go out to you during this.
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 11:54 AM on October 28, 2013 [7 favorites]
Do you enjoy videogames at all? An Xbox with an involved game (Skyrim, maybe?) might be just the thing to kill some substantial time. Another thing would be to find something to occupy hands and mind. Knitting, origami, or something along those lines.
Good luck with everything and here's to a speedy recovery.
posted by jquinby at 11:54 AM on October 28, 2013 [3 favorites]
Good luck with everything and here's to a speedy recovery.
posted by jquinby at 11:54 AM on October 28, 2013 [3 favorites]
Do you do video games at all? Lots of Wii games require you to move one hand/arm to play. The constant gesturing could possibly tire you out. And it would be fun.
posted by heavenstobetsy at 11:54 AM on October 28, 2013
posted by heavenstobetsy at 11:54 AM on October 28, 2013
Oh, and as to exercise - does the hotel have a pool and would swimming (or just floating around) be allowed? Drifting around in some warm water is pretty good for sleepiness, and I'm reliably informed that it feels wonderful during mid-to-late stages of pregnancy.
posted by jquinby at 11:57 AM on October 28, 2013
posted by jquinby at 11:57 AM on October 28, 2013
You could learn a language. Fun and useful, and you could integrate your learning into a number of media, i.e. books, free courses, tv/movies, etc.
posted by threeants at 11:57 AM on October 28, 2013
posted by threeants at 11:57 AM on October 28, 2013
Speaking of games to lose yourself in, I LOVE my Sims and if I were on bedrest I'd spend all my time managing their little lives!
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 11:58 AM on October 28, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 11:58 AM on October 28, 2013 [3 favorites]
Computer games are good, too. I'm not a gamer, but I loved Portal I and II and the Walking Dead series (the latter is basically an extremely well-done choose your own adventure type thing).
posted by c'mon sea legs at 11:59 AM on October 28, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by c'mon sea legs at 11:59 AM on October 28, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'm on bed rest for the next week or two, and have had much longer convalescences before, so I feel your pain! I tend to rely on old episodes of This American Life and similar podcasts when I'm sick of reading or watching TV. I've also found coloring to be soothing/distracting (there are tons of inexpensive "grown-up" coloring books on Amazon with line drawings of art, decorative patterns, historical images, etc.) -- a couple of those plus a set of colored pencils will keep you pretty occupied.
posted by scody at 12:01 PM on October 28, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by scody at 12:01 PM on October 28, 2013 [2 favorites]
Lots of facebooking, binge watching tv, sign up for longreads membership, and games for your phone/tablet. I'd also ask friends to send emails about their days - responding seems like it would be a good way to take up some time and also interact with others. Agree with succumbing to naps as well - I think, in some ways, this will be easier than you think (and in other ways probably harder). be gentle with yourself!
Sending positive thoughts your way!
posted by dpx.mfx at 12:01 PM on October 28, 2013
Sending positive thoughts your way!
posted by dpx.mfx at 12:01 PM on October 28, 2013
Adding to puzzles and games - card games that can be played one on one, pick up a few used games and a Nintendo 2DS (and chargers).
Other thoughts - bring a few things from home that are you - or homey - pillows blankets sweaters, even towels. Maybe rent a transport chair as you'll likely leave part time for cleaning services.
If you're not up for language learning (I'm working my way through Radio Lingua podcasts) - maybe a real class ala ed2go.com.
Good luck with the surgery and rest.
posted by tilde at 12:02 PM on October 28, 2013
Other thoughts - bring a few things from home that are you - or homey - pillows blankets sweaters, even towels. Maybe rent a transport chair as you'll likely leave part time for cleaning services.
If you're not up for language learning (I'm working my way through Radio Lingua podcasts) - maybe a real class ala ed2go.com.
Good luck with the surgery and rest.
posted by tilde at 12:02 PM on October 28, 2013
One other suggestion - see if you can find an email pen pal, someone who you can write back and forth. Even if you only exchage emails every day or two that could be something really good to break the monotony.
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 12:04 PM on October 28, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 12:04 PM on October 28, 2013 [2 favorites]
If you pick up a Nintendo 2DS or 3DS, Animal Crossing is a very addictive and calming game.
posted by clearlydemon at 12:06 PM on October 28, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by clearlydemon at 12:06 PM on October 28, 2013 [3 favorites]
Nthing taking up knitting or crocheting. I taught myself to knit from Youtube videos and it was the easiest way to learn. (No one needs to know how many times you had to watch a video to master a stitch!) You could join Ravelry and find some adorable patterns for your kids and make all kinds of cute things! Ravelry is also a nice form of social media and you can find people to talk to.
You could listen to podcasts. There's basically a podcast for ANY interest these days: cooking, crafting, politics, horror movies, music, you name it. Most of them are free and can be kind of addictive.
This might be the time to take on a tv or book series that seemed too daunting in the past. If you were ever like, "Eh, I'd LIKE to read A Song of Ice and Fire, but I don't have that kind of time, etc., etc." now would probably be a great time! Or watch all the Doctor Whos! Or Buffy! (I'm exposing my geek tendencies here, but anything you always MEANT to watch/read, here's your chance!) EVERY EPISODE OF LAW & ORDER!
Good luck to you and your family!
posted by Aquifer at 12:08 PM on October 28, 2013
You could listen to podcasts. There's basically a podcast for ANY interest these days: cooking, crafting, politics, horror movies, music, you name it. Most of them are free and can be kind of addictive.
This might be the time to take on a tv or book series that seemed too daunting in the past. If you were ever like, "Eh, I'd LIKE to read A Song of Ice and Fire, but I don't have that kind of time, etc., etc." now would probably be a great time! Or watch all the Doctor Whos! Or Buffy! (I'm exposing my geek tendencies here, but anything you always MEANT to watch/read, here's your chance!) EVERY EPISODE OF LAW & ORDER!
Good luck to you and your family!
posted by Aquifer at 12:08 PM on October 28, 2013
How I waste time on my ipad:
Games: ascension, carcassonne, letterpress, words with friends, ticket to ride
Multiplayer is good cause it feels vaguely social - and hard opponents make you want to get better against the computer and have a rematch - which wastes more time.
Talk to all the people: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Google Voice for free/fast texting. I'm guessing talking to people will help with boredom.
Language: Duolingo - bonus, if you're learning French or Spanish, you can probably watch TV with that language in the subtitles. Watching Veronica Mars with French subtitles makes me feel more virtuous, and taught me the French word for boyfriend.
When I briefly worked part time and was done with school, I had about an hour a day that I dedicated to emailing people that I meant to catch up with better. I had enough of these people that I wasn't emailing the same person more than once a week or so - people went back on the list once they replied!
posted by ansate at 12:21 PM on October 28, 2013
Games: ascension, carcassonne, letterpress, words with friends, ticket to ride
Multiplayer is good cause it feels vaguely social - and hard opponents make you want to get better against the computer and have a rematch - which wastes more time.
Talk to all the people: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Google Voice for free/fast texting. I'm guessing talking to people will help with boredom.
Language: Duolingo - bonus, if you're learning French or Spanish, you can probably watch TV with that language in the subtitles. Watching Veronica Mars with French subtitles makes me feel more virtuous, and taught me the French word for boyfriend.
When I briefly worked part time and was done with school, I had about an hour a day that I dedicated to emailing people that I meant to catch up with better. I had enough of these people that I wasn't emailing the same person more than once a week or so - people went back on the list once they replied!
posted by ansate at 12:21 PM on October 28, 2013
I was on bed rest for 3 weeks when I was pregnant. It was very challenging for me. I think crafting, learning a language, or gentle exercise are all great ideas and I hope you do those things, but for me, I couldn't. I couldn't even read, and I'm a book addict. I was bored, lonely, and sad. My schedule was immediately fucked and I stayed up all night sometimes. All I really had the energy for was TV, and I normally hate TV. I think video games and internet are good suggestions. For me, I really couldn't get anything productive out of it. I hope you're different, but on the other hand, it was kind of good prep for parenting for me.
posted by latkes at 12:24 PM on October 28, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by latkes at 12:24 PM on October 28, 2013 [2 favorites]
Oh, one thing that did actually help was while friends were visiting, I was distracted and happier.
posted by latkes at 12:25 PM on October 28, 2013
posted by latkes at 12:25 PM on October 28, 2013
What about writing letters? Are there people who you can just call once a day and talk for maybe half an hour? Have you ever wanted to start a blog? Even a LiveJournal would be a good way to write about how you're feeling. What about writing letters to the baby? Is that weird? I'm weird so who knows.
This time is all about you and your family so I totally understand if this idea sounds dumb but what about super light volunteering, like writing letters for Amnesty International? I have never volunteered with these people but maybe you'll like it?
It might help you with sleep if you can make up a schedule - it will help your body separate daytime and nighttime. Maybe 9 a.m. write for an hour, 10 a.m. listen to the radio and try to knit or crochet, 11 a.m. read for an hour, 12 p.m. play a video game for an hour, 1 p.m. try to do some super light exercise, like swimming or walking on a treadmill (I don't know if that's verboten, obviously abstain if so!), 2 p.m. email, call or write a letter to some people who you've been meaning to contact, 3 p.m. watch a show or two, 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. read a book, etc.
I'm just throwing some ideas out and if you need a nap, please go for it but I think changing activities will keep it from being too boring, especially if you alternate between things that are more active (writing, knitting) vs. passive (listening to podcasts, watching TV).
I'm sorry that you have to deal with this but I'm wishing you and yours the best.
posted by kat518 at 12:35 PM on October 28, 2013
This time is all about you and your family so I totally understand if this idea sounds dumb but what about super light volunteering, like writing letters for Amnesty International? I have never volunteered with these people but maybe you'll like it?
It might help you with sleep if you can make up a schedule - it will help your body separate daytime and nighttime. Maybe 9 a.m. write for an hour, 10 a.m. listen to the radio and try to knit or crochet, 11 a.m. read for an hour, 12 p.m. play a video game for an hour, 1 p.m. try to do some super light exercise, like swimming or walking on a treadmill (I don't know if that's verboten, obviously abstain if so!), 2 p.m. email, call or write a letter to some people who you've been meaning to contact, 3 p.m. watch a show or two, 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. read a book, etc.
I'm just throwing some ideas out and if you need a nap, please go for it but I think changing activities will keep it from being too boring, especially if you alternate between things that are more active (writing, knitting) vs. passive (listening to podcasts, watching TV).
I'm sorry that you have to deal with this but I'm wishing you and yours the best.
posted by kat518 at 12:35 PM on October 28, 2013
Set up skype appointments with your friends and family. Let them babble about their lives for a bit, give you something else to think about. You can do dinner or lunch dates this way too. This is what I did with a friend of mine who was on late-pregnancy bed rest and she appreciated having company but without having to brush her hair or tidy up the place like she would if I visited.
posted by shelleycat at 12:40 PM on October 28, 2013
posted by shelleycat at 12:40 PM on October 28, 2013
I was on hospital bed rest for two weeks while pregnant. I really like the suggestion to try to have a scheduled routine each day, and vary it on the weekends. That means break up your time for reading/TV/crafts/letter writing/etc. It gives the day some structure and it also helps make stuff like bedtime/sleeping easier. If visitors in person aren't possible then try to use Skype/Facetime to see friends...even if you don't usually do this, let them know this is how they can help you! Similarly, a text-buddy or two is really nice to have throughout the day. Pick someone who can keep things lighthearted and upbeat to take you out of the moment with your situation.
If your hotel wifi will support it get a Netflix streaming subscription. Will be worth well more than the few bucks a month you spend on it.
Also splurge on self-care supplies - nice lotions, face masks, a nice set of sheets, a new pillow, etc.
And use the time to finish nesting by shopping on Amazon for baby supplies that you need...it can be dangerous if you have budget concerns, but it was really great to be able to go through and order the random bathtub/receiving blankets/etc that I hadn't gotten before going on bed rest.
posted by handful of rain at 12:45 PM on October 28, 2013
If your hotel wifi will support it get a Netflix streaming subscription. Will be worth well more than the few bucks a month you spend on it.
Also splurge on self-care supplies - nice lotions, face masks, a nice set of sheets, a new pillow, etc.
And use the time to finish nesting by shopping on Amazon for baby supplies that you need...it can be dangerous if you have budget concerns, but it was really great to be able to go through and order the random bathtub/receiving blankets/etc that I hadn't gotten before going on bed rest.
posted by handful of rain at 12:45 PM on October 28, 2013
PS - I actually found bed rest to be fairly tiring, not in a good "I've been hiking all day and now I'm ready for a nice sound sleep" way, but in that it's exhausting to deal with. I could sleep pretty easily, but it was often fitful and not very restful...the fact you are in a hotel and not having nurses in and out all night during shift changes might help you a lot here. Per the comments above, try to stick to a strict wake up/go to bed time schedule, and it will help your body adjust to the rhythm of your new routine. And remember that this, too, shall pass. Good luck to you and your family.
posted by handful of rain at 12:52 PM on October 28, 2013
posted by handful of rain at 12:52 PM on October 28, 2013
Do you like organizing or figuring out tech things? I've got a massive iPhoto library that needs to be updated. I'd love to have a week to weed out old photos or put them in folders, and learn a new program like Aperture. Maybe you want to learn how to host and publish on a blog? That could be a fun project with future benefits.
Having a concrete project can help you get through the days.
I'd also suggest a new TV series. Maybe Friday Night Lights? The characters go through some tough times but they generally get through it together. Better than mindless TV and you could pick up the DVD set so you're not dependent on the wifi connection being strong enough for streaming.
Hang in there.
posted by barnone at 1:00 PM on October 28, 2013
Having a concrete project can help you get through the days.
I'd also suggest a new TV series. Maybe Friday Night Lights? The characters go through some tough times but they generally get through it together. Better than mindless TV and you could pick up the DVD set so you're not dependent on the wifi connection being strong enough for streaming.
Hang in there.
posted by barnone at 1:00 PM on October 28, 2013
I was on six weeks of bed rest during my pregnancy. It was unexpected, so I didn't have any projects set up before hand, but that in itself presented with other kinds of projects, of stuff that I hadn't gotten around to doing before, like picking baby names, birth announcement cards, nursery items, etc. Internet was definitely a lifesaver.
Being pregnant, especially with complications, can be so exhausting in its own right that I wouldn't worry too much about not being able to sleep. Cross that bridge when you get to it.
Obviously, discuss any kind of exercise with your doctor, mine were rather conservative.
I'm not sure I would have had the motivation or the concentration to learn a language or something similar. I did however at some point completely lose myself in the Millennium Trilogy - that made time go much faster, but I couldn't really get myself to read a lot of other books and I LOVE reading. I guess it does help to have something you could be productive in (a MOOC, for example, if that interests you at all) but be very gentle with yourself if it turns out that it isn't feasible, that's fine too.
What helped me a lot was to have a fairly fixed schedule: my mom would call me at around 10 pm, husband would visit in the evenings, etc.
posted by Ms. Next at 1:02 PM on October 28, 2013
Being pregnant, especially with complications, can be so exhausting in its own right that I wouldn't worry too much about not being able to sleep. Cross that bridge when you get to it.
Obviously, discuss any kind of exercise with your doctor, mine were rather conservative.
I'm not sure I would have had the motivation or the concentration to learn a language or something similar. I did however at some point completely lose myself in the Millennium Trilogy - that made time go much faster, but I couldn't really get myself to read a lot of other books and I LOVE reading. I guess it does help to have something you could be productive in (a MOOC, for example, if that interests you at all) but be very gentle with yourself if it turns out that it isn't feasible, that's fine too.
What helped me a lot was to have a fairly fixed schedule: my mom would call me at around 10 pm, husband would visit in the evenings, etc.
posted by Ms. Next at 1:02 PM on October 28, 2013
Load up on appealing, easy reads on your kindle (if you don't have a tablet, this would be a good time to get one.) It's ok to read a ton of Nora Roberts at this time, you know? There's a reason she is incredibly successful - her books are reliably pleasant to read and engaging enough to keep you turning the page, even if you won't learn anything from them or expand your mind or whatever.
I have to say I would stay away from the Facebooking... there are studies that show that the more time spent on it the worse one comes to feel. Have a computer, but make sure you have plenty of light, fun stuff to read, preferably on a different device.
posted by fingersandtoes at 1:43 PM on October 28, 2013 [1 favorite]
I have to say I would stay away from the Facebooking... there are studies that show that the more time spent on it the worse one comes to feel. Have a computer, but make sure you have plenty of light, fun stuff to read, preferably on a different device.
posted by fingersandtoes at 1:43 PM on October 28, 2013 [1 favorite]
This doesn't specifically address the "what to do with ALL that time" question, but one thing I've heard from other women who had extended bedrest was that they really missed being outside: wind in their face, sunshine, etc. The idea of getting a transport chair and finding some time to at least get to an area where you can sit calmly outdoors or in a sunny warm space (is there a solarium or similar in the hotel? Or within a very close (ie: across the street) distance?
Another tip from my own (non pregnancy related) invalid-ness was to be sure to schedule your days. Try to wake up at a specific time, do at least have a sponge bath and change your clothes in the morning; have a definite breakfast - lunch - dinner routine with a dining companion and as much like a "real meal" (flowers, food on plates, no plastic forks) as you can make it. Have a time each day when you reply to email and a time when you read, play video games, etc. I made it a point to balance our household finances each day, made menu plans for the following week, did all that sort of "housework" stuff that is brain engaging and necessary.
Today, truthfully, were I on 5 weeks of bedrest, I'd spend A LOT of time playing Minecraft.
posted by anastasiav at 2:02 PM on October 28, 2013
Another tip from my own (non pregnancy related) invalid-ness was to be sure to schedule your days. Try to wake up at a specific time, do at least have a sponge bath and change your clothes in the morning; have a definite breakfast - lunch - dinner routine with a dining companion and as much like a "real meal" (flowers, food on plates, no plastic forks) as you can make it. Have a time each day when you reply to email and a time when you read, play video games, etc. I made it a point to balance our household finances each day, made menu plans for the following week, did all that sort of "housework" stuff that is brain engaging and necessary.
Today, truthfully, were I on 5 weeks of bedrest, I'd spend A LOT of time playing Minecraft.
posted by anastasiav at 2:02 PM on October 28, 2013
Spend a couple of 5-10-minute periods each day learning magic tricks. Sleight of hand, coins, cards. First off, it makes you super cool. Secondly, it tickles some of the parts of your brain that won't get as much stimulation while you're on bedrest.
posted by Lyn Never at 2:20 PM on October 28, 2013
posted by Lyn Never at 2:20 PM on October 28, 2013
My suggestion: if there are any things that reliably get you in a good mood or make you laugh - books, comics, TV shows, music, whatever - take them with you. Try to pick up something funny at least once a day - it can help take the edge off.
Meditation is something that can pass time and possibly help with stir-craziness.
If you decide to learn a language but find it hard to concentrate, I've found audio programs like Pimsleur are pretty good for taking up attention but not too much attention. They can also make me fairly (mentally) tired if I have been concentrating and do a few of them in a row.
Other learnable things: programming, how to use terrible computer programs (photoshop, for example). Other things to do: earn (small amounts of?) money with programs like leapforce or mechanical turk; buy some kids' art or project kits and do the projects; hang out on chatty sites online (like metafilter chat); put together a project for your toddler, like recording yourself reading stories for him, or a photo album. With your mother, you could record interviews with her about her life (and she about yours).
It might help to set up a schedule of sorts for whatever activities you pick, to help get past the feeling of days all melting into each other with nothing to show for it. You could also set aside a day a week or so for specific one-off activities.
Finally, if your room doesn't have good natural light during the day one suggestion is a SAD light - they're often prescribed for people with disordered circadian rhythms and might help keep your sleep cycle regular.
Actually finally (you did say any suggestions): if you haven't read it yet, Josephine Tey's Daughter of Time is a book about a bed-bound detective who finds a way to occupy his time. It's short enough to not occupy much of yours, but it might be a good read for a frustrating day.
posted by egg drop at 2:23 PM on October 28, 2013
Meditation is something that can pass time and possibly help with stir-craziness.
If you decide to learn a language but find it hard to concentrate, I've found audio programs like Pimsleur are pretty good for taking up attention but not too much attention. They can also make me fairly (mentally) tired if I have been concentrating and do a few of them in a row.
Other learnable things: programming, how to use terrible computer programs (photoshop, for example). Other things to do: earn (small amounts of?) money with programs like leapforce or mechanical turk; buy some kids' art or project kits and do the projects; hang out on chatty sites online (like metafilter chat); put together a project for your toddler, like recording yourself reading stories for him, or a photo album. With your mother, you could record interviews with her about her life (and she about yours).
It might help to set up a schedule of sorts for whatever activities you pick, to help get past the feeling of days all melting into each other with nothing to show for it. You could also set aside a day a week or so for specific one-off activities.
Finally, if your room doesn't have good natural light during the day one suggestion is a SAD light - they're often prescribed for people with disordered circadian rhythms and might help keep your sleep cycle regular.
Actually finally (you did say any suggestions): if you haven't read it yet, Josephine Tey's Daughter of Time is a book about a bed-bound detective who finds a way to occupy his time. It's short enough to not occupy much of yours, but it might be a good read for a frustrating day.
posted by egg drop at 2:23 PM on October 28, 2013
Knit or crochet a baby blanket. Useful and more time consuming than bootees or bonnets. If you are fast knitter, consider a complex pattern like feather and fan, or stripes of various colors. An argyle blanket would be unique - and time consuming.
posted by Cranberry at 3:58 PM on October 28, 2013
posted by Cranberry at 3:58 PM on October 28, 2013
When my friend was on bedrest during her pregnancy I lent her my Nintendo DS. Lots of fun games, both the mindless kind and the engaging kind, doesn't require hookup to a TV. There are newer gens of the DS, so I am sure you could pick up one that's a few years old and some games for pretty cheap.
Also agree about knitting, cross-stitching, etc. I highly recommend Subversive Cross Stitch for your first kit!
posted by radioamy at 4:03 PM on October 28, 2013
Also agree about knitting, cross-stitching, etc. I highly recommend Subversive Cross Stitch for your first kit!
posted by radioamy at 4:03 PM on October 28, 2013
You're going to be on bedrest in perfect time for NaNoWriMo! Something to do, an online community, and a goal to reach!
For sleep, I have heard great things about melatonin and SAD lamps. IANAD with the melatonin, please ask your doctor first.
posted by chainsofreedom at 4:16 PM on October 28, 2013 [1 favorite]
For sleep, I have heard great things about melatonin and SAD lamps. IANAD with the melatonin, please ask your doctor first.
posted by chainsofreedom at 4:16 PM on October 28, 2013 [1 favorite]
chat.metafilter.com
Ask friends/family to schedule skype sessions, so you have a personal visit to look forward to every day. And ask people to send mail - crossword puzzles, cartoons, letters, etc. Learn a language, or study something, work-related or not, maybe an online course. Blog about the experience.
posted by theora55 at 4:57 PM on October 28, 2013
Ask friends/family to schedule skype sessions, so you have a personal visit to look forward to every day. And ask people to send mail - crossword puzzles, cartoons, letters, etc. Learn a language, or study something, work-related or not, maybe an online course. Blog about the experience.
posted by theora55 at 4:57 PM on October 28, 2013
It's possible you might not feel very well. So even if you think you'll be bored, you'll be bored in addition to not being able to do anything to relieve your boredom, because you don't feel well enough.
The good thing is, it's easy to forget when it's over!
I suggest picking 'project' reads and tv - I re-read all books by my favourite sf author, and watched whole series that I liked before, when watching something new was too tiring or hard.
You will get through it. But it might not feel like it sometimes.
Wishing you the best
posted by mgrrl at 5:02 PM on October 28, 2013
The good thing is, it's easy to forget when it's over!
I suggest picking 'project' reads and tv - I re-read all books by my favourite sf author, and watched whole series that I liked before, when watching something new was too tiring or hard.
You will get through it. But it might not feel like it sometimes.
Wishing you the best
posted by mgrrl at 5:02 PM on October 28, 2013
Response by poster: Thanks everyone for your answers and good wishes. I will probably have some follow-up questions later on about books or videogames. I also like the idea of making a sort of day schedule to not feel like I'm just laying in bed all day. Thanfully I don't need a transfer chair or any other special equipment as technically it's the baby having the surgery, not so much me (endoscopy and such) and so I'll be on limited mobility not out if pain, just doctor's orders for the sake of keeping the pregnancy stable.
posted by CrazyLemonade at 7:14 PM on October 28, 2013
posted by CrazyLemonade at 7:14 PM on October 28, 2013
Response by poster: I'm just realizing I mistook the suggestion of a transport chair for something else, I have already been offerred one on a loan so theres that to take the edge off now and then and visit a mall or supermarket.
posted by CrazyLemonade at 7:23 PM on October 28, 2013
posted by CrazyLemonade at 7:23 PM on October 28, 2013
If you're interested in the idea, genealogy is a fantastic hobby that whiles away time. I would buy a subscription to ancestry.com for a couple of months. Searching through records takes plenty of time (and personally I find it fascinating). It's like a logic puzzle, looking at all the little bits of information in order to piece together likely matches, and the a-ha moment when you find someone hard to track down! You can email relatives for first hand information to get you started, and then follow up with questions or asking for stories and memories. I've got in touch with branches of the family across the world, we share information and chat on email occasionally.
Also video games, I strongly second the idea of Animal Crossing, World of Warcraft or Skyrim. WoW is multiplayer so that would be my first pick since it gets you some human interaction while you are feeling a little isolated.
posted by Joh at 7:39 PM on October 28, 2013
Also video games, I strongly second the idea of Animal Crossing, World of Warcraft or Skyrim. WoW is multiplayer so that would be my first pick since it gets you some human interaction while you are feeling a little isolated.
posted by Joh at 7:39 PM on October 28, 2013
A super relaxing combo is doing something crafty like knitting while listening to audiobooks. You keep your hands and mind busy that way, the hours disappear, and at the end of it you have a head full of stories and characters, and lovely handmade stuff.
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 10:10 PM on October 28, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 10:10 PM on October 28, 2013 [2 favorites]
You might like MAZE by Christopher Manson. =)
That'll eat up a bit of time... and it's a bit different. And beautifully illustrated.
posted by jrobin276 at 11:47 PM on October 28, 2013
That'll eat up a bit of time... and it's a bit different. And beautifully illustrated.
posted by jrobin276 at 11:47 PM on October 28, 2013
There's a Mindfulness for Pregnancy iPhone app that has excellent short meditation exercises. I found this very helpful when I was ill during pregnancy. Best of luck to you.
posted by judith at 5:13 AM on October 29, 2013
posted by judith at 5:13 AM on October 29, 2013
Write letters to your newborn. Tell them things you want them to know about you, your ancestry, your hopes and dreams for them, funny anecdotes, etc, etc. I started writing to my granddaughter before she was born and am doing my best to keep it up to do this day. I write about funny and amazing things she says and does so they won't be lost in the memory bank. You could do this by hand, or keep a file on your laptop.
posted by SoftSummerBreeze at 7:55 AM on October 29, 2013
posted by SoftSummerBreeze at 7:55 AM on October 29, 2013
It's great to have some ideas and a general sense of a few activities you might prepare in advance.
But most women on pregnancy-related bedrest don't have the kind of energy or mindset to do something like learn a language or participate in NaNoWriMo. In fact, most of the women I've known felt very restless with a minimum amount of capacity for focus on those kinds of activities. On top of that, they felt very badly that they weren't doing something more 'useful'. Not doing these activities added to the guilt. You don't need an ounce of guilt here!
I'd say embrace as a sabbatical - do what you want, and if that means rewatching old TV series from your teenage years, or catching up on Project Runway or mindlessly playing some games, that's FANTASTIC.
posted by barnone at 8:51 AM on October 29, 2013 [1 favorite]
But most women on pregnancy-related bedrest don't have the kind of energy or mindset to do something like learn a language or participate in NaNoWriMo. In fact, most of the women I've known felt very restless with a minimum amount of capacity for focus on those kinds of activities. On top of that, they felt very badly that they weren't doing something more 'useful'. Not doing these activities added to the guilt. You don't need an ounce of guilt here!
I'd say embrace as a sabbatical - do what you want, and if that means rewatching old TV series from your teenage years, or catching up on Project Runway or mindlessly playing some games, that's FANTASTIC.
posted by barnone at 8:51 AM on October 29, 2013 [1 favorite]
Sidelines is a community for difficult pregnancies and has a lot of resources for bedrest (on mobile so no link, sorry). I was on hospital bedrest, which has the advantage of interruptions every 20 minutes, but I found a lot of people there on bedrest at home. Good luck to you.
posted by peanut_mcgillicuty at 9:24 AM on October 29, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by peanut_mcgillicuty at 9:24 AM on October 29, 2013 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
Not been on extended bed rest, but I was pretty limited in activity for a couple months last year after breaking my foot (I live in a 4th floor walkup and could get myself up and down the stairs for work, but it was a pain in the ass so I tended to stay home permanently on the weekends while I had my cast), and the knitting helped a lot.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:53 AM on October 28, 2013 [3 favorites]