Friday, September 3, 2010

things to lose and gain

Prior to having aci with distal realignment it's best to gain and lose a few things.
First, lose all dignity, self respect, and pride. There is no possible way to make it through this surgery and recovery alone. For the first few days the only bath you will get is a spongebath. Your bathroom now becomes a bedside commode or bedpan, neither is enjoyable. Assistance is needed for basically everything, so finding a reliable friend, family, or spousal equivalent is best.
Invest in or find a bedside commode, shower chair, bedside eating tray. Many organizations loan out these items, check with your local Masonic lodge, Lions Club, etc.
Even if your bathroom is 3 feet away from your bed, that's too far to "hop" given the amount of pain you'll be in. Since you'll be non weightbearing for 6 weeks, standing on one leg in the shower is too risky. Get a shower chair, at a week out and you start smelling like a boar hog, you'll be happy to use it. Get a shower wand as well, no use drowning while taking a shower. And yes, I forgot to buy one.
If you must be alone for any length of time, make sure all snacks and meals are close by. There's nothing better than being bedbound and hungry. Don't worry, the first week you'll go through a period of anorexia.
That's just week one. In week two keep your laptop handy. Have plenty of movies & books available.
Any important business needs to be taken care of before surgery. You won't be able to get out and you won't feel like it anyway. Also, bad idea to move the weekend before surgery. This I know from experience, I can't find anything, like my Razor!
Make a schedule of people who can help and when they can and try to make appointments during that time. Until you stop taking painkillers, driving is out and that varies from person to person.
These are just a few suggestions to make life easier after ACI but the best may be, keep your pain pills close.

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