Sunday, June 20, 2010

Herding Ducks

For the past several days, I've been trying to get my ducks in a row, in preparation for surgery. About a week ago, I did some shopping for pull-on, pull-over, loose, cool, and comfortable clothing and slide on shoes. I think I have everything I need.

Then it seems I spent much of Friday traveling from grocery store to grocery store--and do you know what? I STILL have a list of a few "last things" I need to buy tomorrow.

At some point, someone--and I'm sorry I don't remember who it was--commented with the idea of freezing individual dinners ahead of time, so I spent Friday night preparing those dinners. I have five different meals, two of each. Generally, I tried to design simple-to-eat meals, although there is one that includes a pork chop that I might need help cutting. I've also cut up various types of meat--a couple of whole chickens, a whole tri-tip, chicken breast slices, etc.--and froze those so they're ready to cook and serve. I've made and frozen hamburger patties. Some of these meats Soccer Son will be cooking--he and his fiance have offered to cook for us twice a week and will make enough to ensure we have leftovers for other meals. Tomorrow I'm going to chop and slice a bunch of salad stuff and fruit. I also stumbled across a blueberry cake recipe I NEED to make. So, as far as food is concerned, I think we'll survive.

On Saturday, I did a general, overall housecleaning. Really, after all the "spring cleaning" I've been doing for the last month, it didn't take too much time or effort, but at least I know it's as good as it's going to get--because it might be awhile before I do much more than the bare minimum again.

Today, of course, was Father's Day, and I spent a good part of it cooking again and cleaning up afterward. Soccer Son and his fiance came to dinner and we spent some quality family time together, eating, talking, and playing dominoes.

Tomorrow I plan to do all the things I haven't been able to do so far, as well as a few things I just WANT to do--like Knot-y Ladies Embroidery class tomorrow night with Gran.

Sometimes I think about people who suddenly break a wrist or a hand and are out of commission, much as I will be after surgery. Then I wonder whether I'm spending too much time preparing--because if I was to break a wrist, I wouldn't have ANY time to prepare ahead, and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't die because of it. But I guess it gives me something to do and maybe it will make things a little easier later.

If you've ever been pregnant, I bet you remember other women telling you horror stories about their pregnancies or the pregnancies of people they knew. Heading into carpal tunnel surgery is much the same. It seems everyone has either had it themselves or knows someone who has, and I've heard a wide range of stories from protracted and difficult recoveries to super quick recoveries; so, at this point, I'm not really sure what to expect. AND--and this is a big AND--because this is a workers' compensation injury, I really need to do what the doctor tells me to do when he tells me to do it rather than be my normal rebellious self and try to push myself to get back to "normal" as soon as possible. That's not to say I won't push to recover--but I suspect I'll have to be a little more cautious about it and follow orders.

So tomorrow--all the final stuff. And wouldn't you know it? Tonight the microwave seemed to act oddly, so I'll have to try it again in the morning. It's a fairly recent purchase, so I'm sure it's under warranty, but what a hassle trying to get it repaired or replaced at this point!

Several quilters have told me they were able to sew not long after carpal tunnel surgery--just simple seams, though. So I've picked out a pattern, much like half log cabin blocks, that I can sew without having to make any further cuts. I'm hoping to get at least part of it cut by tomorrow night, so I have something to sew once I'm at that point in my recovery.

Gosh, now that I think about it, it sure FEELS like there's still a lot to do, and time's running out, so I'd better get off the computer and get busy! Thanks for stopping by!

15 comments:

polly said...

Just relax! I had the surgery on my right hand a couple of years ago.
No pain, and I had to be alittle creative figuring out how to do things for a couple of days. You will be fine in a couple of days!
Good Luck!

strawberrycream39 said...

Sounds like your ducks are lined up and ready to go! I hope you have a quick and easy recovery! Glad you got a quilt ready to go...you surely are prepared!

Kelly Ann said...

Sounds like your set...good luck...and remember...doctors give good drugs for a reason...use them...

Lorraine said...

You know you could save a heap of time and effort by eating RAW food...LOLOL....I am sure there is someone who would help you out there!! Seriously...you sound like you have it all sussed....totally organised....I am sure your recovery will be just fine....take care...and I think Kelly Ann's advice is good!

Shelley said...

Best luck on surgery and speedy thoughts of recovery going your way. Like Polly says, Just Relax!! They are fixing something not removing it!

debbie m said...

As you said, people break bones and get by. I broke a knuckle bone and couldn't use my right hand at all for 2 weeks. It just hung around buddie taped to the other fingers. I'm sure the people looking at the checks I paid my bills with that month though I was drunk when I wrote them with my left hand, lol. You're ready, and i'm sure your DH will cut your meat for you too ;)
Prayers and Blessings

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Sounds like you are very ready. Relax and good luck!

Sandy from Thimbleberries said...

Kim,
It sounds like you have almost everything taken care of and will finish the rest today. I will be gone for a while, but if you need something call and let me know.

Kris said...

I feel safe to comment cause I don't know anyone who has had this surgery! Lol! You sound good to go. And I'm with Loz. RAW food sounds like the answer. I read about a lovely little place on a blog once.... I'll look up the details for you if you like!

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

QUACK, quack, quack, quack.
You are amazing duckie.

See you tonight - I think I will bring some quacker and cheese for a snack.

Hugs.

G'G'ma said...

Sounds like you've anticipated just about everything. I'm sure you will do fine and don't be afraid to ask for help!!

Jandi said...

It sounds like you are more than prepared. Good luck with the surgery and I hope you are back to stitching soonN!

dianne said...

i would think that we are twins who were separated at birth 'cept i am soooo much older than you ... Auntia was due on christmas day and i had EVERYTHING ready for christmas by the end of november (including a birth day cake in the freezer for us to eat while we sang "happy birth day" to her) ...... i guess you can't have any wine with those cheese and quackers than Gran is gonna serve tonight, huh?

eva said...

I've had four MAJOR surgeries, two of which were emergency surgeries...

i have no complaints - i think good frame of mind overcomes many hurdles.

xo
eva

paulette said...

Hey Kim!!
Hang in there...and good luck tomorrow!! You will be arm wrestling Gran before you know it!!
Take care!!
Paulette