I cut the sleeves and collar off of a big button-front shirt yesterday, and cut along the top of the right sleeve. I then ironed on velcro tabs, so I can slide the shirt up and velcro it closed on top of the shoulder. I picked up a microfiber duster on a stick that will enable me to wash under my left armpit, and reach other places that will need washing while I'm in the shower. I also found a microfiber mitt that I can leave soaped-up on the sink to allow me to wash my left hand by itself.
I've done a bunch of laundry, and some cleaning, too. Did a bunch of grocery shopping, and changed the catbox cartridge. Automatic catbox is the bomb! I need to put away laundry and have a leisurely bath. Then, more cleaning! I'll have plenty of time to rest after surgery. Plenty.
18 hours, and counting!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Keeping myself busy
I've been making a list of things to do to keep myself occupied while I'm recovering from surgery. I want to learn HTML, and I've been recommended a couple of websites that have tutorials:
www.w3schools.com
www.quackit.com
These also have SQL tutorials, but that's been pushed down a notch on my priorities list.
I have signed up at work for a class based on The Oz Principle: Getting Results Through Individual and Organizational Accountability, so I bought the book to read before the class. The class is mid-September, so I'll have plenty of time to read the book beforehand.
And I've been pining for the Savory Sweet Life cookbook, so I bought that, too, as an early get-well present to myself. Love the way I justify that? Alice is the hero of my KitchenAid blog and I've wanted her book as soon as she announced that it was coming out.
I also upgraded the Netflix account to include instant streaming, too. Between my Kindle, my new books, and learning HTML, I think I will be able to stave off dementia while I'm away from work. I've been thinking about it recently, and I'm pretty sure that this 8 weeks will be the third-longest period I haven't gone to work since I was 17.
3 days, and counting!
www.w3schools.com
www.quackit.com
These also have SQL tutorials, but that's been pushed down a notch on my priorities list.
I have signed up at work for a class based on The Oz Principle: Getting Results Through Individual and Organizational Accountability, so I bought the book to read before the class. The class is mid-September, so I'll have plenty of time to read the book beforehand.
And I've been pining for the Savory Sweet Life cookbook, so I bought that, too, as an early get-well present to myself. Love the way I justify that? Alice is the hero of my KitchenAid blog and I've wanted her book as soon as she announced that it was coming out.
I also upgraded the Netflix account to include instant streaming, too. Between my Kindle, my new books, and learning HTML, I think I will be able to stave off dementia while I'm away from work. I've been thinking about it recently, and I'm pretty sure that this 8 weeks will be the third-longest period I haven't gone to work since I was 17.
3 days, and counting!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Pre-surgery screening call today
I got a call from Marie at Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence today. She asked me lots of questions: Do I smoke? Drink? What's my height? Weight? Any allergies? (Yes: silk and codeine.) What are the symptoms with these allergies? What drugs am I taking, and when was my last menstrual period? Do I wear glasses or contact lenses? Do I have an advance directive? (Yes.) Any previous surgeries? Have I been diagnosed with sleep apnea? Diabetes? Anyone in my family have problems with anaesthesia? And on and on.
She also gave some information about what to expect, which was good because apparently my expectations were way off base. Not entirely surprising, because if you've read from the beginning, I was sort of expecting some magical medical super glue and back to work on Monday. Here's the rundown from the notes I took while on the phone with Marie:
They're going to call me on Friday afternoon to let me know what time Monday morning my surgery is scheduled for. It's looking like mid-morning now, but as other people get asked the screening questions they will juggle the schedule accordingly. Sleep apnea folks have to go first, etc. I'll be told the surgery time and the time to arrive beforehand.
The surgery center is on the lower level, and there's a separate parking area around the back of the facility.
I need to bring several things with me: Insurance card, drivers license, a case for my glasses, and I'll probably bring a totebag to put all of my stuff in when I change out of my clothes.
I'm not allowed to take anything by mouth after midnight on Sunday. No gum, candy, water, anything. I can brush my teeth and rinse with mouthwash, but can't swallow anything. And no alcohol on Sunday. Oh, yeah - and I can't take my calcium supplements between now and surgery. They don't want people taking any supplements at all pre-surgery. I guess I can understand that; supplements aren't regulated very well and there's not a lot of telling what's in there. I'll take my allergy pill Sunday night. They don't want me congested while I'm under anaesthesia!
I have to wear shorts with an elastic waistband or drawstring, and a big button-up shirt. I have got that covered! Jim and Gretchen get to be with me when I hear the post-op instructions. That's good, because I'm counting on them to remember everything for me!
Here's a link to the surgery center's FAQs.
Four days, and counting!
She also gave some information about what to expect, which was good because apparently my expectations were way off base. Not entirely surprising, because if you've read from the beginning, I was sort of expecting some magical medical super glue and back to work on Monday. Here's the rundown from the notes I took while on the phone with Marie:
They're going to call me on Friday afternoon to let me know what time Monday morning my surgery is scheduled for. It's looking like mid-morning now, but as other people get asked the screening questions they will juggle the schedule accordingly. Sleep apnea folks have to go first, etc. I'll be told the surgery time and the time to arrive beforehand.
The surgery center is on the lower level, and there's a separate parking area around the back of the facility.
I need to bring several things with me: Insurance card, drivers license, a case for my glasses, and I'll probably bring a totebag to put all of my stuff in when I change out of my clothes.
I'm not allowed to take anything by mouth after midnight on Sunday. No gum, candy, water, anything. I can brush my teeth and rinse with mouthwash, but can't swallow anything. And no alcohol on Sunday. Oh, yeah - and I can't take my calcium supplements between now and surgery. They don't want people taking any supplements at all pre-surgery. I guess I can understand that; supplements aren't regulated very well and there's not a lot of telling what's in there. I'll take my allergy pill Sunday night. They don't want me congested while I'm under anaesthesia!
I have to wear shorts with an elastic waistband or drawstring, and a big button-up shirt. I have got that covered! Jim and Gretchen get to be with me when I hear the post-op instructions. That's good, because I'm counting on them to remember everything for me!
Here's a link to the surgery center's FAQs.
Four days, and counting!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
The last Aleve
I just took the last Aleve I'm allowed before my surgery on Monday. From here on out, it's Tylenol only. I am not optimistic, but I really hope that the Tylenol knocks my socks off with its pain-relieving mojo. Otherwise, it's going to be a not-very-fun 5 days. Wish me luck!
I also talked to Joy's friend Monica a couple days ago, and she gave me a clothing idea. If you have a sleeveless shirt or dress, you can cut the top of the sleeve and attach Velcro or snaps to close it. That allows you to just slide it up and then fasten it at the top, instead of having to slide your arm through it. Not sure if I'll actually do it, but it sounds nifty. :-)
I also talked to Joy's friend Monica a couple days ago, and she gave me a clothing idea. If you have a sleeveless shirt or dress, you can cut the top of the sleeve and attach Velcro or snaps to close it. That allows you to just slide it up and then fasten it at the top, instead of having to slide your arm through it. Not sure if I'll actually do it, but it sounds nifty. :-)
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Thrift store strike out
I have been looking for dresses that button up the front, and have had no luck at all. I had lunch at Nida's Sushi today, for a much-needed Pad Thai fix. After that, Joy and I went to THREE thrift stores, and I couldn't find anything I liked that would fit.
I bought a pink one on eBay, despite the fact that they have no picture of the pink one on the listing. And I have bids on a couple more, a pink floral nightie and a blue dress.
The more I think about it, the more dresses seem the way to go. I'm baking a batch of carrot cake cupcakes tonight, so I better get to it!
Surgery's a week from tomorrow. Crap! The best news to come out of today is that Joy has a friend who had rotator cuff repair on both sides (not at the same time, gods be thanked) and can provide me some insight on the aftermath. ;-)
I bought a pink one on eBay, despite the fact that they have no picture of the pink one on the listing. And I have bids on a couple more, a pink floral nightie and a blue dress.
The more I think about it, the more dresses seem the way to go. I'm baking a batch of carrot cake cupcakes tonight, so I better get to it!
Surgery's a week from tomorrow. Crap! The best news to come out of today is that Joy has a friend who had rotator cuff repair on both sides (not at the same time, gods be thanked) and can provide me some insight on the aftermath. ;-)
Saturday, June 16, 2012
This weekend and next
Only two weekends left before surgery. I want to bake another batch or two of cupcakes for my painters, to give them on Monday. Also might be able to take some to VOICEcorps on Monday, as that's my last reading day.
I take a variety of pills every day: a Claritin, a Lipitor, a Seasonale, a calcium gelcap, and an Aleve. While loading up my pill dispenser for next week, I was sad to put only three Aleves in: Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Nothing but Tylenol for me from Wednesday on. I think this will go a long way toward removing the last of my reservations about whether surgery is really necessary. The shoulder will probably be singing Ave Maria by the time I go in on Monday.
I had a call a few days ago at work from the surgery center. Apparently, they want me to pay my portion of the surgical center's fees in advance, to the tune of $155.45. This covers the nursing, the drugs, etc. My insurance instructs me not to make co-pays up front, but instead to give them my insurance card, bill the insurance company, and then send me a bill for the remainder. I guess they're worried about not getting paid? Plus, the lady said I'd also be getting a bill from the surgeon (Dr Latshaw) and a separate one from the anaesthesiologist.
Being a forward-thinking person, I've already made sure that the anaasthesia is covered under my insurance, and that they're in-network. Just because your surgery is happening at a facility that is in-network doesn't necessarily mean that all of the providers who are contributing to your surgery are also in-network. So I double-checked this all last month. The bills are all going to the insurance company under the facility name, so I am covered at in-network rates. Yay!
8 days, and counting!
I take a variety of pills every day: a Claritin, a Lipitor, a Seasonale, a calcium gelcap, and an Aleve. While loading up my pill dispenser for next week, I was sad to put only three Aleves in: Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Nothing but Tylenol for me from Wednesday on. I think this will go a long way toward removing the last of my reservations about whether surgery is really necessary. The shoulder will probably be singing Ave Maria by the time I go in on Monday.
I had a call a few days ago at work from the surgery center. Apparently, they want me to pay my portion of the surgical center's fees in advance, to the tune of $155.45. This covers the nursing, the drugs, etc. My insurance instructs me not to make co-pays up front, but instead to give them my insurance card, bill the insurance company, and then send me a bill for the remainder. I guess they're worried about not getting paid? Plus, the lady said I'd also be getting a bill from the surgeon (Dr Latshaw) and a separate one from the anaesthesiologist.
Being a forward-thinking person, I've already made sure that the anaasthesia is covered under my insurance, and that they're in-network. Just because your surgery is happening at a facility that is in-network doesn't necessarily mean that all of the providers who are contributing to your surgery are also in-network. So I double-checked this all last month. The bills are all going to the insurance company under the facility name, so I am covered at in-network rates. Yay!
8 days, and counting!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Quite possibly TMI
I've been getting better at a lot of things, including using my left hand to hold a spoon. I only dropped one Cheerio this morning! But I'm not getting any better at all with some of the left-hand-only tasks. Like pulling up panties. I just can't get them all the way up using one hand. Since my 16-year-old stepson is going to be here for most of the time I'm recovering from surgery, I can't just skip the whole clothing thing altogether for the whole time, which would be my inclination. Next best thing, I think, will be commando under a sleeveless housedress that buttons up the front. Thrift store trip, coming right up!
14 days, and counting. Two weeks from tomorrow morning. <sigh>
But this surgery is needed, for sure. Friday was a two-Aleve day for me, and I try to keep those to a minimum. I took Saturday morning's pill on Friday afternoon, before I even left work. So I skipped Saturday to try to even it out. Mistake! I have been sore all day today, but only took one Aleve. I really don't want to take any more than I have to in order to keep the soreness to a low buzz. But I tell you, I am absolutely NOT looking forward to the 5 days I can't have Aleve or Advil at all. It'll be Tylenol only from the 20th on.
14 days, and counting. Two weeks from tomorrow morning. <sigh>
But this surgery is needed, for sure. Friday was a two-Aleve day for me, and I try to keep those to a minimum. I took Saturday morning's pill on Friday afternoon, before I even left work. So I skipped Saturday to try to even it out. Mistake! I have been sore all day today, but only took one Aleve. I really don't want to take any more than I have to in order to keep the soreness to a low buzz. But I tell you, I am absolutely NOT looking forward to the 5 days I can't have Aleve or Advil at all. It'll be Tylenol only from the 20th on.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Preparations continue
I'm considering starting a new game of Plants vs. Zombies and and using the mouse left-handed. Purely for therapeutic practice, don't'cha know?
I get shampoo from my hair salon in big bottles that come with a pump. I've kept a spare so I can fill it with body wash, to make it easier at shower time. Speaking of salon, I had my stylist cut my hair a little shorter than usual today, because I likely won't be able to make it in in 6 weeks, my usual schedule.
I've got an electric toothbrush now, so I can decrease the likelihood of putting my eye out while brushing my teeth.
I went to Noodles & Company for dinner tonight, and - of course - had Pad Thai. I should be able to eat Pad Thai at least a couple more times before surgery. Maybe I can make myself sick of it beforehand, so I don't miss it?
That's all for now. 19 days, and counting. Cute little countdown clock!
I get shampoo from my hair salon in big bottles that come with a pump. I've kept a spare so I can fill it with body wash, to make it easier at shower time. Speaking of salon, I had my stylist cut my hair a little shorter than usual today, because I likely won't be able to make it in in 6 weeks, my usual schedule.
I've got an electric toothbrush now, so I can decrease the likelihood of putting my eye out while brushing my teeth.
I went to Noodles & Company for dinner tonight, and - of course - had Pad Thai. I should be able to eat Pad Thai at least a couple more times before surgery. Maybe I can make myself sick of it beforehand, so I don't miss it?
That's all for now. 19 days, and counting. Cute little countdown clock!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Thrift store jackpot
I won't be able to raise my arm over my head for some weeks, so I thought it'd be wise to buy some great big men's button shirts to get me through. I went to Goodwill on Morse Rd on Friday, and they had all men's shirts on sale buy one at the normal price of $4, and get one free. I spent $42 at the thrift store, and left with:
14 button front shirts
2 pairs of capri pants with no buttons
1 pair of elastic waist shorts
1 pair of slide-on slipper shoes
1 cute mug
Yay, Goodwill!!
14 button front shirts
2 pairs of capri pants with no buttons
1 pair of elastic waist shorts
1 pair of slide-on slipper shoes
1 cute mug
Yay, Goodwill!!
How will I eat?
I'm actually becoming fairly adept at using a fork with my left hand. I may not starve after all! I foresee a few dishes that I'd best get my fill of before surgery, though:
Pad thai, and long pasta of any sort. I like to use a spoon in my left hand to twirl the pasta in, because it makes nice bites. I won't be able to do that for a while afterward, so I should eat plenty of pad thai now, right? Right??
Burgers with stuff in them. I could probably eat a little burger just fine, but if it's one from Five Guys with bacon and such on it, that's a two-handed burger, for sure.
Anything that needs to be cut up, unless I can find a grown-up to cut it up for me.
Soup, unless it's in a cup so I can drink it. Likewise cereal. I don't trust Lefty with a spoon just yet. Unless I cover the front of me with a bath towel. :-)
21 days and counting.
Pad thai, and long pasta of any sort. I like to use a spoon in my left hand to twirl the pasta in, because it makes nice bites. I won't be able to do that for a while afterward, so I should eat plenty of pad thai now, right? Right??
Burgers with stuff in them. I could probably eat a little burger just fine, but if it's one from Five Guys with bacon and such on it, that's a two-handed burger, for sure.
Anything that needs to be cut up, unless I can find a grown-up to cut it up for me.
Soup, unless it's in a cup so I can drink it. Likewise cereal. I don't trust Lefty with a spoon just yet. Unless I cover the front of me with a bath towel. :-)
21 days and counting.
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