long surgical recovery...how to keep entertained

[Drew Sailbum]

I'll second the idea for audio books from Audible.com There are a lot of great books that provide many hours of entertainment. I just listened to Roots which was narrated by Avery Brooks (portrayed Captain Sisko on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) and it was fantastic.

 

[J Le]

Some great ideas here! I was laid up for 6 weeks a couple years ago and when I was much younger I was in a cast from hips to neck (you know where your arm sticks out?) for 3 months - I learned how to do everything left handed.
- Organize (a major downfall of mine) recipes, photos, drawyers, closets
- Start learning a language (didn't happen but I thought it was a good suggestion)
- I have a Kindle so books were easy - every Tuesday I was online getting a new one
- Netflix was suggested - I watched all 7 seasons of West Wing and liked it so much I bought 'em!
- Movies and books from the library are a more economical solution
- Surfing the internet and playing free internet games - if only I had known about the DIS back then!!!

 

[minkydog]

Don't be too alarmed if you aren't up to reading or watching TV after surgery. DH had a "minor" brain surgery about 8 years ago and he had some deficits afterward that prevented him from concentrating. The strange thing was that it didn't really bother him--that part of his thought processes were affected too. He could recognize words and numbers, but he didn't know what they meant. He could look at a clock and know it was important, but he didn't know it told the time. He had no sense of direction and got lost a few times, even though we had lived in this area for over 20 years. About 5 weeks after surgery he had to go on a business trip to Montreal. I went with him because he was still having a tough time and trying to cover it up as best he could.I made sure he got to the meetings everyday and got back to the hotel at night. It was weird--he understood how to do his job, but using a credit card and understanding road signs...not so much. Eventually he regained his full faculties. It took about 10-12 weeks to get totally back to normal. We just had to be patient.

Hope your surgery goes very well and you're back to normal quickly. Just be patient with the process.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

My aunt said the best gift someone gave her was a set of coloring books and a gigantic box of Crayola crayons. She tought they were crazy at first but she said she truly enjoyed it.

 

[Pembo]

My aunt said the best gift someone gave her was a set of coloring books and a gigantic box of Crayola crayons. She tought they were crazy at first but she said she truly enjoyed it.

Part of my pt after surgery was coloring! My kids loved my "homework".

OP - you haven't talked about what after effects to expect...as part of your OCD planning, I'd want to know that question. Also I found a great online forum for my type of brain tumor. My friends there were invaluable during my recovery.

 

[disfan07]

OP - you haven't talked about what after effects to expect...as part of your OCD planning, I'd want to know that question. Also I found a great online forum for my type of brain tumor. My friends there were invaluable during my recovery.

the main after effects are going to be related to motor control mainly. The mass is on my pineal gland and the surgery itself does not have too many major after effects.

One of the main reasons that the recovery is as long as it is is because (this may be TMI) they have the separate the neck muscles so the long recovery is partially attributed to that.

Other than that, the surgern will be going in above the cerebellum and right below the occipital lobe so it's really going to be balance and muscle tone problems and a slight possibility of some temporary vision problems.

 

[browneyes106]

I wish you luck with your surgery. I went through some recovery time after orthognathic surgery and I usually spent a lot of time watching movies, tv shows on Netflix and playing games on my iPod Touch. Maybe watch a tv series that you haven't seen before that way you won't get too bored.

 

[clarabelle]

Podcasts! I forgot to mention those. they are free.
I like ones from Slate, and NPR (Wait Wait don't tell me)
There are lots of good ones -depending on your tastes

 

[LisaInNc]

plan your next Disney vacation.

I spent a summer sick a few years ago. Ended up on a feeding tube....NOT FUN. I spent that time planing a Disney trip for when I got the strength to go.

I send you good wishes for a sucessful surgery and a speedy recovery!

Lisa

 

[DVCJones]

No ideas to add. You already got so many great ideas. I just wanted to wish you good luck and a speedy recovery.

Please let us know how you are feeling....when you can.