Calling all problem solvers We codies are some of the most resourceful and creative problem solvers I know. SO - I need your help. On Tues April 24 I am having a bad arthritic bone removed from the base of my left thumb. That means I will be totally without the use of my left hand for at least 3 weeks, and then will move to a smaller cast for 4-6 more weeks... and then I can at least use my finger tips. I am trying to figure out the best way to do certain things... last time I used my teeth as helpers and ended up with 2 chipped teeth: Open a jar Open a can Get the dog food outside to the dog while keeping the 4 cats INside Cut my food zip my purse and much more. Would you all please put on your codie thinking caps and help me figure some stuff out?? The best way to do this is to put your left hand behind your back... and remember my brain will be muddled with pain pills for the first 3 or 4 days! I have the personal hygiene stuff mostly figured out - I found a neat contraption that stands on the counter and holds my hair dryer so I can still dry and style with one hand! Thanks for your help. Cat |
Hmmmm. Here we go.. If the jar has never been opened before, take a butter knife and smash the sides on the top. Enough to leave a dent in the lid. That will loosen the lid. Then take the jar and put it on the floor. Place your strong foot on the top of the lid and place your good hand around the base of the jar and open. It may take some flexability, but it works. Sorry you got me on opening a can. Unless you get an electrical one. Before you take the Dog food outside, prepare to have the cat's in another room before you open the outside door. Swoop each one with your good arm and put them in a room one by one then shut the door? Then get the dog food ready and take outside. Cutting your food will be very tricky. I'm thinking you should buy frozen veggies, or pre cut things yourself now and freeze. Or someone could cut for you? Zipping your purse.. hmmm. How about having your purse inbetween your legs as your sitting down gripping the sides and zip? LOL! This made my day Cat's! lol.. Hope I helped. |
Could the pool boy do any of this stuff for you?? He would have to take his shirt off for most of those chores I do believe. |
Then take the jar and put it on the floor. Place your strong foot on the top of the lid and place your good hand around the base of the jar and open. It may take some flexability, but it works. Zipping the purse ... maybe I'll just get a small piece of leather or fabric so when I put THAT in my teeth they won't chip... Keep those suggestions coming! |
hire a cabana boy.LOL when i think of an alternative, i'll come back |
Could the pool boy do any of this stuff for you?? He would have to take his shirt off for most of those chores I do believe. Cutting the food in the kitchen won't help... I can't keep it still on the cutting board OR on my plate. I just chase it around with the knife until I get frustrated enough to spear it with the knife and bite off pieces! |
open a jar and/or can - solution, eat out dog food outside - solution, no clue, never had a dog or cats cut my food - solution, live on soup zip my purse - solution, VELCRO. k |
Would this not qualify for a home health care aid. You know someone to come in twice a day and do all your chores for you. I really don't have any suggestions, but I love reading everyone's ideas. Marle |
To open a jar that hasn't been opened before, hold with one hand and hit the bottom of the jar with your palm. It breaks the seal on the lid and it should just twist off. |
I put "assistance devices one hand" into a google search engine... here is one you can buy: http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/5...erknifeze1.jpg The first place I clicked on was called rehabilitystores dot com - but you can look around - there were LOTS of them! Good luck! |
ooooh ahhhhh a one handed knife ! And a rather delicious looking strawberry waffle too. I wonder if my cabana boy can cook..... |
Buy your food in the deli section ready to eat, then rewrap it at home before your operation. Use that sticky press and seal wrap and/or ziplock bags with the pull-tab to store everything. You can get a deli meat platter and precut veggies, cheese and fruit. Sandwiches are easy too as long as the filling will stay put. Make some ahead of time. Single serve boxed drinks are good. Buy easy to open items like- cottage cheese, crackers and anything that you can cook in the toaster. A small waffle can be eaten by hand and dipped in syrup. Squeeze bottles with the lids off will be easy to use, look for the type with a flip lid- mustard, ketchup, syrup, jam, mayo all come this way now. Tiny red potatoes cooked in the microwave can be eaten by hand and frozen fried chicken, meatballs, frozen dinners, meatloaf and stew or soup would be easy to eat.. Freeze whatever you can in single serve portions. I think once you actually go up and down each aisle at the store you will find lots of stuff that you can manage. You could also open some of the jars and cans beforehand and put the contents in ziplocks and store them in the frig or freezer. Good luck Cats. I hope this helps you out and that the surgery goes well. |
So easy a caveman can do it: Open all cans and jars NOW. Put them in rubbermaid containers or something you CAN open. Take the dog out right before surgery, and make him hold it after surgery...:) (or find someone to care for dog for awhile?) To cut your food, just go get your teeth sharpened, then...you're good to go! To zip your purse? Throw it away...go buy a velcro purse, they're all the rage now. The above was one huge JK, but the one part about opening stuff now from cans and jars, might just work! Wish I lived closer, sweetie, I'd come help you out. By the way, you're going to HAVE to start making that Cabana boy do more than just look good...make him WORK just a little.... Hugs, |
Originally Posted by CatsPajamas
(Post 1299766)
Open a jar cleavage Open a can cleavage Get the dog food outside to the dog while keeping the 4 cats INside Throw a treat in one direction as you go the other direction. Cut my food napkins and chew more. zip my purse string, leather, beaded key chain with a tag... I have the personal hygiene stuff mostly figured out - Yes I see by your avatar that everything is under control *LOL* As I stated above...use what is available ...cleavage if need be to hold a jar or a can *LOL* Ok truthfully... I would place a jar between my knees and attempt to open it with one hand. Till I was use to lifting a full gallon of milk to pour into a glass... place the glass in the sink for those times you may miss the glass. (less mess) |
Hi Cats Hmmmmm? I've been asked to solve a lot of problems in my time, but never problems like this; therefore, I have to go along with Teke. Hire the Cabana Boy! Sounds good to me! LOL Hugs, Devastated |
You guys are cracking me up. Now I wish that I had asked for suggestions on how to take a shower with my leg in a brace. Thanks, Marle |
Cats I have a couple of problems with the suggestions made by Best, and they are: 1. Clevage?? What's that? 2. Clevage?? What's that? The rest of her suggestions I understood, but again, Clevage?? I don't mean to sound vulgar, however, the only clevage I have is on my backside! So, now what? Hugs, Devastated |
I don't mean to sound vulgar, however, the only clevage I have is on my backside! So, now what? so far I have gone online and bought a knife from the website BigSis found, and I've bought 50 or so of the ziploc bags with the zipper thing. I bought one of those one handed can openers and by golly it works like a charm. Thanks for all the help so far! |
OMG! I have tears running down my face - these suggestions are too funny! And the idea of actually doing them is funnier still! Anything that you can do ahead of time is best. But I do like the idea of hiring a cooking cabana boy who can also massage that other hand and arm that you will be using all the time! With all the wonderful "devices" you have bought, he would be quite an asset! You knew better than to ask this bunch for advice, didn't you? :lmao Oh, and be sure to remove the "wedgie" before the surgery! :roflmao |
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