Calling all problem solvers
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: In my little piece of heaven
Posts: 2,870
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
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
Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Edmonton AB
Posts: 285
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.
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.
Forum Leader
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: In my little piece of heaven
Posts: 2,870
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.
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!
Forum Leader
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: In my little piece of heaven
Posts: 2,870
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!
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: East Tawas, MI
Posts: 3,683
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
On a tear
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Volcano Country!
Posts: 3,221
I put "assistance devices one hand" into a google search engine... here is one you can buy:
The first place I clicked on was called rehabilitystores dot com - but you can look around - there were LOTS of them!
Good luck!
The first place I clicked on was called rehabilitystores dot com - but you can look around - there were LOTS of them!
Good luck!
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: FL
Posts: 14,246
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.
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.
Jujubee Queen
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Port Charlotte, Florida
Posts: 3,582
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,
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,
Last edited by mooselips; 04-21-2007 at 11:59 AM. Reason: duh!
Don't get undies in a bunch
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: South Shore MA
Posts: 7,120
Originally Posted by CatsPajamas 
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*
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)
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Calif
Posts: 1,007
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
Hugs, Devastated
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Calif
Posts: 1,007
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
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
Forum Leader
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: In my little piece of heaven
Posts: 2,870
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!
Hug giver-outer!
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: The State of Possibilities
Posts: 533
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?
Oh, and be sure to remove the "wedgie" before the surgery!
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?
Oh, and be sure to remove the "wedgie" before the surgery!
Bridge CLOSED
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: No ones business
Posts: 1,497
I like the idea of the help.. but lots more fun AFTER you are better!
Help is expensive too unless you can get an aide...
As to the cats and dog thing.. Feed the cats first and while they are busy eating, go feed the dog. Or, train the cats.. mine all go when I point and tell them to "Go! Get outta here" but they also come when called by name and sit when told to "take a load off and have a seat.."
And, of course, everyone knows what the word NO means here!
Help is expensive too unless you can get an aide...
As to the cats and dog thing.. Feed the cats first and while they are busy eating, go feed the dog. Or, train the cats.. mine all go when I point and tell them to "Go! Get outta here" but they also come when called by name and sit when told to "take a load off and have a seat.."
And, of course, everyone knows what the word NO means here!
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