I tore the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in my right knee 18 years ago playing football and had surgery at the University of Arizona. I was living at my parents house at the time and they made I got what needed in terms of medical, physical and moral support. Our home was one-story and for the week I was on crutches I didn't need to do much except attend physical therapy.
Four years ago I tore the ACL in my left knee playing in a pickup lacrosse game in Hawaii. I returned home to New York and tests were inconclusive so my doctor scheduled surgery to scope it out and he would reconstruct the ACL if necessary. Well I woke up to his words "Your ACL was shredded so I had to fix it".
Living in New York is not the most ideal place to deal with a leg injury. After leaving the hospital I had to scoot into a cab then navigate the stoop up to our front door and then the flight of stairs to our apartment. I didn't think much of those steps when I had two good legs to walk on but as many can attest too, stairs on crutches isn't fun.
Laura took great care of me but we also had some family help arrive that week. Here are my observations about returning home after knee surgery and tips to make the transition easier for everyone including yourself.
1. Accept help
I'm very independent and don't ask for much but in a situation like this its better to be open and receptive to friends and family assisting you. Don't abuse your situation but when you are comfortable everyone else is too.
2. Clear the room
Make sure you remove any unnecessary clutter around the house. Pick up the boxes and anything else that might hinder you getting around on crutches. Remember you take up a wider space with crutches.
3. Watch out for rugs
Rugs can slide especially when the single point of a crutch is pushed on it. Consider removing rugs while you are on crutches. The last thing you need is a rug slipping and you falling and reinjuring yourself.
4. Easy access to meds
Keep your medication, wraps any other supplies close at hand. You don't want to reach or fumble for these things.
5. Stock up on food
Make sure you've got all your comfort foods close by and plenty of liquids. Keep water near the couch or wherever you will be recovering as its important to stay hydrated.
What other tips do you have for making your home as comfy after returning home from surgery?
note: above photo is not my knee.
We love and hate shopping at IKEA. Yes, they have well designed products for prices that you can't beat but sometimes we wish the furniture was more sturdy and the shopping experience was more pleasant.
We wouldn't say it's IKEA's fault that shopping there can be a task but it seems that they are so popular that the wait for product to be brought out as well as navigating the sheer size of the store can take an entire afternoon.
Here are 7 secrets to shopping at IKEA that we hope makes your next trip to the Swedish mecca a successful one.
1. Shop During Off Hours
Weekends at IKEA will always be crazy. Try to shop during the week and if you must go on the weekend, it's best to be there right when they open which is at 10am at most locations.
2. Use the Website
Unless you enjoy browsing the aisles and taking your time, shop first online and make a list of everything you need and make sure your local store has it then go.
3. Enter Via the Exit
Instead of meandering through all the rooms and through the entire maze of the store, enter from the exit/pickup area and make your way back through the store, especially if you are looking for household items and one off pieces.
4. Use Self Checkout
If you've got 15 items or less use the self-checkout line. It's fast and easy and you'll be out in no time. It seems a lot of customers are put off by this but don't be.
5. Pay for Big Items First
It can take an hour or so for large items to be brought out after you've paid for them when they are busy. So get your big item paid for then go back and shop for the smaller stuff you can put in your bag or cart and by the time you are done shopping your larger item should be waiting for you.
Paint should be properly stored all year round but especially in cold weather. If you've got paint leftover from a project make sure to follow these 5 rules for storing paint and you'll have plenty of paint for your next project.
1. Paint can freeze
Make sure paint is stored at the recommended temperature. If it freezes it will be ruined.
2. Follow storage directions
All paints come with specific storage directions and most of them should be kept away from heat and flames and also out of the cold.
3. Check expiration date
Paint has a shelf life and make sure you know how long your paint will last before using it again.
4. Watch where you store it
Paint should not be stored hear a car or any motorized vehicles. It should also be kept away from furnaces, power tools and water heaters.
5. Use sturdy shelves
Paint should be stored on sturdy shelves that can meet the weight requirement. No other chemicals should be stored near paint.
Gyms are expensive and if you've got the space at home, why not invest a bit in building and setting up a home workout space. Not just a home gym with some weights and a Soloflex but a real place to do your favorite workout whether that's lifting weights, running, biking, basketball or yoga.
You are the true expert when it comes to doing the workout you enjoy and here are 7 steps to building the ultimate home workout space.
1. Make it Fun
Why don't you go to the gym? Because it stopped being fun. The same goes for your home workout space. If it's a room with a treadmill, it will soon become the least used room in the house. Take time to design the room and add some color or motivational posters or mirrors, whatever you need to get your juices flowing.
2. Pump up the Volume
If you're at home then ditch the ear buds and setup a nice sound system in your workout room. Music is a great motivator and not as distracting as a television.
3. Keep it Clean
Don't let your workout room become storage or you'll be reminded of all the stuff you need to do or get rid of. Keep the room clean so you can stay focused on your workout.
4. What Sport Do You Love?
Follow your gut and setup a space to practice your favorite sport. Basketball hoops are easy and if you've got room a lacrosse goal is fun to shoot on if that's your thing. You'll be surprised at how many homes have wrestling mats in the basement or yoga bars. If you've got kids this is where the good ones start which is early.
5. Share with Friends
Don't hog all the fun, share your new workout space with your friends and invite them over for a game of basketball on your new DIY court or have them do a workout with you with your new recumbent bike.
6. Be Kind to Neighbors
If you've got an outdoor workout space, be respectful to neighbors when it comes to sounds and lighting. Nobody likes to hear basketballs bouncing while they are enjoying dinner with their family.
