My stoic brother just had outpatient shoulder surgery. It should have been IN an OR as it ended up being more invasive than they thought. He required two layers of stitches totalling about 35. This happened yesterday. He says he's fine on the pain meds, but I have a feeling he's REALLY going to be hurting as this heals. He lives out of state so I can't go help him. Can anyone think of something I can send him?
He supposedly will not be taking any additional time off work. So he will be back Monday. He and his wife both work full time and have three small children.
I have no experience with shoulder surgery and would love any suggestions. I was thinking of "sending" them a boxed meal like Dinners by Design, pizza, etc. I'd like to "save" them several nights of cooking/shopping if possible. I'd love some suggestions on WHO to order through.
Thanks Mamas - I know you'll have some great ideas.
My mom said he loves (and misses) Lou Malnati's pizza. So we're sending that.
Thanks for your suggestions!
If you live close to them then drop by and take the kids out to eat and play.
If you do not live close the food idea is excellent because it helps them out.
I prefer the visit to material things, people's love helps with healing faster.
I googled "Barrington Illinois Food Delivery" and then realized that HE doesn't live in Barrington. However, Googling this turned up quite a few restaurants that deliver. I think that would be great to give the family one less thing to worry about. BUT - are the kids picky eaters? That may be a problem.
There's also Edible Arrangements that make fruit bouquets that are beautiful and a great snack.
I've heard about ordering groceries online and having them delivered. I have no clue where to look for that or if they even have that all over the US.
Another idea, if dad is normally really active with the kids, (but can't be now) would be a toy/game something new that he can do with the kids. Maybe a new board game or a ball to kick or new coloring books or some puzzles.
Let us know what you decided to do. I love to read everyones "So What Happened."
Any sort of meal is a brilliant idea.
You mention that your brother lives out of state. Does he have a favorite food from "home" that he misses? When we lived in AZ briefly we could never find a good hot dog. I received a Portillo's Hot Dog care package for Christmas and it was one of the best gifts I ever received. Maybe hot dogs, beef, pizza...something that he might not be able to get in his area might be a nice treat for him.
my bro in law had shoulder surgery, and we bought him some extra big tshirts, so he could put them on over his brace, and not worry about trying to get his arm in the sleeve. Gift certs for dinners would be nice, living so far away.
I agree with another poster, see if peapod will deliver where they live! Make sure first because I know they don't deliver where I live but that would be a big help, you could just send a gift card to them and the mom could order groceries when they need them! Otherwise send them gift cards so they can order out etc. Or depending on the money you wanted to spend maybe order a maid for a day....I know when I had my brain surgery I wish someone would of done that for me, let me tell you, it would of been awesome as I laid on my couch watching the dust grow...Good luck to what u decide!
This won't help them with the cooking part, but it's a really cute gift that I received after my son was born. It's a cookie bouquet from Cookies by Design. They customize the most delicious, giant, hand decorated cookies to look like a bouquet (not necessarily a girly one...they do all shapes and sizes). The kids will get a kick out of it not to mention that eating one of these cookies will make anyone feel better :)
I'm not sure where your brother lives, but they have locations all over the US.
Wishing him a speedy recovery!
I think that helping his wife to have the time to help him is the best. He will have to do physical therapy for a long time for that shoulder too.
So you are very right on with gift certificates to food places. Another suggestion would be a maid service.
I don't know what's in their area, but here there is a place called SuperSuppers - they don't deliver, but they make wonderful homecooked meals and may be a good resource - his wife could just pick it up on the way home. Google may be a good resource, and maybe even a call to the hospital to see if they know of a service in their area.
So I DID have shoulder surgery, except I wasn't the Dad, I was the Mom. That being said, he is correct. He will be fine w/ the pain meds b/c Mom will probably be taking care of EVERYTHING. Sending them premade dinners/meals or gift certificates for Take-out in the area would be greatly appreciated by Mom...a bottle of wine or muscle relaxers for her doing double duty probably wouldn't hurt either. Ideas? Pea pod, Boston Market, Chipotle, many Super Walmarts and Super Targets have kitchen/deli w/ premade food. Many of those places have gift cards that you can order, and reload, on line.
It may be difficult for him to drive...I had surgery on my left shoulder and I know I wasn't allowed to drive for 6 weeks! Talk about being grounded! Is there like a family helper type service or Molly Maids in the area? I remember the biggest annoyances were not being able to drive to run out to pick up this or that, and not being able to carry stuff...laundry baskets, children, broom, plates, etc. A visit or two from the Molly Maids might help things go a little smoother that first couple of weeks.
You could also check out the fruit packages from harry and david's that stuff is excellent. Also, if you know of a favorite restaurant that they have in their town, you could call and have something delivered.
