How to pass time during medical house arrest?

[BaristaQ]

I had emergency surgery 2 weeks ago, to remove my right ovary after a ruptured cyst caused some pretty good damage and a bit of internal bleeding. They tried to do it laparoscopically but ended up having to cut into me a la C-section to clean up the damage, so I was sent home with some lengthy restrictions and a note keeping me from work for 5 weeks.

At this point in time, I feel pretty great actually, hardly like I had surgery... provided that I don't walk for more than 10 minutes at a time. DEFINITELY way better than the pain that landed me in the ER! But I'm going absolutely CRAZY just sitting at home doing nothing!!! The past three days I *literally* have felt like I have too much energy for my body to contain, yet I am restricted from exercising or lifting or doing anything even moderate at this point still. It sort of feels like it might even be withdrawal from the narcotics, but I sure as heck am not going to just start taking them again to make that feeling go away. How have others coped with several weeks of medical leave???

[BaristaQ]

Yeah, I've been trying to watch movies and read, but it's so hard to just sit around all day. I'm going stir crazy! I have a job where I am always on my feet so I can't get used to sitting on my butt for the majority of my time. My computer DEFINITELY has helped, especially video games, but I have to make a conscious effort to not do stuff like dance around to music or anything active and therefore risky.

[MarieMichele]

Besides movies, books and the computer, I occupied myself with handheld video games on Nintendo DS.  If you have a smart phone, you can even surf the 'net from bed holding nothing heavier than a cell phone.  I've posted a few responses to this forum from my phone!

[TrudieC]

Catch up on all the movies you've not gotten to see and the books you'd like to read.  I like to cook so I put a stool in the kitchen and cooked up a storm.  And, my computer definitely contributed to my sanity.  Good luck on your recovery.

[ireneo]

My daughter (who is pregnant) has been on bed rest for the past 9 weeks, 6 weeks of that has been in the hospital. The only thing she's allowed to do is get up to go to the bathroom and take a 2 minute shower. The rest of the time she has to lay down in bed, not even sit up.

At first it was hard for her to be down so much of the time. And in the hospital she's separated from all her favorite things - clothing, cats, music, videos. But she's managed by staying in touch with her friends online, phone calls, even taken up crocheting. The baby isn't due until the end of March so she's still got some more down time ahead of her. They might let her go home at the end of next week if all the tests are clear. She'll still be on bed rest but she'll be thankful to be home again.

The point I'm making is try to stay in touch with friends, explore new information on the computer if you can, try a new hobby, read a book write some letters to friends. Kind of old fashioned I guess but they'll be pleasantly surprised. This is temporary and you'll gradually feel better.

irene