Seeking Advice from Caring Moms Because I Just Got Out of the Hospital

My goodness honey! I'm so sorry! I was put on bedrest for 2 months over the summer last year, and same thing. I couldn't get up to move, so bored, and painful. Lots of pillows helped me, maybe even a foam mattress pad? We don't have cable, but I found hulu online. www.hulu.com. It allows you to watch most tv shows. I also read a ton. Maybe a friend can stop at the library and pick out some books for you? Good luck and hope that you are feeling better sooner rather than later!

ask dad for a hospital bed. can you cross stitch, do crosswords, crochet anything like that puzzles. I have heard of people with back problems sleeping on boards. sounds silly but worth a try. can you call friends to come over? what about writing stories to break the boredom. my son does it it takes a long time to do but maybe one will get published. we need to know about your restrictions and why to help you better. go in and edit your question and add this information so we can better help you.

also is your dad away so much due to work?

A recliner with pillows will have to do until a hospital bed can be had. Boredom busters - reading, needlepoint/cross stitch, knitting/crocheting (even spool knitting can be fun and it doesn't take a lot of concentration in case your pain medication is zonking you out).

Someone mentioned writing in a journal or diary. What about writing a story or book? Nobody but you has to read it and it doesn't have to be something that can be published (unless you want it to be), just write about a subject that interests you. Be creative, use your mind and make up some good stories. Go buy a magazine or book that will teach you some new thing to do such as jewlery making, beading, weaving, pottery (I loved pottery and ceramics at your age), sewing or making clothes, etc.

Someone mentioned a hospital bed, that is a good idea, alot of time your insurance will pay for one. Contact your doctors office and see if they can make the arrangements. Talk to your doctor about the pain. Do you have a visiting nurse and physical therapy? Is your mom home with you? Can you get out of bed and get yourself something to eat? Is there anyone that can come over and visit with you, an aunt, cousin or friend?

G., how old are you? I am so sorry that you are going through this, spinal surgery is very painful, what happened?
Let us know how you are doing.
L.

First I am sorry. It sounds horrible. So your Dad being away and your mom being sick is prohibiting you from getting the right care right now? Is that what's going on? I assume you're still in school? So probably school work would keep you a little occupied. Books, crosswords or suduko, writing, you can get some movies to watch, have friends visit, etc. I know it stinks being bound to a bed.
How long do you have to stay put? Or can you go out just have to limit your activities?

Video games! Movies, books... You're on here so I assume you have a laptop.. or your computer is set up near your bed, so you can play on it while resting.

What about taking up a hobby? Like learning photo editing? You could play with some pictures through GIMP or Paint.net (both are free) -- http://www.guidetoartschools.com/tips-and-tools/free-phot... There are tons of tutorials out there, you could learn to do some pretty cool things :) Pick something you like and teach yourself, it doesn't have to be photo editing and digital manipulation. You could do web page design. Digital art - drawings, cartoons. Something that keeps your brain engaged will make the time pass a lot faster then laying there.

Like other Moms have said - pillows, pillows, pillows. Prop yourself up on pillows, and put a pillow under the curve of your knee when you're sitting up. Personally, I would start looking on Craigslist for a Tempur-pedic mattress (super soft and spongy), maybe you can find one almost new for cheap and talk to your Dad? My friend has a Tempur-pedic on a craftmatic kind of base.. so it's adjustable. It's perfect for bad backs, and it will feel good long after your surgery.

How long are you confined to your bed? I'm sorry you're in so much pain.

Great books for teens:
Hunger Games Series...super great reads.
Bean Trees

Keep a journal...will help you keep up your writing skills and relax your mind. You could do it online or by hand...sometimes by hand is more relaxing.

I agree with the pillows but try contoured kind if you can.

Until you can get a hospital bed, sometimes a recliner is more comfortable than a bed. Also, lots of pillows, and it helps if there is someone who can help get them situated for you. I don't know of many boredom busters than have not already been nemtioned. Do you have a pet? Sometimes an animal is a great stress reliever.

Find a big puzzle and put it together - it keeps your mind active and it's fun...
How about crosswords or sudoku or some history videos or something. Do you have homework? It's boring, but it needs to get done.
My dad has back problems and when they get really bad he sleeps on the floor - you might consider a piece of plywood under your mattress to make it firmer.
Do you crochet or knit? There are cancer patients who need blankets and hats. Check online. There are soldiers in Germany who need quilts if you quilt...
Good luck!
LBC