Dee Randall wrote:

>>Ok, here are my biggest kitchen problems aside lifting anything of any
>>weight.
>>
>>heights - I'm vertically challenged to begin with so have had a step stool
>>for quite some time. I can stand on the counter and still not touch the
>>ceiling. With the left side weakness and/or numbing or tingling, climbing
>>that step stool can be challenging. I can't catch myself if I misstep but
>>the possiblities of misstepping are greatly increased. Sol'n so far have
>>been to get DH to get whatever large pots or equipment down for me first
>>thing in the morning and then he puts them away at night. This is a
>>really big problem for me. Then If I'm trying to get something down it is
>>worse.
>
>
> One sorta solution to paragraph above. I NEVER get on a step stool. If I
> can't reach it, DH will bring it down for me. If he weren't available, I'd
> have to work out another solution - i.e., get rid of a lot of stuff; put
> everything essential at eye level and a little up and a little down.
> Don't trust yourself on the smallest step-stool. My opinion only, only
> because I don't.
>

See, I'm have really developed a fear of falling especially since
falling between the boat and dock last year due to this left sid
problem. That tore a hamstring, not pleasant. I'd like my feet on the
ground but I will use the rubbermaid step stool in the kitchen out of
necessity.

>>reaching - strict orders not to raise my arms above my shoulders. Eye
>>level and counter level is ok. Left side weakness presents some problems
>>but I'm dealing with it. One corner cupboard is a disaster for me.
>
>
> I can't reach out in front of me with anything weighing much over two lbs.
> Just don't try. Put something else in the corner cupboard for DH to do when
> he's available.

The corner cupboard is just a major problem for me. I'll talk it over
with DH tonight. Maybe we can do some switching around.

>
>
>>standing - Prep work is fine as long as I don't stand in one place for
>>longer than about 10 minutes. I have a dishwasher so only have to wash
>>pots and pans.
>
>
> If you're abode is open, or if you have a chair near, put on a timer, then
> sit down and relax or read something. Or bring out a tablet to sketch until
> you gain back some energy. This is one reason my kitchen is always a mess,
> I usually have to work in increments of time. Lots/most of the time I do
> mise-en-place, rest, do a few dishes, rest, cook, rest, clean up dishes.
> It's an on-going thing.
>

I've been doing the sit to where my leg goes numb. That usually takes
10 min then I have to get up and move. My gp said not to stay sitting
when it does that. But plain standing is a problem I'm having the
numbness in the left side and tingling in the right. I have a smaller
step for putting one leg up to help and I've been doing the
mise-en-place as well.
>
>>bending - the lazy susan is in the bank of the lower cabinet. The *only*
>>way I can get anything out of there is to squat then sit on my butt and
>>hope to hell I can get back up. So this is a major problem.
>
>
> Forget about the lazy susan stuff -- don't do it! I have a buffet chest
> where I store kitchen towel, cloths, etc. on a lower part. I set it in front
> of the buffet in a clothes basket. It sits there until DH unloads it.
>
>
>>freezers - 2 chest freezers and one side by side - If something is near
>>the top of the chest freezers I can get it. Other than that, no way. The
>>sbs isn't too bad so DH has been rotating the freezer food for me more.
>>I'm wondering if getting an upright freezer would be a better idea?
>
>
> Maybe size down your freezing space altogether?

That is DH's suggestion. He figures we should get rid of the big
freezer in the garage because of its age and me being able to get to it
in inclimate weather especially icy weather. He figures if it is gone
then there will be less chance for a slip and fall compounding
pre-existing problems.
>
>
>>canning - I'm very experienced so feel comfortable running the canners.
>>Getting jars in or out seems to be ok at the moment. Moving heavy pots or
>>the canner is a no go.
>
>
> Wait until DH is home for a day or around the house to can.
>
>>kitchen size - We have an l-shaped countertop, stuffed to the hilt, not
>>eat in kichen. There is no room for a wheeled cart or island. My canning
>>shelf is on one wall so at least that stuff is always accessible. We
>>can't bump out or make the kitchen larger although DH does have an
>>architect coming in to see what we could do. If a wheelchair became a
>>necessity for even a short period of time the whole back end of our house
>>would have to be redone.
>
>
> There is always the in-between mobility and a wheel-chair -- investigate the
> purchase or rental of a nice walker.

I'm using one crutch on the days my left side is really bad. My gp said
to put everything including any strengthening exercises on hold until I
see the neurosurgeon. I'm getting in a short walk as in block and back
walk daily on nice days. I think that's helpings and within what she
said I could do. Riding a bike is out

>
> And it's OK to give in to health problems. Sometimes it seems
> insurmountable. Doing less seems terrible when you're used to doing a lot,
> but you'll have more time for some sit-down things for a while.

See Dee, I'm so used to doing so much all the time. This is really not
sitting well with me!

>
>
>
>>Any and all suggestions welcomed
>
>
> Those are my suggestions.
> I hope they don't sound too dire. I've faced a lot of the same thing, but
> not on the same critical basis that you are facing.

Nice to have the suggestions and I really do appreciate them. Thanks.

> Good health,
> Dee Dee
>
>