What do you do when you can't cook anymore??
 

Since I've had all these breaks I'm unable to shop for groceries. Have to make a list of everything, in detail of what we need. I can't stand up to chop veggies, can't stand up to cook or even fix myself a sandwich. I need quick easy things that we can eat without a lot of preparation. I use the crutches to prop myself on in the kitchen but it gets old trying to just make the movements you need to fix a cup of tea. One thing in this cabinet, turn around, try to move things from one counter to another. Just gets old, so I've stopped eating as much. My husband is one of those who will fix things for himself that I can't eat, but it's hard to suggest things that are easy enough for him to prepare that both of us can eat.

Today I'm doing the prep for that camera pill test. Liquids all day. Not a problem, I'm not hungry anymore. But what kind of things can be prepared that you can do with minimum effort. And I usually have to make do with whatever is on hand. Husband doesn't see the need to have more food than what we might eat today. And there is only two of us. I can't prepare food in bulk. It's just hard. I'd appreciate any suggestions you might have that would make it easier.

Thanks folks,
Billye

Billye
 

Billye,
First, will be interested to hear how pill test goes... let us know?

On cooking - when I first got PN but could still eat some mushy foods - I found I couldnt stand up hardly at all also to prepare - but would sit on couch with lap tray and peel potatoes, get up and wash em, then back down on couch and chop up potatoes, celery, carrots, mushrooms, etc, all in my lap.. then just stand to put into pot, add spices, and let it cook for for hour or so... I'd do alot at once - when done just cooled and ran thru food processor and then divided into containers and froze - had little meals for two weeks that I would freeze, then just heat in microwave with a little more broth.... also, for the kitchen - I got a "handicapped stool chair" that has a back - is high so can reach stove - and also a foot rest - and that helped a lot.....

Also, pre-pn but still super easy - I'd buy the big bags of individually frozen chicken breasts - cook a bunch at once by just tossing in corningware, spices - no liquids needed - and throw in oven until done - then freeze them again individually until time to eat... would make enough for a week or two... not much labor invoved at all (the individual freezing - you can get them a supermarkets or Costco) makes it easy to prepare - you dont have to do any cutting....

(some more thoughts - hubby could run potion thru food processor and put into containers? also used to buy big containers of freeze dried mushrooms sometimes so didnt have to chop those - now I use on-line shopping which might be avialable in your area - order everthing on-line usually twice a month - minimal delivery fee and they put everything in your kitchen or whereever - and I've found out which local store brings food to me I've let them know my situation and they special order ensure etc for me and keep in stock - if no on-line in your area maybe some stores worth a call to see if they will do for you? also, I use an "elder-care" companion service to take me to doc appts (not home health) - but they usually help people at home - If you could find one and work out a deal where you didnt have to commit to many hours (mine lets me use as needed with minimum 3 hours when I do) - and I know they do cooking and light cleaning for people - maybe you could have them come in once a week and help you out? (you could also run an ad and try to hire someone directly - less money out of your pocket, more money in theirs). And dont laugh - Meals on Wheels - even though generally assumed for the "elderly" they will help the disabled and maybe you could use them, if only a couple days a week?) Also, I'd call your city government to see if they have any avialable services to help you - mine sent out a social worker to help me find resources.....

:)

Great ideas!
 

Kmeb,
Lots of useful info in that post you just did for me. Thank you so much. We're in rural area, so no food delivery, no Meals on Wheels and as you know, the dogs are in the kitchen, den area. They are really a problem. It's a good thing I love them.:rolleyes: But the stool in kitchen is a great idea. I'm using a small computer chair in my bathroom. It lets me sit to brush teeth etc. And my breakfast room is separated from the kitchen so I could sit at the table to cut things up and then just stand up and put them on the counter. Great idea!!! Just thanks so much. I seem to be dulled in the head lately. This last break has really thrown me into a depressive state.

And the chicken breast idea is wonderful. I can still eat chicken and pork. Beef is too chewey for me. Takes too much chewing, tongue moving to get it down. I can see that buying a food processor is necessary for us.

I can see that getting a social worker for now is important. I need to have some help. I'm having housekeeper to come in and she keeps baths and guest area clean, but we still have to cope with kitchen, den area.

Thanks so much.:hug:
I have more to work with now.

Billye

My mother was 5 feet tall and petite. She had 4 sisters. All were under 5 feet tall. My grandmother was 4 feet 11. My father was 5'9 or 5'10, and normal.

Then I showed up. All 200 lb and 5'7.

To say I stuck out at family get togethers is putting it mildly.

I don't know how genes played a part in this, but believe me, when I walked into the door of a family get together, they all stopped talking and pointed to me. One time I even heard a cousin say: "oh my god, how big is she??"

You don't forget stuff like that.

So the whole family was tiny, short, etc. etc.

THEN, LIFE WENT ON, they ate whatever they wanted, and Melody got the lightbulb moment.j

I will never forget last summer at a cousin's reunion. Everybody showed up and no one recognized me. See, all the woman were 200 lbs and short. They called themselves Little Turkeys. And Alan and I showed up (Alan, newly svelt because of his weight loss and exercise routine), and me, because I followed the Cornell program.

Well, I never laughed so hard.

All these people who had looked upon me like the Giant Behemoth, now looked at me like 'who the heck are you". My cousin Chippy even said "that's Melody, that can't be Melody" I walked in saying 'yes, it's Melody".

Too bad I waited 55 or so years to get my head on straight, but what the heck. Better late than never.

I don't think you have to be a certain age to learn how to eat sensibly, and not eat too much junk. Takes time and patience.

I only wish my mother could have seen the way I now look. She would never have believed it.

lol

Mel

The hospital sent out a very pregnant social worker,she had twins..But the idea of Bob being down stairs,bothered her...SOOO ,she said I can send someone to help clean your bedroom and a nurse to check your feet..
The poor young girl came over and begged me to leave my bedroom messy.
Making a bed it hard for me,but kitchen help would of made more sense,
I have to have a stool,making the little meal wore me out,not to mention,
I can burn my hands and not know until the bisters show..Bob found some interesting rubber looking,cant burn your hands gloves...Well of course they kept falling off,so I yelled no more..
I don't like sending Bob out for my groceries,so I found
nd UP,delivers almost anywhere,but they drop and run,Ok for me not for others,my house is far to big,I will have to deal with that...But I can't stand any dust...So one day
I called a wonderful lady, she helps the blind,as she is live a independent living.worker...She offered to come and her assitant will look around,normally i would of said no,but I need the help,so she's coming later this week. Please do
not kill yourself trying to do things you cannot do...Now I need the help, so
I will be grateful..Just standing,well opening things,well I can lose it,Bob is
not always here...It will help me and i'm sure make my children worry less.
I am going to do the best I can to except help,I hope...Hugs Sue

Silverlady do you have a trader joes? Maybe not but they have a lot of healthier prepared foods. I like the short cuts chicken,they have frozen turkey burgers,veggie burgers. Quick breakfast for dinner like omelettes are good. A bowl of soup and a sandwich can be nutritious. Could your husband and yourself come up with a plan for the week that both of you like? They even have pre made stir fry I think by Green Giant with the meat,veggies,rice. A few gadgets like The Foreman grill or a crockpot can help things be made quicker. Or for me I can make anything in a microwave. I like Amy's frozen foods too. There healthier frozen I think organic meals so there more expensive but in a pinch.
Melody I'm sure your mom is looking down on you with joy for all the work you have done. I wish though in general people would keep others weight or appearance comments to themselves. I have issues with comments and it still being hard for me. I think the world would be a better place if everyone focused on themselves unless asked or had something nice to say.

Hi Dahlek, some meds can cause weight gain which would make it extremely difficult to retain proper weight, i have read so many posts over the years were people are troubled with weight gain, due to their meds.
I hope your teeth issues heal quickly, i couldn't even imaging how hard it would be finding nourishing liquids to keep you satisfied, a challenge to say the least.
What i have learn't with keeping blood sugars in control, is eating sensibly with nourishing foods that are in high fibre foods but low GI that keep you fuller for longer as they release more slowly into the blood, portion control is paramount as well, as they say it's better to have 6 SMALL meals spread evenly over the day than to have 3 big meals, best way to avoid high glucose spikes, that's virtually what i am doing now.
Your absolutely correct, tweaking in a way that is healthy but satisfying is a good approach, thanks for your input.

Brian :)

I'm a 5ft lady who come out of the would of tall..I was skinny,and after the kids I was a 80 lb wonder..D and Mel and all others all I heard was you justt have to be sick,you shouldn't be walking this earth,do you neverr eat????
Well like K,i ran not walked everywhere...Yes I wish people would think the
pain that comes out of there mouth...

Then i told you about gaining weight,and I wish my Mom could see me now,
I can go out and nobody is watching middle of the road...For a while
I was concered about keeping my napkin up high,to catch the food,the people
who love me just don't care,and if others are watching there dropping food on
themselves...My Mom is watching and I know she's smiling,but I understand
Mel. Nothing wrong with frozen foods,remember those when we were young
Mel..I thought the neighbor kids were so lucky,until I tasted one..Yuck
People must learn words hurt,I use to make fun of myself before they could.
Now i'm happy to look around,why there were Deer across the street the other night,they looked like they were kissing,but it rained and the builder's have forced them out,just for a drink of water...Sue

No, fraid not
 

Daniella,
we are too small to have anything as cosmopolitan as Trader Joe's. We have a Walmart and one grocery store. Two drugstores. Phone store, a J.C. Penny's, Belks and that is pretty much it. Rural, very rural. The Walmart killed out other stores really fast.

The UPS, Fedx etc. dump even my Humira which has to be refrigerated on the front porch. I've seen them come up to the house at a dead run, throw the package and run back. Their schedules must be horrible. I cannot imagine doing that all day. I don't depend on them for anything I don't have to. We are lucky that we have a really good mailman. If the weather is really bad, he will bring the mail up to the house and put it on the front porch. We have a very long drive and there is no way I can get to the mailbox and back myself. Luckily my husband continues to be in good health. He's really recovered from his back surgery. Took 4 weeks of physical therapy to get him finally on his feet.

Sorry, got off subject. It's just really hard to get anyone to come out here. Too far from anything. We loved it when we first built here but now, finding it is a problem sometimes.

Shiney Sue. I don't make my bed anymore. I can't do it. The housekeeper changes the sheets regularly. I don't do anything at this time. I just can't. Too crippled up. Thanks for your suggestion. But I couldn't read where you buy your groceries from.

Billye

Billye:

You probably qualify for the Meal on Wheels program.

Here's a link to the Texas part of it.

Just click on your county, give them a call. You can get a good meal (might even be 3 meals a day, I'm not sure),

Here you go!!!

http://www.mealcall.org/meals-on-wheels/tx/index.htm

Hope this helps!!!