Yesterday, May 9th, I was walking towards the exit of my jam-packed commuter train when, across from me, two women facing me stopped abruptly. The woman in front looked shocked. I gestured, “Please, go ahead, I’m a little slower.” After a long pause, she replied, “I know you.” I was surprised and then panicked as I scanned her face. I had no clue who she was. Did I work with her, treat her? As we stepped out, I asked her, “I’m sorry, where do we know each other from.” She smiled, “You don’t remember me, do you? I know you from Yale New Haven.” I struggled to think of the floors I worked on until I asked, “The ICU?” She nodded, “Yes, I took care of you.” I was stunned. “It’s been ten years, you remember me?” She nodded. “I’m sorry I don’t remember much initially after the surgery, but thank you for everything you did. I can’t believe you remember me.” She was quiet, staring at me. Smiling. She said, “I remember you, you look great. I’m so happy for you; you’re doing so well.” We parted ways, but I’ve had a smile on my face and joy in my heart thinking of this fantastic nurse who took care of me at such a vulnerable time in my life and remembered me. I teach my students that we don’t stop caring for our patients because our shift is over. We think of them, pray for them, and even ten years later, we remember them.

Thank you to all the Nurses, especially those I have worked with and those who helped me recover these past ten years.

#Happynursesweek!

PS I regret not asking her, but I hope I was nice to her.

‘Tis the season and my favorite time of the year. To be blessed with the love of family and celebrate the holiday season in good health is truly a wonderful gift and a luxury afforded to many, but sadly, not all. When thinking of what to gift those recovering from surgery, I have a few suggestions which may lessen the stress associated with their transition from life before surgery to the “new normal”. These are just some of the things others were kind enough to provide me with or that I was able to obtain eventually that made life a little easier, more entertaining, or more manageable.

1. Netflix

Most that know me well know that I do not own a TV. I catch what I need on YouTube and Google, the movies, or when I visit with friends. Once I had surgery, life became stagnant and a little boring so my dear friend Christina was kind enough to provide me the gift of Netflix. I will forever be grateful to her as I caught up on some gems that I haven’t seen in ages and formed some new addictions. If you asked the nurses where my room was they would tell you just listen for the Cheers’ theme song or Law & Order, SVU and Criminal Intent. Seriously you can’t go wrong with this.

2. Crossword Puzzles

My favorite. Initially after surgery, I had great difficulty with reading and comprehension. I would have my brother respond to text messages as I could not formulate the responses myself. One day my therapist provided me a photocopy of a crossword puzzle, elementary level, and I remember feeling very frustrated as I could not understand how to complete it. It was extremely challenging and humbling but by my second month in rehab I was able to do them without covering the letters. It’s a great way to pass time in rehab or at home and extremely rewarding to progress in terms of level of difficulty. Many local Dollar stores even carry them so they are reasonably affordable and can be included in a gift basket.

3 Toiletries & Undergarments

One can never have too much of either. Truth is when you are disabled, temporary or otherwise, these are hard to come by on your own. I’m not saying go out and get Victoria’s Secret thongs but the Hanes 10 in a pack cotton underwear are the best when you want comfort over style. As for toiletries, pharmacy stores like CVS or Walgreen's have a travel section which sells travel sized shampoos/ conditioners, body washes, toothpaste, deodorants, skin creams/ lip balms which would be great in a gift basket.

4. Electric Heating Pad

Many people recovering from surgery can feel sore not only from pain at the surgical site but from surgery itself. Laying on an operating table under the effects of anesthesia is extremely stressful for the body and can be fatiguing. I myself have benefitted from a heating pad for sore muscles in my legs or back related to overuse or spasticity/ tone and it has served as a suitable alternative for days I do not have therapy. They’re very affordable and will be appreciated by anyone who is in need of them. If within your means, consider the alternative of massage therapy and treat them to a session. You can find great deals on Groupon.

5. SAS Orthotic Shoes

I’ll admit, not the sexiest pair of shoes, but hands down the most comfortable and safe. I have tried multiple brands of shoes as I tried to hold on to a sense of style only to find myself dangerously close to losing my balance and sustaining an injury. For anyone that requires the assistance of a leg and foot brace, you can understand my frustration. Often I felt like the two step sisters from Cinderella trying to fit my brace into a sexy pair of Nike or Puma sneakers, but alas, they were not for me. SAS though costly, are practical, safe, and giftworthy.

6. Electric Razors/ Toothbrushes

First of all I’d recommend anyone going in for surgery to pack these as the surgical course one can take is unpredictable and these come in handy for rehab. There are many to select from and are very affordable. As someone who lost function of an entire side of her body, this was one of the first things I purchased on eBay from rehab. Gifting it would avoid the hassle for your loved one. Of course you could bypass the need for shaving and buy a Groupon Deal for laser hair removal, they could get four to five treatments in for around $100.

7. Hands Free Hair Dryer Stand

This Holiday season I give thanks for the relief afforded me with this simple yet amazing invention. My lion’s mane is much more manageable with a hands free stand that fits most hair dryers. I have purchased mine on eBay, but please use caution as not all stands are made equal. I personally have found the Tripod shaped stands to be most convenient. My hair may not look perfect most days but there is something to be said about the confidence one has in being independent and self-sufficient, even if only a little.

8. Apps Subscriptions

Great stimulating games which help pass the time when everything is a little too quiet. Here is a list of apps shared with me which stimulate brain activity by improving memory, attention, and ability to complete problem solving activity. Farmville for fun is great, but perhaps in addition to these:

i. Lumosity, Elevate Brain Training, Word to Word, Sudoku -some are free and can be combined

ii. My favorite, anyone recovering from weakness or a stroke, Dexteria. Only $3.99 for the app but it’s great.

iii. Bundle: Motor Skills Medley- Visual and Fine Motor Skill Apps $8.9

9. Candles/ Diffusers

Aromatherapy is very calming and uplifting, especially when combined with classical music. These are relatively inexpensive items which can be purchased at a variety of retailers in stores and online. Take caution with candles and gauge appropriateness for the individual and or residence.

10. Food

Cooking after surgery is the last thing anyone wants to do. Having groceries delivered to the home of an individual recovering is a great gift and easy with services such as Stop & Shop Peapod for example. You can even help pick items which are nutritious and supportive of healing and recovery.

11. Laundry Service

I was very fortunate that my family would do my laundry for me and it was a huge relief. To not have to wear a hospital gown and wear regular yoga pants and t-shirts allowed me to feel “normal”. This would be a tremendous gift for a loved one or friend recovering from surgery. If you are unable there are online services which you can use to schedule a pick up and they will get it done. For example www.care.com has housekeeping and other services which would be useful for someone in need.

12. Flowers/ Balloons/ Cards

I absolutely loved coming to my room after therapy and finding a beautiful vase of flowers delivered. This never got old and even after rehab I have kept my cards and rosaries my friends and family sent me, some in my office at work. It is a beautiful reminder that I was not alone in this journey.

13. Company

Of all the things aforementioned, company is the best gift you can give someone who is recovering. Some of my favorite memories from rehab and then home involved watching movies with my brothers or sitting with my friends or father in the courtyard of rehab. I feel blessed to have had family and friends who made the experience less difficult, so if that is all that is in your means then trust it is enough and far more valuable than anything retail.