Help with washing dishes

A

Alpine

New member
I was just reading the "around the house" thread and didn't see any posts about loading the dishwasher. I'm 3 weeks post fusion and have had help since my surgery. But, soon I will need to be more independent. Any suggestions on how to load the dishwasher, specifically the bottom rack. I think I can handle the upper rack okay. Does the grabber work?
 
The grabber will definately help, although you won't be able to use that with heavy items. If you have kiRAB, they are a great help to load and unload that bottom shelf. If you don't have kiRAB to help, I would suggest paper plates for awhile or hand washing what little you use. You will get to the point where you can squat to get things at a lower level, however that would take forever to load a dishwasher. When I have to I use the "Aim and Drop" method. By the end it looks like my 4 year old loaded it and it's 1/2 full. But alteast I try. :) Goodluck!
 
Thanks NLena...How long ago was your fusion? I'll start trying out the hand washing and see if I can make the same deal with my hubby.
Lisa
 
Thanks Back Ache! Your post made me laugh and that is always good medecine. I do have kiRAB (6 and 3). They are good helpers, especially with laundry but I hadn't tried out dishes yet...I will give it a shot. I am using paper plates, but we still seem to accumulate dishes (bowls, utensils, etc.). My husband has now learned how to use the dishwasher (had to guide him through it from my hospital bed), but his frequency seems to be about once per week.
 
Hello there,
I was warned post op fusion NOT to load unload the dishwasher specifically because of the bend twist action it requires..I have made a deal with Hub...he does the bottom shelf I can do the top...but I have yet to find anyway to load the bottom shelf with the heavy stuff without doing the bend and twist sort of thing. I would agree with the previous posts about help or hand washing that level stuff....the sink is about the right level and boredom and depression being hand in hand here with my recovery I have actually found it helpful to me as seeing dishwashing by hand at least SOMETHING I can do independently...hope this helps a bit:)
 
I didn't load or unload the dishwasher for quite a while after my fusion. Once I started doing that, I did only very light things (no piles of all the plates at once to put back in the cupboard --- take only one or two at a time) and bent at the knees to go down low enough to reach things, keeping my back completely straight.

You'll figure out how to move differently to accommodate your limitations. If in doubt, don't do it! :D I wanted to post one more thing on that thread that I just figured out. I now use a toilet brush (which has never been in the toilet, please) to clean my shower. What a difference that made when it occurred to me recently! So much easier! Nice long handle and stiff bristles do a better job than I've been able to manage for a long time.

There is life after fusion! Hang in there!

Emily :wave:
 
You will be amazed what your 6 and 3 year old can do to help. It will all depend on your patience. My boys 13, 10,and 4 do everything. Even my little one will help load the dishwasher, unload the clean clothes from the dryer and fold (a little messy but he does do it). He likes to help vacuum, and clean the bathrooms using clorox wipes. If I work with him and direct him there isn't anything he won't try for me. Treat them on occasion to the play area at McDonalRAB and tell them how much you appreciate them! Patience is the key, it will take them longer and you will think that you can do it faster and better, but really you can't so be grateful for them and their help.
Goodluck!
 
My PT taught me to bend like a golfer if I absolutely have to bend!

You know how you see them lean on the club with one hand-one leg goes straight up behind like a ballet dancer as they lean over so the back stays straight when they pick up a ball? I did that a few times leaning on the counter but never UNloading or with anything heavy. I kicked a few light weight things over by our kitchen counter that the grabber couldn't grip in order to pick it up too. Only things that needed to be picked up and couldn't wait for someone else to get home. This worked for me-but do NOTHING without your doctor or physical therapist's ok.

My daughters all were loading glasses, plates and silverware for me by age 4. I am betting your kiRAB would LOVE to help Mommy! :angel:

Blessings,
Michelle
 
I am now 9 weeks 2 level PLIF post op..and doing so much better every day..for a while there I was wanting things to move MUCH faster being the impatient "do everything and quickly" kind of gal...but its coming along and will for you too. Did your hubby agree to the deal?;-) I hope so:);) be well!
Lena
 
I'm 15 wks out from a 1 level PLIF and am also a do-it-yourself gal. I hate waiting on anyone to do something for me (probably helped get myself in this situation) Before surgery I did everything from installing/finishing new cabinets to building a brick firepit in the backyard. My hip is where I starting feeling the pain in the beginning so I never thought I was hurting my back more.

I've found that turning a kitchen chair with the back facing the cabinet and placing it next to the dishwasher helps me. I sit on the chair & don't have to bend or twist and can load/unload 1/2 of the dishwasher & put soap in all-by-myself! :cool: I feel like such a big girl now. If only I could find a way to vaccuum :confused:

Hubby works very long hours, gone 5:30 am - 8 pn & my 11 yr old has sports, orchestra & church youth group almost every night of the week on top of homework so I hate asking/waiting for the help.
 
That sounRAB SO familiar. My husband works long hours too. And I also hate waiting on other people to do things. I know my husband will load the dishwasher, but it may be 3-4 days before he gets to it. I also used to push myself beyond my abilities (we're building a house, so I can totally relate to the cabinets, etc.)
 
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