Retail therapy

10/5/2014

So after every surgery I have to do therapy. Most people think about physical or occupational therapy (which I do those things) but I think about retail therapy. What is retail therapy and how does it improve my health? Let me tell you. It is shopping and shopping makes me happy (more so when I am using other people's money.) Right after surgery no one feels like shopping. Maybe on line shopping but actually going to the store, it's not happening. Standing for a long time hurts, trying on clothes is energy consuming, and carrying all those bags is a work out. Shopping also lets you know just how well that surgery worked. If it is arm surgery, trying on clothes especially with  lots of buttons tests your fine motor movements. Zipping dresses tests range of motion. If it is leg surgery, trying on jeans tests your balance and trying on shoes lets you know how well you can or can not walk. 

Yesterday, I had the best retail therapy experience. It was for my knee surgery and I actually used my own money. I walk into the store and they girl comes up and asks me if I need help. My answer, "yes yes I do. I am looking for a jacket." She then takes me all around the store showing me all the options and pulling sizes. Then starts a dressing room for me  (and even spelled my name correctly on the door.) I then browse the rest of the store. Picking out several shirts and jeans. I begin to try on all the clothes. I then get to the jackets. I went from 4 styles down to 2. Then I ask to try on different sizes in those 2 jackets to see what they would look like. The decision to pick a jacket and a size was difficult but I wasn't alone in the decision making. The store attendant along with a few random shoppers gave me their opinions. I took all into consideration and finally picked a size in each jacket. I decided that I can't narrow down the jackets to one so I bought both along with the perfect pair of jeans and some boots. It was a glorious day and my knee feels better.