Shows to Binge-Watch While Recovering from Surgery, Part 2

If you have had any type of foot and ankle surgery, then chances are you need some time to fully recover. In fact, this is a very sensitive period – it’s imperative that you take some time off from work or school to rest and heal.

Unfortunately, this may take you away from doing the things you love, like going to your dance classes or heading out on morning jogs.

But there is no need to be bummed out!

This is a great time to catch up on some of those shows you have been too busy to watch – now you can be part of the conversation when your friends and family are reminiscing about favorite past episodes of The Game of Thrones.

And before you get caught up on the endless search for the perfect show to binge-watch – sometimes it can take longer to find a show to watch than it does to actually watch something – we did the research for you.

After all, with so many shows to pick from, how can anyone possibly decide which shows to watch without some MAJOR digging?

Here at McVay Foot & Ankle, we are proud to help many patients that need foot and ankle surgery. And as we strive to go beyond standard care and aid you in every aspect of recovery, that includes the times when your resting period leaves you bored out of your mind.

So we have created a sequel to our “Shows to Binge-Watch While Recovering from Surgery” with more awesome shows that are definitely also just as “binge-watch worthy.”

As a disclaimer – Some of these shows are not considered to be “family-friendly” or appropriate for children in a traditional sense. Depending on the show, there may be violence, strong language, and/or nudity. Please keep this in mind when choosing a show to watch!

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown – 12 Seasons

Just because you are stuck in bed or on a couch quarantine, doesn’t mean that you can’t travel around the world – with Anthony Bourdain.

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown brings viewers around the world on grand culinary tours. Exploring everywhere from the Congo to the Mississippi Delta, this adventurous series allows Bourdain to educate audiences about the people and culture that create these delicacies.

Bourdain even appeared with former U.S. President Barack Obama on one of his episodes filmed in Vietnam. Over grilled pork, noodles and beers at a restaurant in Hanoi, the men discussed Vietnamese-American relations, Obama’s final months in office, and fatherhood.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – 2 Seasons

Set in the Upper West Side of 1958 New York, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (an Amazon Prime original series) centers on the eponymous Midge Maisel. She’s the perfect Jewish wife and mother, but during the show’s pilot, her entire life falls apart before her eyes.

Her husband announces he’s in love with his secretary, and in a drunken spiral of disillusionment, Midge takes to the mic at a nightclub and spews her sorrows – minor spoiler. A club employee, Susie, recognizes Midge’s talent, signs on as her manager, and the two set about making Midge a stand-up comedy star.

The show was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino with writing credits for Daniel Palladino, the powerhouse couple behind “Gilmore Girls.” If you thought Sherman-Palladino’s writing was quick and witty there, it’s nothing compared to the pace “Mrs. Maisel” sets.

Mad Men – 7 Seasons

This stylized and provocative AMC drama is set in 1960’s New York and depicts the lives of the ruthlessly competitive men and women of Madison Avenue advertising – an ego-driven world where key players make an art of the sell. 

The series also authentically depicts the roles of men and women in this era while exploring the true human nature beneath the guise of 1960’s traditional family values.

More specifically – and we are trying to avoid spoilers – the series revolves around the conflicted world of Don Draper (Jon Hamm), the biggest ad man (and “ladies man”) in the business, and his colleagues at the Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce Advertising Agency.

As Don makes the plays in the boardroom and the bedroom, he struggles to stay a step ahead of the rapidly changing times and the young executives nipping at his heels.

Curb Your Enthusiasm – 9 Seasons

In this show, a neurotic TV writer copes with life in L.A. in a hilarious and semi-improvised sitcom that follows him dealing with one cringe-inducing dilemma after another, sometimes in the company of mortified celebrity colleagues (who actually play themselves!).

Curb Your Enthusiasm is the brainchild of Larry David, a comedian turned millionaire who co-created Seinfeld (NBC’s modern classic). It is a semi-autobiographical sitcom based on his life as a semi-retired TV writer living in the wake of Seinfeld’s success.

David’s protagonist typically steps out of line while griping about some element of social etiquette that he feels is not being upheld, and ultimately winds up regretting having done so as it comes back to kick him in the shins during the final scene.

The best part is that all episodes are lightly-scripted, meaning that most interactions are spontaneous and improvised, which makes this show even more knee-slapping funny.

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story – 9 Episodes

If you are looking for a chilling true-crime drama that examines the societal cost of homophobia, then The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story is what you are looking for.

At the show’s center is the serial killer who murdered Versace, Andrew Cunanan – an intelligent, refined young man and a habitual liar, played with unnerving precision by Darren Criss.

Beginning with the titular crime, the series works in reverse chronological order, delving into Cunanan’s past in order to reveal how a once-promising man ended up killing five innocent people.

Other Tips for Recovery

Now, while you sit back and enjoy the shows, there are also some other tips you should keep in mind for a successful recovery, such as:

• Don’t get back out there faster than you should. This is a mistake many of us often do. Though you may want to get back on your feet as quickly as possible, resuming your activities before recommended will increase your risk of reinjury.
• Follow your postoperative instructions.This is imperative. The specifics of these instructions will depend on the type of procedure you’ve undergone and your individual health, but it’s still extremely important you follow postoperative care.
• Follow instructions for pain relief, if needed. If we prescribe painkillers as part of your treatment plan, pay attention to dosage and interactions, and follow the directions. Please refer any questions back to our office.

Enjoy Watching!

If you have any questions or concerns, our office in Colorado Springs is happy to provide answers or assist in scheduling an appointment for you!

We can help you determine if surgery is indeed the right option for you, schedule your procedure (if deemed necessary), and answer any questions you may have about postoperative care and recovery.

We also can recommend more shows, if need be!

All you have to do is call our McVay Foot and Ankle office at (719) 266-5000. You can also simply fill out our handy request form online.