Living with arthritis when you don't work,what do you do?

Paul316

Hi Newbie here,Paul 35yrs,had RA since 13,had 2 hip replacements and one knee replacement last year,currently taking methotrexate and humira with prednesolone,co codamol,folic acid,lansoparozole,Just wondering how other suffers spend there time,what things do you get up to pass the time?

CJHunter

Hi Paul,
Welcome to the forum.

Well for me i spent a lot of time online and came across this forum for one.
I also did some volunteering. Fundraising for a local cat charity.
I contacted companies asking them to donate products for the sanctuary to use. In the time i did it i got pallets of cat food costing thousands of pounds, cleaning product and paint and hardware products to do up the pens.

It kept my mind active and helped me gain confidence in myself.

Others will come and tell u what they get up to i'm sure.

Take care.

dreamdaisy

Hi, it's nice to meet you. I am currently self-employed (I tutor dyslexics) but as my arthritis has progressed the business has regressed. I find that as it takes me longer and longer to do the ordinary, every-day stuff, and as each burst of what I laughingly call 'acitivity' is matched with a rest burst, I find the day passes quite comfortably with little being achieved. I was given a Kindle for Christmas, so I am back to reading again as that is so easy now, one of my five pupils is starting her Bronze DofE award, so I shall be doing some knitting with her, and today is being devoted to taking down the Christmas tree: tomorrow is accordingly wiped off the calendar in advance! It's not easy, is it? This disease robs us of energy to a frightening degree but explaining that to those who don't have it is far from straightforward. DD

PS I forgot to say I also spend a large amount of time on here, especially on the rougher days.

hileena111

Welcome to the forum Paul
Its not easy is it? I have OA and had one hip replacement......have OA in spine, ankle etc.
I am an Avon Sales Leader.......not much sales leading done these days....that takes too much walking about and recruiting but I still do my avon as a representative. Keeps me occupied.
I spend a lot of time on line.....on this forum, I own 3 groups on another forum.
I do voluntary work for my local Arthritis Care group. Its the sort of work that if I feel really bad I dont have to do it at a particular time and day.
Do you drive? I find that a big help.
Im also on our Patients Participation Group at our local surgery
Love
Hileena

valval

i only work part time but tend to potter in garden read sleep play games on fb and house work lol notice that at end of list then sit and chill infront of telly val

julie47

Hi Paul
Welcome to the forum

I keep my self occupied by reading, drawing/painting and pottering around the house. I do love to chat to my friends on the phone and browse the internet.

take care
Juliepf x

frogmorton

Hi Paul

l only do bits work-wise now - some voluntary work too.

I have the housework shopping and stuff to do which takes longer with arthritis. l talk to this lot which is lovely!

I do hobbies after that such as the garden and try to do some exercise like swimming or a gentle walk.

Love

Toni xxx

mouseymousey

Hello Paul, What a good question. I leaned on the pain management course that being 'busy' kept me this side of getting ver depressed, it doesn't always work but when it does its good.
I finished my degree (finally) and graduated at 50.
I've just been appointed a school governor & also work with a couple of charities. I'm probably my local library's best customer - I'm there every week (bit of an addiction). Also reading my way through all of Charles Dickens on the kindle - free free!! I cook everything from scratch, (which on bad days can be a rod for my own back), including making all our bread. On bad days - I just veg out with the idiot box. I'm very interestead in local politics and national. I have an anorak subject which I lecture about, and we have been so lucky to get some almost free holidays based on that.

sulkycat

Hi Paul,
I had to leave work (I taught excluded teens and couldn't restrain them anymore) which I am still trying to come to terms with.

I knit when I can, paint and draw, my sewing is harder to do because I don't have the energy. I thought having more time would mean I could expand my etsy shop etc and crafty things but it hasn't quite happened yet! I used to swim a lot but haven't been since I became ill.

Hopefully when the hospital find the medication that works for me I can start private tutoring from home, or do some sort of voluntary work just to stop my brain stagnating. The whole 'not working' thing is a huge issue for me even though the DLA doctor very clearly told me I need to turn off and focus on resting rather than working (I know, it was a shock to me too that he was human!).

Good luck, this is an interesting thread from a selfish point of view, will be looking for inspiration.

SBaldrick

Hi Paul I have just found this forum today, I have RA and was a coach driver but the hospital stoped me working 2 years ago now and I must admit I am finding it hard to to find things to do. Alan aka SBaldrick

Paul316

Hi All,Thanks for your your comments on what you do,i myself gave up work 10 years ago i thought been home would be great,but it isn't it's boring as hell,i watch t.v,play games,go shopping when i can,i do drive so thats a bonus,recently seperated from my partner after 10 years,looked after my 2 step children which kept me busy,used to live in London but just moved back to Birmingham,all my friends have either moved on or are busy at work or have partner's/wife/children etc...so the social side is slightly frustrating,not a heavy drinker so pub is out of the question,maybe voluteering would suit me,not quite sure what field but could be good,please keep your comments coming,it's nice to hear what other people do,thanks again Paul.

skezier

Hi Paul,

You have had a rough time recently and I hope your ok?

Moving areas is never easy really. I think your idea of voluntary work is a good one as it will give you something to do and get you meeting folks as well.

You will get there it just takes a bit of time to find your feet and find new friends but I am sure you will.

Loosing your job isn't easy. It happened to me a long time ago and I got medically discharge and felt so useless but in a way it did me a favour cus i was then able to dream chase and even though the dream has become a bit a nightmare its still my dream

Hang in there Paul and i thing the voluntary work idea is a good one.

Oh how do i fill my time.... I am self empluyed and failing to earn enough I fill my time by doing a bit, resting a bit and doing a bit.... its a long day when its bad and it takes me hours to do what used to take mins..... When my back makes me sit and rest for a bit I like playing games.... never much good at them except no kid has ever beaten me on the sheep game Thats my only claim to fame And yes I do relive they are real

Paul AC must have a branch in the Birmingham area and maybe going to one of their meetings or courses would help you as well.

Oh I also love to blast my ears into orbit with a bit of heavy duty trance music as well Nice to meet you and let us know how your getting on please. Cris x

hileena111

Hi Paul
Cris just beat me to it....I was going to ask if AC had a branch anywhere near you.....you can drive so doesnt have to be on your doorstep
Mine is about 20 mins drive away but would be 2 buses there and 2 back.
I'm sorry I cant remember your age and cant get back to your post.
Ours has members of most ages and everyone gets on well together.....there are outings, meals out, swimming groups {if thats your thing} The main thing is EVERYONE has arthritis......so anything that they do is geared for us. Go to the front page of the site and you'll be able to search for a group near you.
They also do courses.....6 weeks and 2 weeks. If there isnt one near you at the minute send them an email and when they get enough people in your area they will have one and let you know.
I'm 65 so more the age for their groups but there are quite a few younger than me.....quite a few older than me :shock: :shock: I didnt think there was such a thing But if you look at the poeple as fellow sufferers not as a certain age you can make quite a few friends/acquaintances.
I said things were geared for people with arthritis......the course for instance....when they, start one of the first things they tell you is ...if you want to...get up and move around even if someone is talking {quietly }
Sorry for the ramble
Love
Hileena

suncatcher

Hi paul when i had to give up work i found a place where i could do things in the day and had my child in there creche so it gave me a break and was good for son. I first did creative writing, did a mentoing course, art and a ten wk sign language course.
I have moved from there to a library where i now do voluntre work with make friends with a book and art. i went on a focus group were i have helped decide on how the new garden will be at the library and have watched it take shape the garden will be ready in april with a big opening celebration with the mayor there. I also am on the library friends group and help organize partys table tops tec to raise funds. I am invited to staff does any promotional thing with the libraty meetings. I plan to help in the garden when the groups set up to help there. i do more but i have to go out now will write when i get back. bye joanne

Colin1

Hi Mate
I'm with Dell i dont think i could find the time to work now, so much to do.
Digital pics, Computer i give lessons to some people. Secretary of a voluntry organisation even with the bad spelling. I do a bit for charity. Organise trips to the Edinburgh Tattoo moth of August, Charity Carol concert December. Yes my life as changed a lot but still things i can do.
Hope your feeling better soon mate take care
Colin

suncatcher

Hi Paul again
I may sound fit im not. For make friends i put out a few chairs, make up a coffee and biscuit tray and put out signing in sheet, dictionary and i just sit and read discuss a book or poem thats it. art i just put out supplies greet and chat to people put out chairs tables on wheels and do art. The focus group just discuss ideas. The friends group tea coffee make a few cakes help cook serve food for the party help decorate with other help and enjoy party etc. I also approach business for donations. The garden will have a few raised beds and seating for easy gardening. There are plenty of opportunities to do volunteering or find a good hobby. You have a life time of experience you can pass on to others it will boost confidence and you will meet people and start to feel good about life. Just look at what interests you. good luck its not the end lifes just different and new doors will open for you trust me. from joanne

Paul316

Thanks Joanne,will keep you posted