Bit (more) advice please?

mouseymousey

Hello, I went to a meeting last night (part of my I refuse to give in to this campaign). All fine and dandy - but- this morning after sitting for 2 hours I can't move! Help. What do you do please if you are in this situation? I thought about getting up & walking around (but it looks a bit nutty?). I dont want to get into taking cushions etc. I really would welcome some suggestions - I don't want to just give in to this. Thank you.

kellerman

Hi Mousey,
I seriously don't care if I do look nutty...I've got to move around.
10 minutes is about my limit for sitting. Even at home I can't just sit and watch TV...I stand and walk around.
My OH used to be amused by this but I cared not as I wouldn't be able to move at all if I sat much longer and the pain....especially knees and back I'm not prepared to tolerate when I can do something about it.
Go ahead and feel nutty...you probably don't look as nutty as you feel.
May

stickywicket

Depending on where your pain is there are several little exercises you can do while seated just to stop things siezing up - the sort of ankle twisting and hand turning stuff that shouldn't draw too much attention to you. Even just clenching then unclenching muscles helps. Check out AC's publications. The one on exercise has a lot in.

dreamdaisy

I teach privately and each session is only 45 minutes. I now cannot sit for that length of time and my pupils are quite used to me standing up and walking up and down the hall while still dictating spellings etc! I do it at dinner parties too. It's what I need to do so I do it - I don't fret about how foolish I may look, it's what I need. I hope you can overcome the embarassment mouseymousey, which I know is easier said than done, but if they want your presence for your skills and support then they should understand that you need to do this and I hope they do. DD

mouseymousey

Thank you so much for the replies, you are all a lot more sensible than me. I had an assesment the other day & I ended up saying no thanks to the offer of lots of the equipment (I am very obstinate). I think I need to sort out my thoughts about it. I sort of see some things as 'giving in' to it? If you see what I mean? You are all right, thank you ~ Morag xx

dreamdaisy

Oh mousey, never say no to equipment! I recently bought a four-wheeled rollator and yes, it feels like defeat but I remind myself it means I can walk more, go further, bring home small amounts of shopping and be more independent. That is a good thing. Equipment helps us to lead better lives, and if it's not needed from time to time then that is good - but I reckon it's better to have it there for the rougher patches. DD

stickywicket

I see exactly what you mean, mouseymousey. I took that attitude for years. I'd have any gadgets that were in general use - electric can opener, food processer etc - but I didn't want to know about anything specifically for disabled people.

I'm not sure it's a bad attitude because it shows you've got determination not to give in but you'll probably end up with more pain than is strictly necessary. Sometimes these things kind of telegraph 'disability' and I know I fought that for years too. Finally I compromised and decided I'd use anything that enabled me to do something I couldn't otherwise do but not stuff that just made my life easier. It was a good move. You don't have to use stuff just because you have it but it's so useful for the bad times. My raised loo seat went on and off for years before it became permanent.

GraceB

Morag,

If you're offered equipment, accept and use when you need to.

With regards to the sitting situation I know how you feel. What I tend to do is to shift around on my chair (some would call it squirming about) and then every now and again I stand up and have a walk. You'll know yourself how long you can sit comfortably. If anyone doesn't like it then they know what they can do. That's my approach anyway.

Don't sit that long you become stiff and sore. It's just not worth it.

Take care of yourself,
Grace.

frogmorton

Hi Morag

good to see you.

I think you need to take all the offers of help you can just like the others do. BUT l totally get you wanting to keep things to yourself as well.

I like the idea of squirming and doing seated exercises...that should help a bit at least

Take care

Toni xx

sulkycat

Hi - it's very hard to accept that 'disabled' label isn't it. I now just class myself as a crock and a crip and have a laugh about it.

I would accept everything you are offered - try them and if they don't work for you then store them away. It's hard to break the habits of a lifetime where independence is concerned but bite the bullet.

As for looking nutty - I thrive on nutty! I get up and wander often at home and wouldn't think twice about doing it in public. Clenching and relaxing is invisible and would be a help but really, go for it and have a roam.

Colin1

Hey Mousey i am nuts, you got to keep on the move. tap your feet, sway your bum in the seat sort of side to side, lift your legs up an down, if need be have a little walk. Toe taps and heel taps are quite good
Hey i should have been a break dancer.
Colin