What can I do? Any ideas gratefully received

tillytop

Hello peeps

This is probably going to sound pretty pathetic - but then that's how I feel at the moment :roll: - and I just wonder if anyone has any suggestions.

I usually try to play things down but I have to admit that, I am in a VERY bad way at the moment with one thing and another and I genuinely don't know what to do with myself to try to occupy my days. I don't drive and because I am unable at the moment to walk any distance at all, I am literally stuck in the house. This is made even more difficult at the moment because next door are having major demolition work done and I can't escape the noise. I can't stand for long so even a short walk around the garden to see what's going on is often not possible. My eyes are not good so reading for any length of time, and sewing (which I used to enjoy) are not currently possible. If I take sufficient "dullers" I can sit up at the table doing a jigsaw for a short while, which I really enjoy. Eyes permitting I can also do (or try to do!) crosswords or Sudoko or post on the forum. But other than that I am just spending my time sleeping (building noise permitting) propped up on the sofa, or watching dire daytime telly. I do have my audio books to listen to, which I really enjoy but, given that I am already pretty dopey from the dullers, they just send me to sleep and I really don't want to sleep (what passes for) my life away.

This is not meant to be a moan, but a genuine request for any ideas. There may well not be any answers but I know you are a pretty resourceful lot so thought I would ask.

Thanks.

Tillyxxx

fowls48

Oh Tilly


I was going to suggest the Audio Books , but now find that i am stumped :?: and having work being done next door must be driving you Crazy.
I will go away and have another think.Hopefully someone else will come back too you with some great ideas , i know they will .


((()))xxx
karen.

pinkbritishstars

What about getting some puzzle books??

Pink x

stickywicket

Now then, Tilly, I don’t think you’ve quite got the hang of moaning yet. This is a rubbish moan. It’s merely a statement of fact and lacks all the requisite whinging, whining self-pity of a proper, full-blown moan. I’m sorry but I’m afraid I can only award you a D-. Must do better next time.

In my book it doesn’t get much more serious than watching daytime TV – unless it’s cricket of course and, currently, Wimbledon is permissible. As for the rest – the constant banging must be a real pain – and drain - whatever you’re trying to do. Can you get away from it by eg spending some time at a friend’s house? (A kind friend who would pick you up and deposit you back, or just a taxi.) The only times I’ve really been in a similar situation is post-op and then I simply get into a routine of reading, Sudoku, exercises, walking (from the living room, through the hall and kitchen, round the dining room and start again), computer games (The concentration involved does take my mind off other stuff) and, yup, daytime telly. The difference is that I know the trend is upwards and stuff’s much more easily endured in that situation.

How easy/difficult is it for you to use the computer? I ask because there's loads of stuff one can do with a computer/laptop/i-pad other than post on here (But you must promise to stay here too.) You can learn a language, research your ancestors, join literary groups etc etc.

Do you/can you play an instrument? Could it be a good time to learn? (Drown out the building noise) A harmonica is lightweight if you can get your hands/hand up far enough and could probably be managed semi-recumbent. There are some good, small, lightweight keyboards around now. (I ended up having a crack at Chopin on my little grandson’s one.) Anything that needs to be learnt demands concentration which, I think, helps.

Sorry, I guess this reply is also merely of D- standards. I'll keep thinking. Meanwhile, all I can offer is a few of these. (((())))

dreamdaisy

Oh tillytillytillytop, you don't really have the knack of moaning to you? I agree with Sticky's crit but I will give you a more generous C minus as the typed presentation of that moan was pretty good (given the dicky eyes).

Rubbish eyes do tend to knock all possible sorts of entertainment on the head - if you can't see well or for long then it does make certain activities harder. I still stand by the idea of getting a cat, a nice, quiet, calm middle-aged moglet who needs a loving home. Or maybe two moglets. They will provide company, perhaps some gentle entertainment and summat to tend - you have a very caring nature. Cats also have the added bonus of being able to be left alone for a few hours when appointments beckon etc - and they don't need walking.

If I have any other ideas I'll come back. DD

PS At least the building work is a finite activity.

DebraKelly

I was going to suggest audio books as well lol.

What about jewerley making? I started this a few months ago and really enjoy it, it helps keep my hands moving.

Also another thing I try and do is guided meditation, you
can get app's and cd's for this.

Hope this helps.

stickywicket

OK, DD. For the reasons you've outlined I'm prepared to change Tilly's mark to a C- but she really must learn to moan more substantially.

Now, about the moglet. I think that's a good idea. They are a fickle breed and will sleep with anyone but are usually lightweight enough for that not to matter. I don't think even a kitten would be a great deal of trouble - not like a puppy - but, if you're thinking of going down this route I do seriously (Honest! I can do serious) advise you to try it out first. Some cats specialise in winding themselves round human legs and I promise you, a dodgy pair of arthritic legs with a cat moseying in and out and roundabout is a recipe for disaster. Also, are your eyes OK with animals? My two boys used to be allergic to cats, embarassingly only to much-loved, well-cared for ones. Moggies were no problem. I since learnt that it's the saliva that's the problem (The cats, not my sons) so one that grooms itself carefully starts the sneezes whereas your moth-eaten hobo is fine.

I'm still thinking.

earthspirit

ok kiddo you need to do something positive AND earn yourself some money at the same time. find half a dozen items you dont need and list them on ebay which will take not too long and then sit back and wait to sell them.

i know so many people who are skint and need money but they are too lazy to take a couple of pics and type a few words describing them for ebay sale.

you can print postage labels online and get royal mail to collect them from you if there is no way for you to get them to post office.

if you havent sold on ebay it can seem a big task and awfully complicated when in fact it is so so easy, if you just read a few simple instructions and then go for it.

i run an online business and did so before i got in such a wrecked physical condition and although im now restricted in the hours i can work, i am still making money, get full DLA and a little bit of working tax credit which gives me this money because i am disabled and very restricted in the work i can do. no worries about esas and all the other stuff people are being put through who cant work much and i am a full and productive member of the working society.

the secret in making money on ebay is not to use the auctions but to build up some feedback (about 30 i think) and then open a very low cost shop and put items in at a fixed price - remember also not to be too greedy in the prices you ask for - a £100 M&S wool coat will not sell for £80 even if it is still in its wrapper and immaculate but will get you £30 or £40.

household bric a brac sells well internationally and i have made just as much money off junk i would put in the bin or to a charity shop, than some of the items i have purchased for resale..

a word of warning to anyone - inland revenue methodically go through ebay and look for people who are making money as business sellers, even if its only £50 every few weeks and if you do fiddle the system you will eventually be caught! saying you are only selling personal items for less than you purchased them is still income and needs to be declared. yea it sucks i know, but you may well find that you have little or even no tax to pay at all so is well worth a small amount of effort.

thats what you can do! lol & good luck

dreamdaisy

Right, a couple more daft ideas. How about learning sign language? I'm not sure how badly your hands etc (I suspect I should know but I don't :oops: ) are affected and again some vision is required but it's a wonderful communication tool - there must be summat on't web about it. Or there's knitting on huge needles, with thick yarn, the sort where you can make a jumper in about three days 'cos four rows = the front etc. I never got the hang of crochet (unlike Madame Mig who is very practised!). There is also card-making - that can be as fiddly as required. This is a tricky one my lovely - very tricky indeed. DD

DebraKelly

Love the cat idea!

We have a cat and she is my baby, also good company as my husband is away a lot.

fowls48

Tilly


i have a nice catapolt you could use on the Builders next door Or what about a pair of binochulars you could do some bird watching or builders bum watching sorry just clowning about .
A cat would be a lovely idea they are such good company and you could re home one that has a nice temperament .


karen xx

Folara

Oh Tilly, I really know how you feel.

I am in the exact same boat following the last breakdown of my knees. I can't walk or stand for long, my eyes are terrible even with my glasses on so the reading has gone by the way side, daytime tv is DIRE!

I have my friend bring my horse to my living room window so I can give him a polo (thank god I live on the yard). I'm an outdoor person and I feel like I'm in prison.

My new puppy is lovely and does keep me occupied a fair bit with her antics but then I get annoyed that I can't get down and play roly poly on the floor with her. She does love me throwing her squeaky ball across the living room tho. Just as well I have no expensive breakables lol.

Then there's the weight issue. My new doctor is already on the you are too fat bandwagon. He is now saying he wouldn't recommend me to the consultant for the TKR left knee and partial KR on the right cos I'm too fat. I don't know what else I can do to lose weight.

Omg I seem to have got into moan mode and not stopped. Sorry Tilly hun, I've nicked your post but it really is sooo frustrating isn't it?

Big hugs hunnie and keep your chin up.

Fols xx

valval

hi what about dial a ride and meeting some friends for breakfast you can get tea and bacon roll for about £1.49 in some of the pubs (you know the well known chains) lots of older people meet up and have a natter it will get you away from noise and you will sleep when you get back ??? val

dibdab

Oh dear Tilly,

Just 2 suggestions from me- I watch old musicals on dvd -then when the cocos send me to sleep I still know what's happening because they're so familiar- and I sing a long loudly to add to the entertainment value though it doesn't entertain the OH so much :? !!!!!! Also I read using my kindle- you can make the print really big, and if it's on a stand doesn't even need to be held(my hands get sore and stiff when I hold a book for long)-there are lots of books that can be downloaded for only 99p, and some are free- it's been a real godsend to me.

If I might nip in with a 3rd suggestion- could you invite a friend round for coffee and a gossip once a week- if you can't get out maybe they could bring the world to you?

Really hope you get some inspiration soon, and some relief from the tedium.

Deb x

suzygirl

Tilly, I have been in the same situation and so have decided to get a scooter. I am still looking for the right one, but it will enable me to get out and about. As I am now unable to drive I have also applied for a free disabled bus pass, so I can get the bus to the local town centre and then use shop mobility to get about.

I tried knitting, but my hands were so swollen it was difficult. I play silly Facebook games to keep my anxiety at bay.

I miss my local library (hence the scooter) I used to pop in and they would make me a cuppa and we would chat books. They were always running courses and would save books they thought I would enjoy.

A charity shop is round the corner and I pop in and pick up a book and just have a mooch. If I get a bargain it cheers me up.

Obviously I have my Izzy for company. She is lovely and good fun and easy to look after.

Tilly, I am sorry thats how things are for you. Charity shops do take volunteers and can give you sitting down tasks, ifyou feel up to it. I found I have to get out and about or I just get so down. Friends have been good, but most work.

Could you be a telephone contact for an arthritis charity? I wish I could wave the magic wand for you Tilly. Local schools need people tolisten to children read, you have to have a CRB check first, but its good fun.

barbara12

Well Tilly the others have given you loads to think about, I was going to suggest the ring and ride that Val mentioned, not sure if everywhere has them but I have just booked my first one for next week... :shock: I will let you know how it goes
You take care...and you moan away...it will do you good..

tillytop

Thank you so much for your replies peeps.

Bit too addled by the fairy juice (oromorph) to read them all and reply properly this evening but I will do so as soon as I can. In the meantime - thank you all again so much.

Tillyxxx

Folara

Oh and I've developed a strange obsession with my finger nails. Currently painted a beautiful bright pink shiny colour. I think it stems from never having nails due to being a total outdoors freak lol

However this got me thinking, I love designing stuff and I have seen this kit where you make your own silver jewellry so I'm going to have a go at that. If I get good enough I could sell a few bits to friends etc.

Is there anything creative you like doing? Maybe the jewellry or card making or something that you can pick up and put down when you want and could possibly save you money (presents at birthdays etc) or even make some.

Fols x

suzygirl

I was just going to say my dad bought me a card making set and I made my first card for a friend and she loved it!!!!! Very satisfying

Just gives you the feeling you have achieved something. So many craft centres about now,my local stationers even has craft days!

jillyb1

For me , it's crosswords and jigsaws on the laptop , keeps me busy for hours and has the added bonus of keeping the RA addled brain functioning . Jillyb

bubbadog

Hi Tilly, What I do to pass the time especially like now when I'm suffering with a flare up is:- I 1st thing in the morn, check emails and read AC forum, put fav programmes on my sky+ box and any films that look good, read a book and I've got in to the Sims PC game, you make your own towns adding families and single people and you live there lifes for them. V addictive! At night if I can't sleep I have mag's on my bedside table and puzzle books! Hope that's given you any idea's!!

fowls48

Hi Tilly


What About some painting , Sorry i know you are finding it difficult to get about at the moment and i was trying to think of things you could do in the house untill you are better .
I have seen these feeders that you can attach to the outside of your window , they are Transparent and you put the food in ,and you can enjoy the birds and squirrels having a much they look really 8)


karen xx

theresa4

Hi Tilly I know youre not on at the minute but thought Id reply anyway.

I too have hit that daytime tv thing which is awful JK rules the tv during the day and watching morons airing their laundry makes for amusement for a short time but long term addles the brain more so that the RA and drugs. I record shows from nat geographic and a few orthers so that I can choose something to watch and bought some dvds cheaply ( search for offers)from said documentary shows on nature etc so I can watch them instead it is relaxing and informative. .

I too hate sleeping my 'life' away but it often coms to that too. I make arrangments with my friend who has MS but have yet to manage it as our 'good days' dont match up as yet we were going to do coffee and a chat. Nothing tiring quick drive pick up the worst one ( who cant drive) and go to coffee shop for exorbitant coffe and cakeand a chat. DO you have someone who could maybe do that with you once in a while?

This is so difficult I know how yiou feel yet cant offer anything to help.

Hope you feel a bit better soon

Theresa

(((())))

tillytop

Thank you all so, so much for your kind words and your ideas. When I feel a bit more "with it" I will review all your posts and do some serious research into the ideas because there are so many good ones - and plenty I would never have thought of.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply.

Tillyxxx