OS ways and Poor Health

lessonlearned

I too feel a bit of a fraud posting on here because Although I have a few minor niggles I consider myself fit and healthy for my age. I am fully mobile but just not quite as flexible as I would like to be.......I am working on that one, regular Physio to sort out my back and trying to exercise more to improve my muscle strength.

However, I have found some of the advice and tips on here are absolutely brilliant - so simple and so blindingly obvious and yet they never occurred to me.......:rotfl:

This thread has certainly opened my eyes to a whole new world of gadgets, gizmos and little cheats to make life easier.

I have ordered a turbo head for my Henry Hoover. Should arrive today. I bought a fluffy duster with an extending pole and a slicker brush for the stairs. Fab.

And I have been looking at the kitchen in a whole new light. Next week I am going to blitz the cupboards and have a serious declutter.

As part of the new streamlining I am going to buy some "magic corners" and some wire pull out baskets to replace fixed shelves.
It will make life so much easier.

Why didn't I think of these things before instead of Struggling.

I was beginning to think I needed to employ a cleaner but with all these new ideas and gadgets I won't have to.

How MSE is that. .

Seriously the outlay now will pay dividends because the longer I can retain my independence And not have to buy in help the better.

So thanks again for this thread and all the wonderful ideas.

westcoastscot

AOT I was on holiday for 5 days a couple of weeks ago - didn't really do much but *knew* at the time I was over-doing it - getting tireder and tireder - when I got home it took me 4 days to start feeling like myself - when I get really tired I can't sleep, and pain and stiffness becomes much worse. Need to think differently if i'm going to go away again - I love being at home but my partner likes to bob about, so looking for a compromise. We've slowly moved from camping, to glamping, to B & B's - looks like it will need to be self-catering next, and just a day or two. I struggle away from home anyway, as it doesn't take much to make me uncomfortable (different bath/shower, different bed, different diet). <sigh>
Lovely to hear everyone's coping strategies

LameWolf

kittie wrote: »

I had to buy a different support a couple of days ago, for my wrist. I tried to help a neighbour unscrew a bit of essential plastic and nothing would move it, except a strong man. In the process I must have twisted my already precarious wrist, it was very painful afterwards but a support from amazon has worked wonders. Just over £6. I wore it today as I had windows to clean and maintain (oil) for winter. I still have it on and it is really good

Ooh, any chance you could post a link to it? Pretty please? It sounds like something I'd find very useful.

Prinzessilein wrote: »

Kittie - keep plodding on with the knitting ....that poncho of yours is now 6 rows closer to completion than it was this morning!....I often have to tell myself that just a couple of rows of knitting, or a couple of dozen stitches in embroidery is that much less to do to complete the project - it all counts!

Absolutely right; I can currently do 2 rows of the fisherman's rib cardi I'm currently working on, if it's a good day for my paws. I just tell myself it's 2 rows less I have left to do. Thing is, I want the cardi before winter sets in..... :think: Maybe I'll have to settle for having it next winter.

AOT I hope you're feeling a bit more rested today; I think we've all been there, done that and got the t-shirt - if I had £1 for every time I've thought I could manage an outing, and been virtually carried back to the car by Mr LW.......

Larumbelle well done on getting the Amazon thing sorted. They're generally pretty good - they were great when someone hacked my account and stole £60 worth of gift vouchers; they refunded them without hesitation.
Anything to do with the phone I generally get Mr LW to deal with - and leave the room while he does it. I loathe and detest phones. Being hard-of-hearing doesn't help.

pollyanna_26

Hi everyone Just taking a break for a quick bit of lunch .
I last couple of months here have been pretty full on in a number of ways and I have been pushing myself far too much and causing virtually constant flares of the Arthritis and Fibro . The sciatica has reared it's ugly head again on and off so I apologise for not posting since Thursday .
We are in the middle of dd transition from dla to pip so this has required a lot of medical history tracking down etc . Her severe anxiety always goes off the scale at these times so keeping her and by default myself focused is hard work . I need to get my brain functional as I'm reading things on paperwork and not absorbing them . Oh the joy of Fibro fog !!!
I hope those in pain and tired or feeling low will feel alittle better today . Well done to Larumbelle - If you can take on Amazon you can certainly assert the right to have your voice heard re the cooker , even by passing her a note . It is a very common way to deal with such matters , our lovely doctor quite often gets a mini manuscript handed to him when my daughter can't cope with the 2 week update He likes it because there is no confusion , none of the remembering things she forgot to mention and he gets a true picture .
I've learned there are other ways than the traditional to deal with things . Things in the main are structured for those who do not have long standing physical or mental health conditions , you can calmly and politely introduce a different way that works .
Anyway for those talking about painting furniture it's well worth a look at the OS Shabby Chic thread - pretty quiet on there at the moment but masses of information and some lovely pics .
If you enter either emma kate or andy crichton in the search at the top of the thread you will find lots of interesting posts .
I know it isn't helpful to kittie because the knitting problem is in her shoulder but for hands I have used imak compression fingerless gloves for years . They seem to help the finger joints , in damp , humid or cold weather I even wear them in bed and they help me get to sleep .
I am glad to see everyone picking up helpful things on here . I overcame my it wimp because I wished there was such a thread and you all helped make it happen so thank you all so much and I hope the day is kind to you all .
LW Watch those sticks I hope you're both getting to enjoy the newly re vamped garden . x
Hope to be back later
polly x

fuddle

I've had to switch to making DH packed lunches for work for the foreseeable.

Usually he takes leftovers from the meal we had the night before but because I'm not cooking properly at the moment the evening meal isn't really transferable.

Tea times are consisting of cheese on toast, bacon sandwiches, tinned soup etc. They are quick easy and filling but not proper meals so I hope it's short lived.

How do you all cope with feeding your family when your energy levels are low?

Shropshirelass

Lovely to hear all the news and comments today.

After struggling with various kinds of holiday for the last 10+ years, we seem to have reached several conclusions.

We have done one cruise, which was wonderful, but very expensive. Would love to go again, but will need to plan finances carefully first.

Otherwise, self catering suits our bill, and while away we alternate one day going out with one day staying in, so we don't get too tired, so need look for a nice place to stay. Luckily we both like quiet country towns with a bit of coast and a few hills. DH can't walk more than a few hundred yards at the best of times, but we have a cute terrier who goes walkies with me. We eat in most of the time, but make a point of buying some nice local food e.g. Scottish steak, or Welsh lamb, or local fish, as a treat. Last time we went to Scotland, we brought home a big salmon from the Cree Fisheries, was a hit with family over Christmas.

We are finding a lot of English Heritage and National Trust places difficult to visit now, as the disabled parking is often far from the house or tea room where DH could sit.

Looking at the way DH's mobility has deteriorated in the last few years, I do think we should take every opportunity while we can to get out and about.

Making meals, I have a similar way of planning the menu, one day a 'proper' cooked meal, next day something easy. Tonight for instance I'm just off to tart up a frozen pizza!

Still thinking about those chairs I want to paint...

Best wishes to all, hope aches are minimal xx

pollyanna_26

Fuds It must be so frustrating for you at the moment as you've always been so organised and have been able to cook from scratch and follow your meal plans . It might be helpful to post what kitchen appliances you have . I think I recall a slow cooker but have lost track between the house moves . What size freezer do you have ? a largish one can make such a difference at these times . Hopefully things will begin to improve again steadily but you are being wise to rest and build yourself up slowly .
I know you all work as a close family unit so that should help . If you could say whether you shop online or as I suspect the way I do in actual stores and looking for the best buys and offers ehat would give a better idea . Sometimes it doesn't break the budget to use frozen stew and soup prepared veg . As I posted further up the thread jacket potatoes with protein such as cheese , tuna or good old baked beans can make filling meal served with veg as can thick soup and stews - I know your husband works hard but if he could cut the meat and fresh veg if you were using them and store them in the fridge overnight maybe if you have a slow cooker with a timer that could work for you , I imagine others will have ideas to help you get through this debilitating time . Take care .
polly x

katkin

It saddens me to hear how unwell so many of you are and still you all keep your heads high and excel at Old Style. You are an inspiration, thank you so much.

After a busy work week (that included working from home in my jammies doing reports ) I found myself exhausted, moody and in pain in all sorts of strange places. I could hardly get out of bed. Missed a local food festival with friends and avoided shops and spending. Even though I needed toiletries etc

Managed to get food on the table, left hubby to tidy up but I totally neglected the laundry and "proper cleaning" (hub's is good but tidying and cleaning seem to be the same thing in his book.

I did manage my monthly shop after work yesterday so prepared some of that, slow cooker out, portioned and froze. Something....

I feel so lazy today, have had several naps and I'm still tired! Hopefully a little more energy will return tomorrow as I've got at the very minimum to prepare for the new working week.

Hopefully that doesn't sound to whingey. It's just how it is

Hate missing out on an afternoon social especially one with free food, cooking demos and cocktails! And importantly understanding friends.

pollyanna_26

Katkin You seem to have achieved a good deal over the last few days .
You need to stop thinking you are lazy , you sound as though you have overdone things long before you should have stopped .
I very much admire those of you who are still in paid work . I recall dragging myself through the days praying for rest . I finally had to leave work 15 years ago due to the worsening of my daughters health and tbh it was not a day too soon . My pension kicked in 7 years later to my relief as it was a real struggle .

One thing I keep meaning to mention for those who use a microwave is a microwave tray with handles . You stand it inside and put your plate or bowl on top and it is much safer to lift out when the food is ready . I bought mine many years ago as I was tired of the various offspring dropping bowls of soup or similar on the floor . Mine was from LL but a quick google shows they no longer sell them , Amazon have a similar one to mine on the site but I imagine they may be found on the high street too.
I have been struggling to think of things I do which are different to the usual way . So will slowly drip feed things as they occur . The problem is the different way has been the norm here for years so I am trying to identify exactly what changed .
BTW When I was talking about variable power on Henry . There is a plastic vent on the top tube which decreases or increases the strength of the suck . My earlier post didn't explain that . You twist it until it is at the level you require .
Hope all are well . Take care all .
polly x

westcoastscot

Shropshirelass I think that will be how our next holiday goes. We usually go north, so crowds and parking not an issue. Himself's going to take a kayak, and then on alternate days he can potter in that and I'll potter at "home".
Fuddle our freezer is bottomed out just now, but I try and make two of everything when I'm well and freeze one. Cannot recall the ages of your wee ones, but I taught mine to cook with me at an early age - even things like making pizza from a scone base and toppings is easy enough, and you could do the cooking part if too young to operate the stove. Having help to chop, stir and mix when batch cooking is really helpful, and encourages them to eat what may be similar meals over the coming days as well if they've helped cook it!
Just now while I have no stores I try and make a couple of things on my day off to do on work days.
Katkin so sorry to hear you had to miss a fun day.
Sleep well everyone WCS