Too Much Physical Activity

[Guest guest]

Hello all, I have been on disability for about 3 months now. This is

the first time since I was a kid that I have had so much time on my

hands. For about two months, I didn't do much since I was

just " settling into " the habit of not going to work every day. But

in the last month or so I have been " thinking up " things to do

(probably as a result of boredom), such as yard work, fixing little

things around the house, cleaning things, etc.

The problem I am having is that these activities tend to put me on my

feet too much. This problem may seem stupid to some people, but I

seem to want to do these things and end up with extreme foot/leg/hip

pain (mainly foot pain) as a result of too much activity (while

standing). Most all activities involve standing, this is why I am

seriously considering a scooter/powerchair. There doesn't seem to be

much for me to do that I can do without standing/walking.

I have been trying to teach myself to sit down more, but I have so

far been unsuccessful. I should probably limit my standing/walking

to no more than 30-45 minutes per day total. You would think the

foot pain would be a reminder for me to limit my activity, but I

just can't see myself sitting/laying down all day. Has anyone else

had a similar problem? I know this problem may sound strange, but it

has been really hard for me to just sit around most of the time.

Rob

[Guest guest]

Hi Rob, I sit a little, work a little. It's a habit for me now. When my feet

start hurting I take a computer break or a TV break. I have a lap top in my

bedroom so I can sit with my legs up and relax. Then I go back to what I was

doing.

After a while you will get the hang of it.

[Guest guest]

To Rob:

Sounds a lot like me lately;

I am still trying to work but the last three months, I seem to be getting totaly

exausted and short of breath, the weak feeling is pretty much all over by body.

Going for a thallium treadmill test this week if the feet will hold out. Soon

will be 52 if I make it to the 23rd of Oct. Have gone down hill considerably

this year.

Gene

[Guest guest]

Rob,

Break down all the things you want to do in " pieces " . Every night before you go

to sleep, make a list of some of the " pieces " to do. Eventually, the yardwork

will be done, the cleaning will be done, and your feet won't kill you.

Unstructured time is very hard for many people to learn. But your body needs the

rest. Get a timer and when you are in the yard, set it for one hour - that's

all. When the timer goes off, go on to something else that requires some

sitting/and or rest time. Later, or another day, try the timer in the yard thing

again. This works great for me when I am trimming and pruning, because I could

just keep on cutting, but the timer tells me " it's time " for something else. If

an hour is too much, set it for 1/2 an hour.

Something about cleaning, I learned alot of cleaning " saves " from my Physical

Therapists - like using extension poles, vaccumming without straining my back,

etc. The PTs are all to happy to show me anything I ask about. Maybe there's

some PTs nearby that can show you things. Or even some OTs can show you things.

By breaking down physical activity like this, I can still be on my feet, get the

jobs done, and not have aching feet because I have done too much. Listen to your

body well, now that time is on your side.

Also, a great rejuvenator is taking a nap - can give you an energy boost.

It is not good to sit around all day. Perhaps when you are more adjusted to this

" re-inventing " yourself, you can spare an hour a week in a Literacy program

teaching kids to read, or volunteer at a Senior Center to teach Seniors basic

computer skills for an hour. Having those social contacts is very important and

something like this will give you a " focus " and it is always good when we can

help others. Or Perhaps your church has a project just waiting for someone like

you.

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Hi Rob:

Wow.. can I relate to you. I recently retired, and I am on a disability

pension. I am 55 years young, but at times I must think I am a teenager,

because I still TRY to do the same type of physical activities.

And like you, when I do this, the pain in my hands, arms, fingers, feet,

legs and hips reminds me I am no longer a teenager. I truly suffer,

especially in my feet and hands. At times the pain is so bad I cannot do

anything the next day. I am my own worst enemy because I still I tend to

over-do-it about once a week (you would think I would learn).

To make matters worse, we just bought a new house and we have quite a list

of things to do. Some of the little things I am doing these days to help me

are:

* Be more reasonable in my expectations. As my mother used to say -

" Rome wasn't built in a day " .

* Realize that it is OK not to " finish " what I started today. It is ok

to set it aside.

* Spread the completion of some of my projects over several days.

* ALLOW myself more time to do things. I can no longer run the 100 yard

dash, but I can walk 100 yards.

* Listen to your body. This will allow you to know when the onset of

pain is happening, before it is too late. I do not want to sound like I am

discriminating to us male guys, but for the most part, women listen to their

bodies much better than us. Teach yourself to listen to the early signs of

pain and fatigue.

* Stop and take a nap. This has really helped me manage my pain.

* I physically remove myself from my property. Get away for a while,

even if it is to the corner coffee shop.

I have now become the chief cook and bottle washer. I need to plan meals

well in advance, and prepare things over more time. For example, today's

dinner is going to include BBQ chicken, green beans, buttercup squash and

boiled new potatoes.

After lunch today, I will get the beans, squash and potatoes prepared. This

allows me to have an afternoon nap, if I need one, without getting twisted

out of shape by trying to get dinner ready while in severe pain.

Good luck to you Rob....Easy Does It.

Beckingham

Corporate Nice Guy