How do you live with your disability?

G

GoodEnuff

Member
I have always been a worker. Never been one to have "hobbies" or to sit and just do nothing. Recent events are preventing me from doing the work that I know needs doing, that also bring a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

So here I sit, with all these things to do, unable to do them without suffering great pain and perhaps making this body worse. What to do? Sit here and watch YT videos all day? I am considering getting a disability scooter or an ATV or something to allow me to get around on my property to do what I need/want to do. Won't that make me even weaker? And if I just give up, which has just never been a choice, hire the work out, what would I do all day long?

What do you do to keep busy, to be productive? How do you do it with your disability?

Help! I can't stand this!
 

I'm trying to figure out the exact same things, @GoodEnuff.
So, I'll be watching this thread for all the great suggestions that
you get.

Meanwhile, I've got a few friends, and some family that are still here
and I'm trying to live a life of character and dignity before them... that
is quite a switch for me. 😅

Plus, I'm getting closer to my God and Saviour, Jesus... I'm enjoying this
immensely, plus there's the side benefit of occupying my mind and time.

I would feel comfortable in giving you much advice on such an important
subject, but would encourage you to do the best that you can, with all the
might that you have left.

Do the next right thing.
 
@GoodEnuff without a mobility scooter are you able to get around at all? Walker or cane or anything? I think you would have to decide or discover what you can and can't do without the aids to get around and work within those confines. For example if you're able to do everything except laundry and vacuuming maybe hire someone to come in and do that.

Meanwhile not giving up on what you can do. You may have to proportion the amount of work your doing and do it in smaller amounts. Maybe do your dishes today and do something else tomorrow. i know it's not ideal but it's better to stay as mobile as you can so you don't end up unable to do anything. Good luck dear.
 

I'm fortunate that I don't suffer with a disability... not one that stops me doing pretty much what I want...thank God.... but in your situation OP.. if you think you can handle a disability scooter, then I would encourage you to get one to give you back your mobility....

Just make sure to do your homework with them, and get the one that will be less likely to tip you over if it hits a bump... and remember there are different sizes..some can go inside the house others can't.. some are restricted to 4 mph some are more... some are weight restricted... some are light enough to go in the car and only used for short journeys ..others not.. some can be folded, some cannot...

..but do get one that suits you...and regain your freedom.... good luck !
 
I have COPD, and it's getting worse. So much so that when I walk a few blocks, or uphill, or up steps, I'm winded. One day last week I was thinking maybe I shouldn't go out anywhere anymore, that's how bad I felt. I don't want to die before I do, but this is so hard. Most of the time I read, bc I never had enough time when I was younger.
 
I, now and then, write verse incorporating good, or bad experiences posted by people in the Facebook Essential Tremor shaking forum. Other than that, I do a few chores while using my walker for balance. That and watching T V. 😣 🥳
 
If a mobility scooter would enable you to actually do more than you are doing,

Or if it would enable you to conserve your limited ability for the more important parts of a task;

then those are 2 reasons I would seriously consider it. If I had enough resources to afford one.
 
I used to like to set out on front porch, esp in springtime, but
now not only is my walking ability working against doing that,
but the heat/pollen/rainstorm are working against me too...can't win for losing....have been unable to set out for 3 months.... 😭
 
@GoodEnuff I have been dealing with multiple disabilities for 20 years and all I can say is take it one day at a time. Find ways to do the job you once did but within your new limitations. Lots of experimentation. Learn ways of controlling the pain or ignoring it. Finding a physical therapist versed in work rehab is a good start.
 
Unfortunately, I fractured my L2 and this has impaired some activities. I can no longer kayak, and I cannot stand for long periods of time.
Other than that, life goes on as usual.
 
My disability is more aggravating than debilitating. Had spinal surgery to relieve the pain caused by my cervical spine collapsing. Spine rebuilt from c-1 to c-7. Nerves controlling left arm & hand muscles were crushed/damaged so bad recovering functional use of my left arm & hand wasn't possible.

I refuse to let lack of use deter me from doing DIY projects. One project I needed to cut the handle of a 16lb. sledge to be able to swing it with my right hand.

I wrote this only to explain that finding a way to overcome your disability might not be easy or successful every time but be stubborn & think of how you can.
 
bowmore said:
Unfortunately, I fractured my L2 and this has impaired some activities. I can no longer kayak, and I cannot stand for long periods of time.
Other than that, life goes on as usual.
Click to expand...
I have herniated discs, C-1-to c7......

I now can't play football... or badminton... or volleyball or Squash... can't play piano or Harp .....



..but then I never could do any of those things before ...so no loss... :sneaky::ROFLMAO:
 
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Due to disability, I try to figure out a different way to do some of the tasks that I most want or need to do.

Or I substitute a different activity for one that I love but cannot do.

I prioritize to an extreme, doing what is most important.
And not doing multiple ones on the same day as something else that's important.

I set a smaller doable goal, and focus on what i did do.

I look for different sort of tools or methods.

I also divide a task into many tiny parts, that i would prefer to do all at once.!

I settle for doing it not nearly as well or as completely as I wish.

Doing less of it is usually better than doing none of it. When those are the only 2 options.
 
Thank you all for your input. My problem is walking. This house is in the mountains and the land, which is only an acre but heavily wooded, is very hilly, lots of steep ups and downs. To get around out there is difficult. Just carrying a saw, weed trimmer, and other tools makes it much worse. I also irrigate and must get out there daily to move those very heavy duty hoses around. One side of my body just becomes very painful and weak and I have, more than a few times, intentionally ended up on the ground for a few minutes to get the strength back in that leg.

I am okay (so far) doing household chores, cooking, dishes, laundry, etc., and shopping is fine as long as I don't hurry. At least, for now. Flat level surfaces, not carrying anything. It can get a bit iffy if I am carrying things (my 20# dog) or bending over a lot but I manage.

The scooter or ATV would get me around the property to areas where I can stand and do whatever work (clearing brush, etc.) is on that day's list. Maybe even have a small trailer attached for tools or to remove brush and such. My concern is using a mobility aid may create greater weakness.

Dr appointment this week. This problem is either spine or vascular or both. Hope to make a plan for PT or ??? to get/keep as strong as possible. But if/when it gets to the point where I can't do much, I don't know what I would do.

To not be able to get outside, at least on the deck or the gazebo next to the creek, to be stuck indoors? That would be a recipe for deep depression. Just thinking about it is a real downer.
 
hawkdon said:
I have pretty much given up on doing anything with my limited
ability to get around, what's the sense of fighting the issue.... 😭
Click to expand...
don't give up hawk. just do whatcha can and do it slower and maybe less frequently but don't give up. you'll go straight downhill if you give up.
 
I know you all may be sick of hearing this but since my son was hit and run on the freeway while he was on foot escaping his group home (he's severely Autistic) and in the hospital for 10-1/2 months after such incident. I was diagnosed with MDD and PTSD.

I just can't get over it and have either been on the couch or my computer. That has been for 3 years now. I won't step out of the house, take care of myself, cook, nothing. I'm afraid of every single thing. Marcy? I have COPD too and I'm doing my best to just let it kill me.

I love my men so much but since I don't deserve them whatsoever, I just exist. Hopefully my love, my husband will find a better woman and my son find a new mommy for whom loves him as much as I do.
 
GoodEnuff said:
Thank you all for your input. My problem is walking. This house is in the mountains and the land, which is only an acre but heavily wooded, is very hilly, lots of steep ups and downs. To get around out there is difficult. Just carrying a saw, weed trimmer, and other tools makes it much worse. I also irrigate and must get out there daily to move those very heavy duty hoses around. One side of my body just becomes very painful and weak and I have, more than a few times, intentionally ended up on the ground for a few minutes to get the strength back in that leg.

I am okay (so far) doing household chores, cooking, dishes, laundry, etc., and shopping is fine as long as I don't hurry. At least, for now. Flat level surfaces, not carrying anything. It can get a bit iffy if I am carrying things (my 20# dog) or bending over a lot but I manage.

The scooter or ATV would get me around the property to areas where I can stand and do whatever work (clearing brush, etc.) is on that day's list. Maybe even have a small trailer attached for tools or to remove brush and such. My concern is using a mobility aid may create greater weakness.

Dr appointment this week. This problem is either spine or vascular or both. Hope to make a plan for PT or ??? to get/keep as strong as possible. But if/when it gets to the point where I can't do much, I don't know what I would do.

To not be able to get outside, at least on the deck or the gazebo next to the creek, to be stuck indoors? That would be a recipe for deep depression. Just thinking about it is a real downer.
Click to expand...
The Lake side is like a near cliff. By fall I am in good enough shape to once again spend a couple days
blowing tons of leaves down it to mulch and haul off. I may be scratching off the years I have left to do
all the cleanup that hill and home take.
 
I just do what I can every day. I have a routine after I get up. I try to do the basics each day. When days are rough I hug and pet my stuffed kitty and doggie 💖

I try to check in with my friend each week and it seems like we are becoming better friends. Making friends is very hard after being isolated for so many years. I try not to beat myself up too bad for not being perfect or anywhere near that.

Just struggling to stay afloat each day.
 
Paulina said:
I know you all may be sick of hearing this but since my son was hit and run on the freeway while he was on foot escaping his group home (he's severely Autistic) and in the hospital for 10-1/2 months after such incident. I was diagnosed with MDD and PTSD.

I just can't get over it and have either been on the couch or my computer. That has been for 3 years now. I won't step out of the house, take care of myself, cook, nothing. I'm afraid of every single thing. Marcy? I have COPD too and I'm doing my best to just let it kill me.

I love my men so much but since I don't deserve them whatsoever, I just exist. Hopefully my love, my husband will find a better woman and my son find a new mommy for whom loves him as much as I do.
Click to expand...
Oh my goodness.... Paulina, this is so tragic, so sad.... but honey not only are you destroying your own life which you may not care about, but you're causing the potential grief to your family, of not only how you are now, not engaged with them and watching you slowly give up on life... , but your iminent death....
They will feel the horror and grief that you felt about your son, they won't want to lose you

..... Dear.. I'm sure you wouldn't want then to suffer the pain that you did.. and they will if you don't start to take care of yourself for them...

You have deep depression, you need some intervention, and then you can live for the family you dearly love.. and who love you...
 
papa tiger said:
Have you ever been in a position where your body whispers to you the next day, "Don't do that again!"
Click to expand...
Very recently. It was more a shout than a whisper, though. I tried getting back out there the next day and just couldn't. Even the next few days after that one. I haven't been able to do much since. This is what prompted this thread.
 
Fritz said:
don't give up hawk. just do whatcha can and do it slower and maybe less frequently but don't give up. you'll go straight downhill if you give up.
Click to expand...
This is what I have been doing. Slower, less frequently. I am afraid to give up but that thought has been whispering to me lately. Maybe none of this work really needs to be done. I am afraid to give up, as you say.
 

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