Chronic Pain

I thought it may be helpful to share with eachother what we do to get through our long work days when we are in pain. What kinds of things help you cope so that you're able to do your job effectively??

A few things I do:
~Take my meds on time!
~Don't over do it.. if there is something that needs to be done that I know I'd pay for later (ie: Lift heavy objects) then I find someone else to do it whenever possible.
~Take breaks when I can (I could be better at this). I try to take a short walk, so some breathing exercises, stretch, etc.
~Work from home when I am able to.
~Stay focused... I try to keep my mind off the pain as much as I can and keep busy.
~Use my sick time! That's what it's there for!

I'm all for the working at home tip hehe. In any case, I think taking a break is really important. If I don't get up and walk around every hour or so I at least try to get up and stretch a bit. There are programs out there that you can install on your computer which not only tell you to take a break (like a timer), but also lead you in some stretches you can do to decrease the strain on your muscles.
I will see if I can find the programs and post back here
stacy

Great list of suggestions. I also try to get out at lunch for a walk or drive (rather than my usual working right on through!). I have also recently advised some newer co-workers of my chronic pain and that has helped. I know I can say I am having a difficult time or if I am not as chatty as usual (which is EXTREMELY noticeable for the girl who puts the "social" in Social Work, lol) and they will acknowledge my pain and try to avoid asking tons of questions. I have a position that demands a great deal of crisis response and conferencing so more often then not I have to grin and bear it...pay for it over ice later....Kim

I'm in sales and on my feet all day walking. After a long day my legs are weak and sore. At night I suffer from Restless Leg and get very little sleep. Am taking Mirapex any other suggestions? Also have Fibro and Disc problems. I have to work and know nothing else but what I presently do. I do try to take sit down breaks but that really doesn't help much. Suggestions needed on better support on my feet. I do wear a back back but very uncomfortable and hot. Thanks for the advice in advance.

So what do you do when your employer won't allow you to take breaks? I am a secretary. Rest breaks are not required by law in Oklahoma. However, my employer has a policy that states we are allowed 2 15-minute rest periods/day. In fact, it is supposed to be encouraged as they are trying to be the "healthiest campus in America."

When I talked to Human Resources about this issue, they won't touch the subject because we are allowed to go to the bathroom when we need to. They claim that if they enforce the break issue, our supervisors will say we can only go to the bathroom during our 15 minute break. I needed a break so bad one afternoon that I took 10 minutes of vacation time and it was approved!!! How sad to work for such an uncaring company.

Of course I try all the little tricks like standing when I'm talking on the phone and making as many trips to the copier and other locations within the office (small office) as I can. I also set my Outlook calendar to remind me every 30 minutes to change positions/move around (I've had spine surgery and sitting is the worst thing for me.) It would just be nice to enjoy a little 15 minute walk outside. I've talked to my supervisor as well, but it seems like everyone wants to put it off on someone else.

I know most of these tips apply to what I am going to ask- but I am a college student and many times I have 2 1/2 hour seminars to sit through. I try to get up and such, but sitting down for that kind of length of time while also having to pay very close attention to the lecture is simply impossible with chronic pain. Any suggestions?
thanks

I can sympathize with you. I have trouble sitting through hour-long sessions at conferences. Those 2 1/2-hour sessions must be killers. Are you allowed to record the seminars? If so, you wouldn't have to worry about listening quite as closely and might feel freer to move around when you need to. When my daughter was in college, she found that when she talked with her professors about things she needed to help her to learn better, they were usually very willing to cooperate.

It's been so many years since I was in college, I don't know what different departments and positions are called anymore, but most colleges have someone who works with students who have disabilities and need various accommodations and study aids. That person may have some other ideas to help you. Even though you may not be classified as disabled, you do have a physical problem that is interfering with your ability to learn, so hopefully they would be willing to help.

Good luck!

GWAKE:
Having been a college instructor part-time before I was forced to retire by docs, try to tape all the lectures. Take Karen's advice and investigate assistance for the disabled, and talk to the instructors for these difficult classes, Good Luck