Question:
<<I’d first attempt to straighten… <snipping some practical hints>…wait a few minutes until you can put more weight on that leg before taking that first step>> I hate this part. I have to pause longer than is reasonable and in public, I can act the complete idiot in an effort to "hide" my intentional behavior. Like ignoring the elephant in the phone booth with you, I’m fairly sure that everybody knows what a gimp I am…but just in case, I do modified ROM stretches under the table, study carefully the contents of my purse as if the directions are in there <g> and will try to lean against Hub (affectionately, of course) for the first few steps. BTW, Rose, do your students appear to alter their behavior in response to your change in ability? Do some of them seem more aware than others? Just how old are these kids? I imagine that parenting with a rheumatological condition is ultra-difficult but, I can’t even imagine keeping a grip on a classroom full! Warm regards, Angela "Chaos, Panic and Disorder" –three of the legendary Arthritis dwarves. (Known widely in story and song).
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> BTW, Rose, do your students appear to alter their behavior in response to your > change in ability? Do some of them seem more aware than others? Just how old > are these kids? I imagine that parenting with a rheumatological condition is > ultra-difficult but, I can’t even imagine keeping a grip on a classroom full!
Hi Angela and all, This is an interesting question, because when it comes to my kids they have a keen sense of when I am feeling the worse. Sometimes they use this to their advantage (like ordering delivery pizza and asking me to pay for it..hehehehe…or asking for unlimited time on the computer ….my response anything anything just leave me alone) And other times they pick on each other RIGHT outside my bedroom door Urg!!! Or they argue with their dad Urg! I have found that when I hurt a little they treat me pretty well. But when I hurt a lot (read in bed) they go a little crazy. I am wondering if they don’t know how to handle their feelings about having their mom (wife for hubby) so sick. Because they normally see me work through the pain. Who knows, since the kids go through their own stages it is always changing, always a challenge, but very gratifiying to see the results. (so far! they will both soon be teen agers actually Ben is already a teen). Other parents on the list probably have their own cut on this. RoboBabe (feeling pretty good..is it the Celebrex or is it my one shot of Enbrel???) aka Lori V
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<<I should be able to deal with this.>> Dear Rose, Generally this phrase only occurs to me in the last few minutes before I start to cry. As the "big" girl at the front of the room, you probably require extra starch in that stiffened upper lip, eh? I’m wishing you calm moments when you don’t have to try so hard to be in charge. Here’s a cyber-hassock…kick up your feet and take 3 deep breaths. Remember that somewhere right now, sunshine is warming the earth and this, too, will pass. Okay, it’s back to the "children mind mines", we expect arithmetic and geography before the end of the day! Won’t it feel good when this stops? Warm regards, Angela "Some folks live lives of quiet desperation. The rest of us should be so lucky."
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> BTW, Rose, do your students appear to alter their behavior in response to your > change in ability? Do some of them seem more aware than others? Just how old > are these kids? I imagine that parenting with a rheumatological condition is > ultra-difficult but, I can’t even imagine keeping a grip on a classroom full!
Sorry Angela: My ISP didn’t pick up your post, so I didn’t see it. Basically, yes I think that my students’ behavior does change as result mof my having more pain than usual. Some children can sense that something is very different and they try even harder to please. Others, who have behavioral issues anyway, do even less well than usual. I have several very agressive children in my class. It seems as though there have been more instances of agression in the past two weeks. It is as though they are reacting to the fact that I may not have the energy to deal with their problems in the same way. They then go to extreme measures to get that attention. My tolerance isn’t the same when I do not feel well. I may overreact to little problems which may occur. I find I may harp at children for not sitting still, or something as trivial. Rather than causing them to stop the behavior, they may instead increase it. I teach first graders, six and seven year olds. I think that they sense that something is wrong, but they don’t have the same understanding that an older child may have. I did tell my class I had a sore leg; it was pretty obvious from the way I was walking anyway. But it is interesting that a few children mysteriously also develoed "sore legs" last week too. And I found myself needing to apply bandages to several small cuts over the week. We all just seemed to nee that extra attention. Also, to the group: I have posted twice to thank all those whe sent me words of encouragement. All though my newsreader insists the posts have been sent, I have not seen them appear on thegroup or dejanews. So, Thanks all. It does help to know that others are thinking about me. I should be able to deal with this.After all I have had several replacements , with my first being 20 years ago. I don’t know why this seems worse. Perhaps I am just weary. My md called my Rd to see if he would inject my hip next week. His response was that he doesn’t do hip injections but they are done by a radiologist. So my family doctor has made arrangements for the radiologist to do it when he comes to our town on the 24th. (That’s 11 days away) I don’t believe there is much that I can do to change that due to the fact that most of the doctors in our province will not be working next week. In the meantime I will just have to hobble around. Rose (a little tired and wilted) ======<{)
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(((((((((((((((((((((((((RRRRROOOOOSSSSSEEEEE))))))))))))))))))))))))))) I was wondering why you haven’t dropped by for coffee lately, Rose. Now I know. You poor dear. Well forget the coffee. You bring the whine and I’ll bring the kleenex. OK? I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you. How about a teacher’s aid for a few weeks? Is it at all possible? It would be cheaper for the school board than hiring a replacement while you would be off sick. Would your doctor fit you in early if you explained the problem to his secretary? I would give it a try. In the meantime, How about a massage? Be good to yourself. I hope you enjoy your spring break, hon. Take care. Susanne – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello again! > I’ve really been struggling for the past ten days or so. My right hip > has been extremely painful. I’m having a really tough time walking, > especially when I first arise from a sitting position. It is like I > have to plan how I will apply weight to my hip to start walking. > I have been going to work, even though that may not have been the best > choice. This isn’t a good time for me to take time off- just before > Spring Break. Plus I’ve had reports to do, as well as other tasks that > have to be done now. It has been a very difficult time, the kids > haven’t listened well and many times I have found myself close to > tears. ( I save that for when I am alone) > I did finally go to the dr today. He wants me to try see my RD next > week and have that joint injected. The problem is though that the drs > in our province are not working next week. As part of a political > protest they are taking five days off (its called Reduced Activity > Days or RAD). I am really sympathetic to the doctors’ situation, but > it is difficult when options aren’t available for treatment. > I know that next week I can rest, it’s Spring Break. But it has been > so very difficult for me. > Thanks for listening.( As if you had the choice.. ) > R
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> I’ve really been struggling for the past ten days or so. My right hip > has been extremely painful. I’m having a really tough time walking, > especially when I first arise from a sitting position. It is like I > have to plan how I will apply weight to my hip to start walking. > I have been going to work, even though that may not have been the best > choice. This isn’t a good time for me to take time off- just before > Spring Break.. It has been a very difficult time, the kids > haven’t listened ….. > I did finally go to the dr today. He wants me to try see my RD next > week and have that joint injected. The problem is though that the drs > in our province are not working next week. As part of a political > protest they are taking five days off (its called Reduced Activity > Days or RAD). I am really sympathetic to the doctors’ situation, but > it is difficult when options aren’t available for treatment.
Gosh, Rose, I’m so sorry to hear that you’re doing so poorly. It really does sound like you need a trip to the RD. I well remember how tough it is to teach the little ones when you feel terrible. And they do seem to get wild just before vacations! And I remember how tough it is to take leave before vacations or when you have reports, conferences, etc. But it seems like you really need help! If you can’t get to the RD on an emergency basis before his and your vacation, I hope you see him just as soon as he gets back. In the meantime, can you temporarily up your prednisone, or get a body shot from your pcp? Rest on your time off, but I also hope you feel well enough to do some fun stuff! Regards, Sandy F.
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I am sorry you are feeling so bad Rose. Hope things look up for you soon. Nocki – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello again! > I’ve really been struggling for the past ten days or so. My right hip > has been extremely painful. I’m having a really tough time walking, > especially when I first arise from a sitting position. It is like I > have to plan how I will apply weight to my hip to start walking. > I have been going to work, even though that may not have been the best > choice. This isn’t a good time for me to take time off- just before > Spring Break. Plus I’ve had reports to do, as well as other tasks that > have to be done now. It has been a very difficult time, the kids > haven’t listened well and many times I have found myself close to > tears. ( I save that for when I am alone) > I did finally go to the dr today. He wants me to try see my RD next > week and have that joint injected. The problem is though that the drs > in our province are not working next week. As part of a political > protest they are taking five days off (its called Reduced Activity > Days or RAD). I am really sympathetic to the doctors’ situation, but > it is difficult when options aren’t available for treatment. > I know that next week I can rest, it’s Spring Break. But it has been > so very difficult for me. > Thanks for listening.( As if you had the choice.. ) > R
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Rose, Sorry you are having such a crummy time. This snow is killing me here in Illinois. I am shoveling constantly at work and home and it’s killing my body. JoLynn
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Rose dear, Cry if you need to. And perhaps seeing you in that state would wake the kids up, to what you are going through. You will be in my prayers. char – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello again! > I’ve really been struggling for the past ten days or so. My right hip > has been extremely painful. I’m having a really tough time walking, > especially when I first arise from a sitting position. It is like I > have to plan how I will apply weight to my hip to start walking. > I have been going to work, even though that may not have been the best > choice. This isn’t a good time for me to take time off- just before > Spring Break. Plus I’ve had reports to do, as well as other tasks that > have to be done now. It has been a very difficult time, the kids > haven’t listened well and many times I have found myself close to > tears. ( I save that for when I am alone) > I did finally go to the dr today. He wants me to try see my RD next > week and have that joint injected. The problem is though that the drs > in our province are not working next week. As part of a political > protest they are taking five days off (its called Reduced Activity > Days or RAD). I am really sympathetic to the doctors’ situation, but > it is difficult when options aren’t available for treatment. > I know that next week I can rest, it’s Spring Break. But it has been > so very difficult for me. > Thanks for listening.( As if you had the choice.. ) > R
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oh Rose — I have the "getting up" problems and it’s such a grim way to start the day … I’m so sorry and send {{{{{{hugs}}}}}}} …. hang in there and do something nice for yourself next week — have a massage, eat chocolate … Ellen >Hello again! >I’ve really been struggling for the past ten days or so.
<snip>
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Rose – Sorry to hear about your more than crummy week. I know *exactly* how you feel when trying to rise from sitting. This would happen to me so frequently I became expert at different tactics, especially ones that would enable me to hide the problem from those around me. Just like Barbara, I’d first attempt to straightened the leg that was bothering me, shift my weight forward and back, all the while flexing and bending the leg. This works great if your sitting at desk or table – no one can see you doing this. Right before needing to rise – scoot forward to the edge of your chair. Put the leg that bothers you the least directly under you, so you can bear most of your weight on that leg. The problem here is when you rise you need to pitch your weight forward – sometimes a little too much – just before you straighten at the hip. It looks like you’re a little too bent over your desk, here’s where I’d pretend to be looking at papers or such. I have always found that to be the trickiest part 
And ALWAYS pick a chair that has arm rests, if you have a choice. Height of the chair is also particularly important. I have my desk chair at perfect height, but in meeting rooms and such this can be additional challenge. Once straightened, don’t move right away. Just wait a few minutes until you can put more weight on that leg before taking that first step. I’ve always been the last person to leave a meeting room. The hard part is when you have a nice person, who for whatever reason feels obligated to keep you company so you won’t be the last person there. Then I’d feel more pressure to hurry or to distract my "company" from knowing my difficulty. It has been always better for me when I am presenting or chairing a meeting because then I wouldn’t sit in the first place. I hope you find relief soon. Toni
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Rose, You are a Saint – you have arthritis and it sounds like you are in pain and you TEACH!!!! You poor brave soul – I’m afraid to know what age group you teach – can’t imagine which age group would be best to teach with arthritis. Hope you have a restful – painfree spring break. K.Sullivan
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Hi Rose, Yes we do have a choice to listen or not listen but we choose to listen. I know how you feel when you get up from a sitting position. I hurts like the devil. I usually stretch my legs a good bit so it won’t hurt so much and if I didn’t I would probably fall trying to get up. This has been going on for about 15 years and you know what? I actually have to work up the nerve to stand up. Before getting up try placing your leg straight out and bend over a little to loosen your joints up a little. This helps me. It’s worth a try. Barbara Ga
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Hello again! I’ve really been struggling for the past ten days or so. My right hip has been extremely painful. I’m having a really tough time walking, especially when I first arise from a sitting position. It is like I have to plan how I will apply weight to my hip to start walking. I have been going to work, even though that may not have been the best choice. This isn’t a good time for me to take time off- just before Spring Break. Plus I’ve had reports to do, as well as other tasks that have to be done now. It has been a very difficult time, the kids haven’t listened well and many times I have found myself close to tears. ( I save that for when I am alone) I did finally go to the dr today. He wants me to try see my RD next week and have that joint injected. The problem is though that the drs in our province are not working next week. As part of a political protest they are taking five days off (its called Reduced Activity Days or RAD). I am really sympathetic to the doctors’ situation, but it is difficult when options aren’t available for treatment. I know that next week I can rest, it’s Spring Break. But it has been so very difficult for me. Thanks for listening.( As if you had the choice.. ) R Before I had mine replaced I used to get some relief from ice packs and heating pads. I would alternate them every 15 minutes for an hour and get a few good hours as a result. Hope it works for you. Trog
Response:
Hello again! I’ve really been struggling for the past ten days or so. My right hip has been extremely painful. I’m having a really tough time walking, especially when I first arise from a sitting position. It is like I have to plan how I will apply weight to my hip to start walking. I have been going to work, even though that may not have been the best choice. This isn’t a good time for me to take time off- just before Spring Break. Plus I’ve had reports to do, as well as other tasks that have to be done now. It has been a very difficult time, the kids haven’t listened well and many times I have found myself close to tears. ( I save that for when I am alone) I did finally go to the dr today. He wants me to try see my RD next week and have that joint injected. The problem is though that the drs in our province are not working next week. As part of a political protest they are taking five days off (its called Reduced Activity Days or RAD). I am really sympathetic to the doctors’ situation, but it is difficult when options aren’t available for treatment. I know that next week I can rest, it’s Spring Break. But it has been so very difficult for me. Thanks for listening.( As if you had the choice.. ) R
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