There’s a new question up at the Experience Project website:
Does anyone have some good coping skills [for] when you are chronically ill and mostly bedbound?
I figure there’s a bunch of people around here qualified to give them some advice! The question can be answered for the next 48 hours, you need to log in to the EP but it’s free to join.
Ricky
[Photo adapted from Question Mark Sign On Hobson's Old Building, Corner Of Henry & Main (Honor, MI), taken by takomabibelot. Used with thanks.]
I wrote a post called “5 Things To Do When Your Life Hits a Brick Wall.”
I have found that there is a process to coping with my life. I am still on the road going through the process, too, so I am not telling anyone what to do per se, just that these are the steps I have found to work in dealing with the situations I face.
It is a hard thing to cope with when you become housebound or bed-bound. Even ordinary stories about disability do not really talk about us. In fact, it is more likely to be said that we are not “reaching our full potential.”
I believe that there are so many of us that need to support one another. I know so many people supported me to get where I am. I am here to support anyone who needs it.
Judielise
It’s very hard try to survive being bed bound….I’m find it stressful trying to do little things for myself. Some people don’t relieze how strong we really are.
I’m spurred by my creative intellect. I enjoy learning how to do things in a different way – to maintain independence:
I type the entire keyboard, one key at a time, using only my left hand – while lying on my right side. I use short, concise sentences to get my point across.
I crochet while lying on my back. I sorted all my crafts into ziploc bags and store them in a tall bureau next to my bed.
I keep important papers in manilla envelopes – they’re easy to access and store. I use a clipboard while in bed.
I store frequently-used items in a basket or tote bag.
I have a few kitchen items in my room. They include a water pitcher, cup warmer, single-burner and tea kettle. I can make tea, instant oatmeal, soup, cocoa, coffee, etc. along with a peanut butter sandwich for lunch.
I enjoy that there is no deadline…
Creative clothing ideas:
I wear silky pajama pants to help slide over the sheets and reposition – without further injury to my pelvis or legs.
I wear tops that can be tucked into my pajama pants – so, that I don’t get tangled by a shirt tail.
I prefer to wear a camisole, because sleeves can become easily twisted.
Rather than twisted socks, I use small wrist warmers around my ankles to keep my feet warm.
If I’m cold, I wear a hat and use several layers of lightweight blankets.
I have a king-size bed. I leave certain items adjacent to me at all times, such as my laptop computer, current craft tray, telephone and adrress book, etc.