suggestions for dealing with limitations

[Deesknee]

So, how do you all who actually have the limitations deal with it. I have an invisible disability. Which often affects every aspect of my life to some degree.I can't drive. So I must rely on others. I need assistance in a lot of everyday things. What I can do by myself takes me much longer than it would take others to do. I try to do as much as I can without asking for help and some moments are better than others.

So, any quotes, books, suggestions. I saw a counselor, actually a couple of them. They absolutely helped with acceptance. I am talking about the everyday obstacles we face. For instance "let go and let God" has become one I have grown fond of.

TIA.

Dee

 

[peemagg]

I just think of things like my wheelchair or scooter or crutches, as tools of freedom for me. Without them, I would not be able to get out of my house.

I have learned to accept help when I need it, but if I don't, I don't ask and do what I can for myself. It may take me longer to get it done, but it is a sense of accomplishment.

Just hang in there. Letting God take care of things is a great idea and one that I have to remind myself of all the time.

 

[Piper]

I pace myself throughout the day. Who cares if it takes me longer to do it--and I have to rest multiple times while doing it--when my task is finished, it is still something I accomplished! I also try to not let tasks build up so that they are overwhelming.

Go to flylady.com. I don't follow her exactly, but adapt her system for me. Actually, I can't do 15 minutes straight--right now I can handle about 2 minutes with 5 or so minutes rest. It is amazing how much you can do in 2 minutes. The hardest part is actually starting!

Today I have emptied the cat box and dishwasher. I will dust, fix a sandwich for lunch and a squash casserole for dinner. Walk the dog (with me on my ECV) and that's all I have planned. If I get an unexpected burst of energy, I'll find another task to accomplish.

You can do it--you just have to adjust your expectations for yourself and do what you can to the best of your ability.

 

[Deesknee]

Thanks Peemagg and Piper. My limitations aren't in regards to a wheelchair very often. Only in confusing/hectic environments. It's everyday chores, like pouring something. I often end up spilling it. Or dropping plates & breaking them. Or attempting to remove something from the oven/stove & dropping it on the floor. I hate to ask constantly for help. I need to do things, but it is so frustrating. I did read the spoon concept which will help me and hopefully my loved ones put this disease into perspective.
I did sign up for flylady.com. Thanks for the tip.
Please anyone keep them coming. i am becoming very frustrated with this disease. And as with all invisible diseases people judging me only make me more frustrated. Especially when it is family that I have always been close to.
Okay...whine fest over. Thanks again for the help!

dee

 

[Piper]

I understand the dropping and how frustrating it can be. In the last few days, I have dropped a full pitcher of tea in a just cleaned refrigerator (cleaned it again!) and an entire blender full of strawberry banana smoothies on the kitchen floor--still finding places where it splashed!

Just hang in there. Do what you have to do to -- sometimes it is asking for help. I know it is hard to do!

 

[mdvlprof]

For me, it's having to do everything left-handed and almost everything one-handed. Since my stroke, have bad tremors in my right hand whenever I try to do fine motor skills.

I've found I can do most things, but it just takes longer. I can deal with it, but family members can get impatient sometimes. I've also found that most veggies and some meats come pre-cut in the freezer section.

 

[Deesknee]

Thank you all again. Sometimes just being reminded I am not the only one who feels this way helps.

I am finding DH seems to understand better since reading the spoon concept from butyoudon'tlooksick.com

Hope you all are having a nice day.