Trying to pace myself ...

[charlie_red]

I have recently been on a pain management course at the pain clinic and one of the things they talked about was pacing yourself. This week I've been trying to put it into practice which is easier said than done!

My mum took me to university today and waited about for 8 hours (she was studying in the library and drinking lots of coffee) which I hoped would help my shoulder, neck & back - it did slightly but not like I hoped. I hoped I would be almost pain free since I wasn't driving for 2 hours but that didn't happen, I can hardly walk tonight and even lying down is beyond agony ... Hoping to make university tomorrow, suppose it is only for 2 hours so shouldn't be too bad plus having a quiet night tomorrow night should also help!

I can't wait until Thursday at 5pm where I can fall into my bed and sleep until Saturday ha ha!

Does anyone have any tips about pacing and managing how much they do each day/week?

[Hidden]

I can't really offer advice as I am rubbish at pacing myself! I will say though that you should try to cut out anything that is not strictly necessary from your itinerary. Is it really necessary for you to attend lectures in person? I am a university lecturer and allowed my students to attend sessions via skype if they were unwell or had good reason. I simply had a web cam pointing at me as I taught and spoke to the student via a lap top. Perhaps you could suggest this to your tutors if things get too much for you? PM me if you want to know more. Jane x

PS What a great mum you have!

[Ginsing]

have a look at the Spoons theory - try and save some as you go along. I think as time goes by pacing your self will get easier.

Silly things like do not be proud use the lift ask for help carrying books.

good luck xgins

[suejayjay]

Good luck to those who can 'Pace'! I am absolutely rubbish at it, but was one of my "failings" at the pain clinic. I am a Boom & Bust girl, and I never learn. (don't want to if the truth be known!) When I feel good, I just have to get on with what needs doing, until I start falling over then I know I have had enough!(No not the red wine! of the job I am doing!!!) I know it would probably be of great benefit it I could work out a sensible plan, but as I work in the week and only have the weekends to try and cram all those annoying jobs into, I just push on. Have been laid low these last 2 weekends with a flu type cold?? Dr. says it is a virus. But not having been Busting these last 2 weekends, really hasn't made a jot of difference to my pain or energy levels. So guess, once I am back on form I will continue to Boom & Bust. I just can't sit back and relax with only half a job done. That causes me more worry and stress and problems than overdoing it at the weekend.