How do you deal with limitations (e.g. not sitting for long periods)

Hi,

I am 38 and have sacroiliitis (inflammation of the SI joints).  Daily I have back and joint pain.  When it's bad, i can also have pinching pain and then shooting pain down my legs where I can't move (it's sciatica like pain).  Sometimes I have no idea what causes a flare up and other times it's obvious...such as...lifting something, exercise (which I don't even attempt anymore), being on legs too long, and sitting too long (sometimes I can't even sit for 30 minutes without issues).

I work in an office at a computer.  During the day, I'm constantly either goign to teh kitchen/washroom just to have an excuse to stand up, or I stand and type at my desk (which is both embarassing and awkward).  Problem is, I often have meetings that are anywhere from 1hr to all day sessions.  This is an issue as I cannot sit for periods of time.

Anyone else have this issue?  And if so, how do you deal with it?

PS - I also commute to work, which can be a problem in bad traffic (including winter)

I would agree that checking for proper ergonomics at work would be worthwhile.  I have the same trouble, and I sympathize with the pain and the daily aggravation and limitation it presents.  I just went to a movie in a theater last week - which I haven't been able to do in nearly 3 years.  The pain and discomfort of sitting for that long was too much.  And standing for any extended period of time can be torture after about 10-15 min. 

I have, however, found improvement - quite a bit, actually, and have had a period of several months of reduced pain....hence the movie theater.  I have been working w/ an excellent neuromuscular massage therapist for a year.   She has been able to identify some mechanical features of my muscles and spine and work on those very gradually but consistantly.  It doesn't solve every little thing, of course - but the improvement is huge in the realm of everyday quality of life.  She's taught me that small incremental changes are more beneficial in the long run.  But I know I'm fortunate - it took me awhile to find her, and I don't think there are many with her skill set.

I'm older than you are and don't have little ones at home to care for, nor am I working full time.  So I really feel for you.   The Spine Center/Pain Clinic doctor advised me that rest periods are crucial.  We tend to want to just keep going and get *whatever* done, so then we can rest - when actually, we'd feel better if we did a little, rested, did a little more, rested, etc.  It also sounds like you might need some ongoing medication for inflammation control, rather than just hitting it in flare.  Just my opinion, as of course, all this is.

When there is inflammation, there are often underlying mechanical issues that can perpeturate problems....like leg length discrepancy as one example.   Have those kinds of things been ruled out with you?  Lastly, I also found out I have celiac disease 2 yrs ago and have been on a gluten free diet since then.  I have a hunch that this has helped lower my inflammation overall, and has also contributed to the reduction in pain.  I have also heard that a diet very low in  or without carbohydrates is important with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Sorry you're having such a time.  I know how bad it can be.  Hope you feel better soon.

 

Hi Lu - I'm sure you already know this - but I can't help myself, just in case.  There is an association between UC and AS.  I just hope you have been thoroughly evaluated and AS has been ruled out.  I'm not sure about how different treatment may be from what you are currently receiving, if at all, but I would want to be sure all things were checked.

Lu, I have Sacroiilitis as well and I only know too well the pain of it! I am not having a flare up at the moment, thank goodness! But here are a few things that I found to be helpful:

Ice packs - this helps lower the inflammation.
Sitting on a donut - this takes pressure off the tail bone which in turn helps alleviate the pressure on the SI joint
Tylonel or even Aleve if you can tolerate it. Some Uc'ers can't take Aleve but I don't have much issue with it. Just be careful with Celebrex. If you notice you start to flare from your UC, you may have to stop it. I was on Celebrex as well for a while, but it started to make me bleed.
Arch support inserts in your shoes can help with standing and/or walking.
Don't cross your legs. Keep them flat on the floor when sitting.
Sit up straight and don't slouch.
Take frequent breaks from sitting. Even if it's to walk around your chair.
When sleeping, sleep with a pillow between your knees. They even make knee pillows, it looks a bit like an hour glass.

Someone on the chronic pain forum told me they make a SI belt. This is a belt your wrap around your hips to help the SI joint from moving to freely. To stablize it. I haven't tried it yet btw.

I still have issues with my Sacroiilitis but for the most part, it has eased up.

Alternating between different seating arrangements regularly is a good way to avoid stiffness and increased joint pain when working at a computer/desk for long periods... i.e. having a large inflatable (exercise) ball, an ergonomic chair with lower-back support, and a kneeling chair, and swapping between these every 20 minutes or so could be a good idea. I know people that do this, but my personal approach (sharing a cramped office) is unfortunately just pain-killers and regular breaks to walk about.

A proper ergonomic keyboard with wrist support, with everything (chair, desk, computer) set at the right angle will make a huge improvement to comfort/pain levels while working, and you are largely entitled to such equipment in order to do your work safely!

Just my 2c

James