Unable to work and need some suggestions

Badger73, so sorry you are feeling this way. I understand completely what you are saying. I hate feeling in my head that I should be doing this and that, but physically its just not possible.

I can do short spurts of things so I dont feel completely unproductive. For example, cleaning the bathroom, I wipe down the mirrors and counter tops, and take out the garbage, the rest hubby needs to do. I can scrub the walls of the shower using a long handled scrubber while I am sitting on my shower chair, but I usually only get one wall done in a day. I may also get things out for dinner and start what I can. Just make sure everything is ready to go. Thats about all I can manage in my house.

I do alot of crosswords, reading, brain games and crafts. When my hands were really bad the crafts didnt work so well. I was always dropping something somewhere. Beyond that keeping mobile and flexible is very important. Anythimg that the dr will permit you to do you should be doing. Walking, stretching, yoga type activities for me are permitted as tolorated. I also do meditaion and some reiki type things. Maybe also, if you have any friends or relatives that you can make a lunch date with once a week, just something to keep you in contact with others.

You can try a new hobby too, drawing, painting, or even something a bit non traditional for guys such as knitting. I could do little bits at a time when my hands were bothering me, but it was just fun to do occasionally. When my daughter was laid up for a few months she sat there and made friendship bracelets, thats just knotting thread. Think about anything you can make for stocking stuffers for younger relatives. I started rock painting a few years ago, maybe alittle corny, but is easy if you get some instructions. Not to expensive either once you have some paints.

Just keep trying different things, I am sure you will find a variety of things you like to do!

Shell

If you like playing games there are all sorts of computer games out there you can pick up for little to nothing. If you like puzzle games, crosswords, card games and things of that nature you can get a CD with sometimes over 200 different games on them for under $10 at places like Best Buy and sometimes at Wal Mart, or check out eBay, which is where I buy 99% of my games from.

If you are into movies think about buying a Netflix compatible device and signing up for their instant streaming package. You can find devices like the Roku box or a Blu-ray DVD player set up to receive Netflix for under $100 now. I think Wal Mart has one for around $60. I have Netflix streaming service and love it. For $8 per month there are 100's of choices. You won't find real new releases on it but there are still enough TV series and movies on there to keep a movie buff entertained. Of course you will need a high speed internet connection, if you happen to be stuck with dial up for some reason it wouldn't work.

Find some kind of hobby you can work on when you feel up to it. It could be anything from bird watching to what ever.

If you have access to a car or public transportation during the day when your wife is at work see about volunteering somewhere. If you like kids see about setting up a reading to kids program at your local library. Many times preschools and pre kindergarten classes like to have volunteers to read to the kids or just to do crafts with them. Senior Centers and nursing homes usually love it when people come in and spend time with those who are there. Even if it is nothing more than sitting with the residents and talking to them.

Anyway, hopefully we have at least sparked some ideas for you.

Hi Badger~~

I can see why you'd go stir crazy during the day. I too am unable to work and am pretty much a homebody by choice. BUT, I'm so busy I don't know what to do with myself some days. I'm not a TV watcher but there are things I enjoy doing.

There are some places, like here, that I enjoy visiting online. But like you said, you can only stare at a computer screen so long and then it's time to get your brain and body moving. Are there any hobbies that have ever interested you? If not start to thinking...think really hard and don't limit your choices. Rosie Greer is great at needlepoint and knitting. He has a book and a website. Here's the link for you. If nothing else he's an inspiration to those who divide hobbies according to sex. That is so 50's!...lol

[rul]http://knitknerds.blogspot.com/2005/06/rosie-griers-needlepoint-book.html

Interested in trains, building things with your hands or whittling with a pocket knife. How about cooking? Men can make great cooks. Don't have to compete with any of those TV guys, just surprise your wife with a good tasting meal at night.Here's a site I like...Cooking for Engineers!

www.cookingforengineers.com/

How about some community service? If you wife, or a local bus service, can get you to your local library to check out books, you might consider volunteering there as often as you like. They always need people to repair and clean books. Often, when I go to our public library there is a small table with 2-4 retired folks visiting and cleaning books. Easy work and a great way to make new friends.

OK, my hands are hurting from this darn arthritis so I've got to stop. When you run out of ideas just email me. I've got a ton of ideas.

Hugs,
Chutz

Cooking nice meals for myself and my husband takes up a lot of time and feels satisfying. I have a number of cookbooks, and I also find recipes on FoodNetwork.com. I like making things that are special - like zuchinni bread or limeade - to entertain and treat myself, my husband, and any guests.

Post Edited (luminescent) : 8/14/2011 1:50:36 PM (GMT-6)