Do you realize you're tired before it's too late??

I don't!!  3 times now (since spine surgery in March) I've fallen down - hard - because I wasn't thinking straight.  Now we all know we can be dumb at any time, of course - but I'm far more likely to do it when I'm over-tired.

The 1st time was only a few weeks post-surgery, and I didn't realize my legs would actually give out if I tried to squat.  Ouch!  The 2nd time, it was late at night, I was dealing with my dying cat and emotionally upset, so - ok - a moment of forgetfulness is maybe understandable.

Last night, it was late again (I HATE going to bed, always have) and I was putting a paper cup with a bug in it outside.  But instead of using my reacher to put it down, which is how I've done everything for months, I suddenly squatted down like it was 1975,   my legs collapsed under me and I was once again on my butt, shaking my head in disbelief and wondering if this was the time I'd really pay.

My point is, do you know when to call it quits?  (I was feeling great, like I always do late at night, buzzing around doing little chores and enjoying the quiet and solitude.  But I need to get to bed earlier, obviously.)  Do you know when your most vulnerable times are?  And are you able to walk away when you should?

Debbie   

 

I am the same way. I have always been a night owl, but really feel lousy of a morning. I dont always realize that I am overdoing it when I am feeling good, which is usually at night. I work my best then, I am usualy more focused and things are quieter. Then, the next morning, I have difficulty waking up, I just simply drag-sometimes all day. These are the times when I am the most accident prone, because I am tired. I have to get up, because I have daycare kids here. I rush through things because I want to get them done so that I can sit down again and feel comfortable. My balance is usually off more when I am tired. I have injured myself numerous times because of this. The kids always string toys around, and this usually does not help. I am always tripping. I have also missed steps when going downstairs. I have also cut myself when cooking several times, and burned mysef on the stove.

Debbie, I'm so sorry you fell again!  I've done things like that and kick myself for them.  I've been far more careful since the osteoporosis diagnosis but I do have to remind myself.  That little voice in my head says, "Do you REALLY want to do this?" and when I listen nothing happens.  If I don't listen...BAM!  So  now I pay attention.

 

I'm a morning person.  As soon as the sun is up I'm ready to start the new day.  I get up while it's still dark outside so it gives me a chance to stretch, take some meds, and walk around to loosen up.  Once I do that I'm out feeding the birds and squirrels.  I love watching them get their breakfasts in the morning.  

 

I also hate going to bed!  I'm generally exhausted by bedtime but I'm far more comfortable when I'm up and moving around.  I'll wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and head out to the kitchen to play a few games on my iPad.  Then I go back to bed.  Yeah, I'm crazy.  

 

Sherrine 

I wish i didnt have to work, i think i would take better care of myself that way! I start work again tomorrow after being off 3 weeks, school bus driver, iam really not looking forward to it at all, already in a bad state of depression because of it!! I will have to get up at 3:30am and will not get home till about 5:30pm and i have been in a bad flare for a few weeks so this will not be easy!!!!! I have no idea how iam going to make it. I would hire a lawyer and try for ss but i cant afford to be out of work the amount of time required, just really dont know what to do, i feel so bad that sometimes i dont feel like going on!!! Dont worry guys. Thanks for listening!

 

I don't either. 

Thanks guys, this is the easiest job out there for the pay, even with early hours! @ Joy, yes i have a group of special needs that i take to publix for job training, up 3:30 -leave for work at 4:30 -leave compound at 5:20 -am done at 10:00 -back on road at 10:45 to do job program,drop 2 groups off and then double back and start picking them up, drop them off at school at 2:00 then go to my regular school, be there at 3:00 -drop all reg kids off and back to compound at 5:15, special needs also 13 kids being bussed to one school, get home about 5:45!! I drive about 150 miles a day in heavy traffic. But at least i have no lifting or bending!!!!

Hi Billy Girl

I drove germ factories for 17 years, totally understand the crazy hours and lousy traffic. Especially in winter in Florida.

No, you don't bend and lift, but you can't move around much, the daily stress from the job goes right to your shoulders. Some days my legs would be so tight it was hard to get down the steps.

Do walk the bus after the last stop, stretch as best you can. Check for sleepers! And if you have enough time, I was able to stretch across the isle and grab a nap. It helped.

Have a safe year!!