Now what?

I got approved for disability which is great because I am having major issues with my arthritis (rheumy said I have the joints of a 70 year old). I appreciate having the net there so my family won't have to struggle through not only losing my income but increased medical bills.
The thing is I'm not sure what to be doing with myself. I've stepped up my exercising and working on adjusting my diet to cut out some of my medications but I feel like I should be doing something more. The problem is what? When my body started creating issues I was halfway through my nursing program to getting my rn and working as a CNA. I know with my joints being unstable I probably am going to have to look for a different path. Standing for extending time is a no go and I don't know how a knee replacement will affect my abilities (going to need both knees and right shoulder replaced very soon). I don't if I'm being illogical believing ill be able to go back to school and find a new path or what I should be doing. My OCD is not liking all this down time. I like to be busy but my body isn't liking it so much. Just curious what other people do after they get their disability?

Work on feeling better first. Then, if you think you can do it, think about school again. There are jobs in my paper for RNs that seem to be sit down brain work types. Maybe not what you originally planned. You might discover you feel so much better not working you never go back.

I am waiting on disability answer. I try to keep my mind busy with computer games, and reading. I also make jewelry and do paintings. In fact, I did a painting for my mom for Christmas that she really liked. My dh bought me a Cricut machine right after i got out of the hospital and we realized i needed something to keep me busy without a job.

The problem i have is everything takes money. I got a hobby lobby gift card for christmas, so guess where i will be soon. . The thing with painting, is you do not have to be great (though i hate it when it does not look like i want), and you can use different things in the painting, such as paper, yarn etc. Look at joanne's or acmoore sites for ideas.

I think fostering animals is a great idea. Having a kitten purring in your lap and giving you soft pats on the nose is very healing. Also caring for another helps us forget our grunts.

My cat can sense when I feel bad and will come and climb in my lap to love on me and snuggle. It really helps me feel better. She even senses which muscles hurt and avoid touching them.