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Moderation and Modification: How can it help your chronic pain?
Moderation involves how much, how long, or how fast you do things to avoid overdoing or underdoing activities during your day.
To practice moderation:
~ Break apart lengthy tasks.
~ Alternate activities.
~ Prioritize tasks.
~ Take frequent rest breaks.
~ Work at a moderate pace.
~ Change the frequency of tasks.
~ Delegate.
~ Set time limits.
Modification involves changing how you perform your activity to help conserve energy and reduce risk of injury.
Examples of modification:
~ Maintain good posture and body mechanics with all activities.
~ Work sitting down when possible; conserve energy.
~ Bend your knees, not your back to reach items or perform task
below hip height.
~ Use tools appropriate for the job. These can include long-handle,
light weight, padded ergonomic grip handles, appropriate lengths
for your height and task.
~ Push rather than pull to move heavy items. Ask for help when
needed (delegate).
~ Alternate positions.
What moderation and modification tips do you think would help you with your chronic symptoms? Are you applying any currently? How do you feel about opening your mind to trying them, if not?
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Sorry I had a type o at the end. Enough about me.
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1 Reaction😂🙃
If I get constipated at all it really makes my bake hurt worse
I take magnesium to keep me regular and pressure of my rods & metal work Makes a difference
This is fine when I'm at home and I can listen to by body as I go through the day, but at work I'm expected to be on my feet moving for 8 hours a day. I can't stop and rest every 20 minutes. I'm not tech savvy enough to find an at home job that way and looking around my area for other types of jobs, I can't see how I could manage full time doing anything.
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1 ReactionHi @memcat. Thank you for bringing up this point. I see how you are challenged. The work place is not always conducive to moderation. My working days presented similar challenges, but eventually I had to speak up and advocate for my needs.
Have you tried to speak to your boss about your condition and how difficult you current schedule and pace is for you?
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3 ReactionsYes. They are good about honoring my doctor's certificate about not lifting and working 4 hour shifts. But I need the full time pay to meet my bills and my Family Medical Leave to supplement my pay is almost used up. I find that even 4 hours often leaves me in pain and I'm just trying to be in a position with the least amount of movement when I get home. I have Diverticulitis issues and Ibuprophen and Aspirin triggers episodes. Tylenol does nothing for me. So I wait till bedtime to take an edible so I get a good nights rest. On my days off when I do something for 15-20 minutes than rest 30-45 minutes, I don't collapse like I do after working. But I don't know of a workplace that would allow me to work on that kind of pattern to get through the day.
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3 ReactionsWhat a stressful position to be in. I'm sorry. Pushing and crashing makes chronic pain worse, as you know by crashing at night and needing an edible. Have you used FML time already for your health issues?It sounds like you have your doctors support regarding your physical limitations, which is huge. Are any other positions within the company that you can switch to an option? Does your employer offer an opportunity to train you elsewhere or part time from home?
I understand needing money for bills and keeping insurance and benefits. I miserably pushed too long at work without being honest and advocating for myself. Its a lot of pressure when you feel stuck financially yet physically you can't keep up. I feel for you.
Brain storming here....
Would you qualify for disability? It's a pay reduction but typically your allowed to work part-time to supplement.
I found this government link. Not sure if its info you're already aware of or if it'll be helpful...
Employment Laws, Medical, Disability Related -
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/publications/fact-sheets/employment-laws-medical-and-disability-related-leave
Do you feel comfortable meeting with HR, or the boss, and being completely upfront about your challenges beyond the 4 hour shift and weight limitations? Explain your dilemma to them as you did me and see if they can come up with a solution.
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3 ReactionsHi @memcat - thought I'd say hi, and check in to see how have you been making out with work? Any better situation, or still the same push/crash cycle of full time?
I'm still not able to work more than 6 hours a day, sometimes only 4 or 5. I do want to call in some days, but am afraid of getting below 24 hours a week that protect my healthcare benefits. Just called the company my company goes through for FMLA and she told me that I could get intermittent leave that would protect my benefits if I get below the 24 hours. Am waiting on forms for my doctor to fill out. I was referred to the Long Hauler Clinic at OHSU in July and have an appointment for the end of February. Still have no input on a treatment plan that will help. OHSU won't give advice until they see me and do a full assessment, as each of us long haulers has unique issues, And I do still try to pace myself, which is easier at home than at work. It's hard when my spirit feels antsy and doesn't match what my body can handle.
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3 ReactionsI follow body mechanics well. I worked in healthcare before I retired and we were taught how to properly lift patients, reach for things, etc.
Moderation is tough. I am an all or nothing person. When I feel well I want I clean the whole apartment, plant some flowers, go for a walk. Two days later I am down for 5 days.
I want to stretch like I used to but it is painful.
I do enjoy getting on the floor.
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