Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion General Message Board for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Related Diseases I was thinking, it might be fun to ,,,

Hi! Having 4 kids, we too, have a lot of laundry. Bending into the dryer is a really bad move, so I reach into the dryer with my "grabber," pulling clothes onto the door of the dryer. Then I fold them directly into piles on the top of the washer. This way I am not bending too much, or carrying heavy baskets around. I individually carry and put away each clothing pile, rather than carry the basket around. Two of my kids are older teens, and they put their own piles of clothes away.

Since I have a lot of sacroiliac pain and I spend a lot of time driving my kids places, I have a lumber support seat plus a "cush tush" wedge pillow for driving. I use either one or both to help me when driving. I also try to get out of the car, if even for a few minutes, before driving on to the next place.

Love all the tips! Kera4

I have difficulty getting in and out of my bed due to it being a very high frame. My husband is making a stool that I will be able to slide out from under the bed in order to step on.

I have difficulty standing for any length of time so I make sure that there is always something close by to sit or lean on. I have also purchased more expensive tennis shoes to wear that are made to absorb shock.

I also have difficulty sitting for too long. I usually just keep shifting in my seat in order to alleviate some of the pain. When it gets to be too much to handle, I will get up and walk around or attempt to stretch.

I too have difficulty with doing household chores (cleaning floors, doing laundry, or anything that requires scrubbing, etc.) My house just does not get cleaned as often as it should, because I have not found ways to get around these things. I, too, need to have a housekeeper! Wouldn't that be nice?

I also have trouble picking up items off of the floor. I usually squat down (for now I am still able to do this) in order to get items.

I have become very dependent on my husband to do things for me that I just don't seem to be able to do anymore. I really don't like to be so dependent on another person and I don't like placing that burden on him, but that seems to be one of my only options.

I discovered that my SI and back hurt much less when sitting if my legs are straight out in front of me and I'm slightly reclined. At home, I've taken to working, reading, and watching TV sitting propped up in bed. At work, I've adjusted my chair so I lean back and can prop my legs on the back rail of my desk.

I still have to get up and do some walking and stretching every hour, but I am much less sore when sitting in a better position.

I have a special seat I ordered for long rides in cars. This helps most days. I too use ergonomic handles for gardening tools. My legs no longer go over my head, little inside joke. I shave them once a week, in the bathe, the shower is impossible. I can not turn my head to back up so I use my mirrors. Took me awhile to adjust to that but a truck driver taught how to think like him when backing. It now take me six hours to do what I could do in two -three. No answer just getting old, I hate that.

Any pointers on how to get out a chair with more grace. I know I look like a wounded animal trying to move after I have sit for awhile.

I, too, look like a wounded animal when getting up from sitting for a while. Everyone around me asks if I am alright when I stand up.

Lol! I look around to see if anyone is watching me get up. That's a great way to describe it. It takes a few to get straight(if at all) and my feet hurt like first thing in the morning after I am still for a while. I'm sure I look like I'm doing the PP dance when I'm trying to stand in one spot. I just joke about it at work, there is no way to hide it.
When I buy things at the grocery store, I only buy what I feel like carrying in the house at the time unless my husband is there to help. I save the easy meals and sandwiches for the worst days. When I cook I lean on the stove. I have my 3 yr old grandughter and she is just great for getting in low places or picking up what I drop. She's happy to help.

yep - getting out of chairs for me too
I have a friend who has a very low, soft sofa that she loves and always wants me to sit with her, but when I visit I use one of the chairs from her dining room (the last time I sat on her sofa I had to roll off, on to my knees on the floor then push myself up)
I prefer a more upright chair with arms so I can use the arms to push myself up

getting in and out of the bath is a bit of a challenge too - to get out I roll over on to my knees then push myself up

Lets see.....
hard to stand up after sitting.
hard to pull pants on in the morning (have to sit down)
hard to put shoes on in the morning (slip ons are good!)
hard to bend over to pick stuff up
hard to sit!
no long car trips
feel as if I am always moving in slow motion compared to others
very hard time sleeping in any other bed than my own(sleep #)
hard to be on my feet for a long time (sightseeing is difficult)
vacations are exhausting

I can not stand for any length of time. When I have to I tend to sway back and forth so I won't be "still", which helps some.
I can't sit "still" either. I will wiggle like a toddler in church, just so I will be able to stand up easier (I still need a chair with arms and will have that wounded animal look though).
I have to brace myself with the car door when getting in - I have almost fallen over backwards when trying to get in without bracing myself. If the car is high enough ( and low enough) I can sit down and then pick my legs up with my hands to get them in the car.
I have to lie down for at least 2 hours every afternoon, the fatigue will be unbearable by the end of the day if I do not - sleeping is better, but not always possible.
When I am cleaning, I will sit down on the floor and scoot around to pick-up the small things.
I also do a clean for 15 minutes/sit for 15 minutes routine when trying to get things done.
I am sure there are more, but those are the ones that stand out right now.

Tess