Coping with limitations

Billiegoat

HI

I really haven't adapted to my change in health. Two years ago xmas eve I went off my legs. I now use two crutches as I can't walk more than a step or two and have rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Now, I know lots of people are worse off than me., but knowing doesn't help. My daily battle is that I feel very restricted and suffocated by my limitations. I cannot stand being in the house, I hate my home. I hate people visiting me at home. I've tried distraction, cbt therapy, mindfulness, hobbies etc but my focus is constantly on how im going to get out the house again. Then when I'm out, I feel I can finally breathe.

Is this me or do others feel this? Because when I tell friends or family they look at me gone out. Is this so unusual?

Daffodil94

Hi Billiegoat, I became housebound in August this year. Firstly, do you have a wheelchair? Secondly, do you have a purpose for each day - something to get you out of bed? Thirdly, what do you like doing best? If you can answer these questions, I can probably help you a bit.

Billiegoat

Thank you Daffodil.

Something strange happened. I sent my message to the forum and picked up a book I'm reading. Three pages in I read " stone walls do not a prison make". Im just reading a fi tion book by elly griffiths so I wasnt looking for it. It set me off with memories of childhood where I was very restricted by a family and religion, "the cult" as my husband calls it. I was given 6 months in a mental health unit because becoming mentally unwell was the only legitimate way to get away from them This is the feeling I have and I think my physical health compounds something that was already there but I haven't understood.

In answer Daffodil, no to the wheelchair. I've been thinking that if I can stand then I shoudnt have a wheelchair. I work from home during the week and my employer is very supportive but it adds to feeling incarcerated.I love crafts, any kind. I started knitting at age 4.

Anyway, any thoughts gratefully received. I am actually very grateful for many things but I lose perspective. So now I've cleared that mystery up I thank you for reading my nonsense.🙂

Bluebell21

Hi @Billiegoat It can take quite some time to adjust to a different lifestyle. It is best to think what can I do now not what you did before.

My daughter had a wheel chair not because she could not walk but because she could not breathe and walk. Having a wheel chair meant she could go out and still do some of the things she did before her breathing diagnosis.

It could be you way to freedom. You could still walk about inside or short distances outside.

Take care.