Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Oh, sweetie pie, you poor thing! I'm SO sorry you're feeling so bad. Thank goodness the doctor grounded you and your prof understands. But good grief, moving??!! Hmm, that's a toughie.

Well, the first question is, how many friends and family are close enough they can come help? If the answer is none, how many good-looking neighbors could you do a Blanche DuBois act with -- you know, "Ahv always depended on the kindness of strangers." Seriously, this is one of those times when we have to overcome our reluctance to ask for help.

Okay, another way to go is to look up "Movers" in the Yellow Pages. I know you're a poor grad student, but this is your health we're talking about. Just deduct it on your taxes as medical expense and let the IRS just TRY to collect. Seriously, this is what credit cards are for -- EMERGENCIES!! And because it's a local move, it will be very cheap compared to crosscountry rates. When we needed to move my grandmother from one nursing home to another (the kind where you're allowed to bring your furnishings from home so you're more comfortable, so she had a dresser and a chair and a sewing machine (don't ask!)), anyway, I found an outfit called "Two Men and a Truck" and they did it on like one day's notice and it was maybe $100 bucks.

Okay, if you've already done all that and your question is just, "How do I get myself out of bed long enough for them to move it?" and "How do I catch the cat and get her in the carrier?" and "Where will I find the strength to carry my plants down to the car and back up again?", well, here's what I've learned.

First, treat yourself to a cup of coffee, as long as it won't cause you to have an attack that day. The next day, okay, you'll be all moved. Caffeine DOES provide energy and you're going to need all you can get.

Second, take FREQUENT breaks. Rule of thumb is a minute's rest for a minute's activity. So pack for half an hour, then LIE DOWN for half an hour.

Third, this is the time to use everything you know about good ergonomics. Bend your knees to lift things, don't bend from the waist, that kind of thing. OH, do you have a cane or walking stick?? They absorb 25% of the body's weight, thus conserving 25% of your energy. Even just for going up and down stairs or from one room to another.

WHEELS!! Do you have a set of suitcase wheels, the kind that aren't built in? Put boxes on them to move them. Or a skateboard with a rope? Or a little red wagon? Or a grocery cart (have someone borrow one for you!!) Don't carry if you can roll.

I'm sure I'll think of more, but that's a start. Oh, one more and it's the BEST idea. DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT UNTIL SATURDAY!! You'll just burn up energy you need to get better. Okay? I'm serious! I'll send the fatigue police over to your place to make sure you are only doing one of the following authorized activities:

Sleeping,
resting,
reading fashion magazines or trashy novels,
eating,
going to the bathroom,
watching TV.

Julie, Julie, Julie, feel better soon. Please? Please? Please?

SMOOCHES!!!

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Laura
Keep it simple!

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