Question on move...

Okay, I know this may seem like a really weird question. The thing is that hopefully (if the seller does his stuff right this time) we will be getting keys to our new home tomorrow.

As soon as we started looking for a home, I started packing, slowly, so that I wasn't playing a game of catch up and killing myself more than I needed to. My back is royally ticked off right now. The plan is to move on Sunday right now.

My problem is this... I won't be able to pick anything up. I know better. I'm trying to avoid hurting myself more - which is what has happened each time we've moved. I'm talking ER pain. We have friends that are helping, but I know that I'll feel bad sitting around not doing anything except directing furniture. It goes against my whole work ethic watching other people do work that I can't do.

Does anyone have any ideas?? I know if I help I'll end up in so much pain for the next week... at the same time, if I don't help, I'm going to feel bad.

I know it sounds like a stupid question - but I worked well after I should have quit just because I didn't want to admit that I couldn't do it anymore. I end up overdoing things just about every day - because I don't like to admit that I just can't do things.

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Well, my suggestion would be to share this info with your husband/significant other....have HIM make sure he and the others keep you in check! I know exactly what you are saying about not being able to sit and watch, perhaps you could make it your job to keep the other workers happy, say with beverages and food. Maybe you could run some other errands that need to be done, like setting up phone/electric/gas/cable/internet services and paying the deposits, post office for change of address.

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Mochiah/a.k.a. Sue

How goes the move? What you need is a director's chair and ball cap that says the same thing: Director! Plant yourself in it, and have your husband strap you down with bungee cords if necessary.

I know it's terribly difficult to stay put when these things come up, but you already know how much worse it will be if the moving activities have to stop because you need to make an ER run. If the people helping out don't know that by now, then you have to make that fact very clear. I finally got it through my own thick head that the more honest I am with myself, my family and my friends about my limitations, the easier everyone's life is. I am blessed to have a husband and some very solid friends who understand perfectly and we all have a crazy sense of humor. Can't tell you how much it heps to joke off some of those limitations. Give your friends some credit. If they're true friends, they'll understand and insist you stay firmly planted and out of the action. Now get busy sitting!

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Living in the Republic of Texas minus a gallbladder, a couple of cervical discs, appendix, uterus, and 18" of colon; but still alive and living with my husband, 2 dogs, 1 cockatiel, 1 quaker parrot and 2 gold fish. 

My suggestion is leave the house during the move. Surely there are some neccessary chores that need to be done that you can do during the move. Also take a friend out to lunch or something. All of the people who are helping you are probably at least partially aware of your condition and won't be offended if you are not there supervising and noone wants you to do something that would cause you extra pain. So just leave. That is what I would have to do in order to avoid moving just one box that ends up being ten and leaving me unable to move for several days afterward.
No matter what you decide to do, have a great moving day and enjoy your new home.
Sj

Thanks all of you.

I actually broached the subject with my husband today, and he told me that every person knows I'm not allowed to pick up ANYTHING. He said not even a feather.

I'm going to work on painting some tomorrow with a friend, should be getting keys tomorrow morning. I was actually thinking that my job could be to tell people where to put stuff.

It's good to know that I am not the only one who has problems just watching. I hate seeing other people work even when I know it's going to hurt me.

Thanks@

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Can you do some light cleaning at the new house? I know how hard it is to just sit and watch. But, like you say, you can direct everyone on what goes where. Just stay away from the lifting of things its no fun going to ER and run the risk of being treated poorly. Good luck, Susie

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After several moves I have become really good at keeping busy so as not to feel guilty because everyone else is working and I do this by realizing my job is just as important and has to be done as well.

When I moved over a year ago my family helped a little. But shockingly I was the one who packed up a whole house all by myself. Thank God for the Heating Pad and Percocet at the time. I don't know what I would do.

See I have Fibromyalgia due to several injuries and don't believe my family believes that much in the disease. Except my 75y/o mother who is ill herself. Like I was going to have her pack.

I also unpacked once we moved. And yes I was crippled on the couch for a long period. Was able to clean a little each day for a bit, but come to find out prior to all that packing in the first place I had torn cartiledge off the bone of my shoulder (Top of humerus). And I did all I did with my shoulder like that, and in extreme pain.

But I guess we force ourselves to do the things we need to do, especially when no one understands our disease or cares to help their little sister.

If you don't have to help, I would suggest not helping. Especially with your Medical History. Though you might do something nice for everyone who helped once you move. Like invite them to a nice dinner in your new place. Just a thought.

glynn