As I sat today in my chair at my computer, reading todays posts,
I was drawn to the sounds my chair was making, It sqeeks, creeks and ckackles at the slightest movement.
The seat has lost most of its cusion and the covering is showing signs of wear.
As I noticed this I thought back to when I was given this chair, fall 2006. My Mother bought me this chair as a gift.
It wasn't by birthday or Chistmas or fathers day,
she bought me this chair when I had almost completely lost the ability to walk,
and spending time on the internet had become a daily exersize.
At this time in my life I had been ill since 2003-2004 and nobody knew why.
I had to stop working that summer and I entered a strange and unpredictable world of illness.
I dont recall how comfortable the chair was at the time or what sounds it made, but I do recall, before she bought the chair, saying "if all I can do is sit around I might as well be comfortable."
This was after I had purchased a new desk, a large one that would be able to hold some Items that I thought would make me feel more at home and comfortable.
I bought a phone that looks like an antique field phone used before we flew accross the Altlantic,
I won a vintage brass desk lamp on ebay, all original, even the globe
Then there was the desktop folding box style "cubby" for all my mail and such,
And the final touch, a very nice globe, printd in the antique style with ships depicted in the oceans and decorative compasses, all mounted on a bronze colored eagle
I coulnt afford any of this, but this was over looked, as all had pitty override thier better judgement as they stared at me.
My body was twisting and writhing constantly, I was pale and weak, my muscles deteriorating and my facial expressions often changing out of my ability to control,
and every time I would have a sudden jolt of severe pain or my abdomen spasmed, I would let out horrible sounding noises that scared my children
Thats why I dont recall the sounds the chair made, just getting to the chair was a nearly impossible task that I stubbornly did on my own.
As time progressed I spent less time in the chair, loosing my ability to comprehend anything written and sitting was difficult,
I layed on the couch or in bed watching movies or just staring as I suffered in pain and too weak get up.
Well that was then, before being diagnosed with Lyme disease and starting treatment.
Today I sit here, in the same chair. I can read and write again. Im looking for posts where I may be able to offer some encouragement or my experience.
I sent a letter to a congessman, it was comprehensible and well written.
My body is still and there is very little pain. I can cry and smile as I write this post, hopefully to encourage someone.
I walked down stairs from an upstairs bedroom by myself, I was slow and stiff, but that got better as my body "warmed up"
I got my own breakfast took my pills and sat in my chair. I have the same items on my desk now and enjoy them, Im fairly comfortable.
The chair and desk are in a different house now, a rental. I had to put my home up for sale to try and pay off bills I can no longer afford each month. But it's ok.
When Im done writing this, Im going to replace 6 panes of glass in and old porch door, built in 1900. I'll be tired and may have some pain after but now I know it will pass
Ill enjoy the small amount amount of ativity i do today because Im getting well, treatment with its ups and downs is slowly working.
I wont spend much time in my creeky chair today, but not because I have to lie down due to the severre pain and fatigue...I'll be busy for a while
slowly getting more active as Im able. I'll probably get confused and be tired and weak. I'll likely even be irritable and get snappy as I get tired...but its ok.
it's ok.
So as your reading this, what sound does your chair make? Where are you right now? Perhaps your reading from a laptop in bed or even in the hospital.
Do you have encouragement to share with someone today? Or perhaps you need some.
I never thought Id ever be able to write again or do the things I plan to do today, but I can!
Just a little over a year ago I just wanted to die and end my suffering. Today I want to go out and work on the porch...and get out of this chair...I thank God I can.
So now, despite the remaining symptoms I have, despite all I've lost and all Ive been through...Its ok, I know I'll be alright.
My thoughts and prayers to all suffering today, may you find hope and encouragement
There is always hope!
BJK
-------------------- BJK
Nothing I write here is medical advice...I'm just another lymie sharing how this disease has affected me personally Posts: 175 | From Central Maine | Registered: Sep 2007
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just don
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1129
posted
My chair makes noise very seldom,,pretty quiet. Its a kitchen chair thos and its too low,,,any solutions to that?? AND it gets real hard after a while!!
Hope you have your glazing compound all warmed up and a good flex putty knife and a supply of push points,,,makes for a quick job.
IF its a wood sash you using that is,,,nother tip is to PAINT the area where the putty goes first. THAT makes the putty stay flex longer and doesnt allow as much moisture pulled out of putty,,translated the putty lasts longer!!
Make a ball on the end of the knife and use the proper angle and you can wipe it in there really quick,takes a few times but proper angle and pull is learned quickly,,,course you already KNEW that!!
First the putty knife slides the push points in that holds the glass. IF its a door glass you 'may' wanna use safety glass if you dont already have it bought. have them undercut the glass an 1/8" too!!
Congrads on your 'progress',I am SURE the real reason for posting!!Rest are just my silly ramblings!!always--just don--
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
What a wonderful perspective you have and have shared with us.
My chair is just a folding chair.
Never replaced our "expensive" computer chair after Katrina.
I sit at a plastic table in a closet and use our computer.
However, as dismal as this seems, I still have a roof over my head.
We are building a new house. Should be ready for occupancy by June.
Best of all, my babesia herx seems to be fading slowly away after two excrutiating,
Scary weeks. I have a lot to be thankful for.
I am so grateful to my friends who supported me through this last herx.
So grateful to just be able to look outside and enjoy the sunshine without eye pain.
I am with you. Anybody needing some extra encouragement?
I have some to give (again).
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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Today, I'm sitting in my bed, so my "chair" doesn't make any noise. Thankfully, I have a laptop!
I started new meds three days ago, so am herxing from them. Last time I started these same meds, I could hardly walk ... I was in a lot of pain and took Vicodin .... I think every cell of my body hurt.
This time starting them, I was still able to fix both my own breakfast and my own lunch, and like you I walked up and down the stairs all by myself. I am resting, but I'm not in pain. I also don't think it will be a six week herx this time.
When I'm feeling a little better than I do now, my chair is a sofa with lots of pillows.
When I'm feeling good, then I sit at the stool in my kitchen .... if I sit down at all.
We've both come a long way!
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
HA! Got me.
I was wondering if the sounds my power chair makes are trying to tell me something.
I know they are supposed to be serviced and lubed once a year, but have avoided it due to cost.
I hear it is $150 just to have the guy come up from the valley and then he will not come up until he has several people who need him.
I was able to scan your post enough to notice that it really wasn't about what sounds your chair makes...I think.
It is a positive post and I hope to go back and read it entirely.
I have yet to be able to sit upright at the computer but it gives me hope to read about those who are able.
thanks for taking the time to post this.
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
bj, outstanding letter of encouragement, and the progress you have MADE IN ONE YEAR!
as you talked about every piece of furniture on your desk, i was visualizing it with you.
my pc chair is a HARD OAK, heavy chair with my 2 bedroom pillows under my fanny! i have an expensive drafting/high rise chair on rollers in the basement we bought for me to use making up flower arrangements but there's no window to glance out of.
so i want to see if i can have a welder cut it down so i can use it here...PADDED SEAT/BACK W/ARMS AND SWINGS AROUND!
congrats on your health now back on the road to recovery!
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
You touched my heart and made tears fall. You hit too close to home for me... all from your chair.
Thank you for taking time to share this story.
Thank goodness you have seen that there is life beyond Lyme.
posted
BJK, i printed this to read to Hubby..thank you...you said it all so well..i watch this every day with him..my heart breaks...knowing there is a light at the end of a long tunnel is helpful..so happy for you and others who have a little of their life back..
-------------------- madgen Posts: 342 | From newjersey | Registered: Oct 2007
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
OK Finally able to read it. Well written.
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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I sit on a 1908 piano stool that has claw feet (crystal balls held by eagle talons) and a round seat that you can spin to raise an lower on a center threaded pole.
The piano stool is silent unless you spin the seat to raise and lower it.
This stool has had many a family bottom on it since 1908. It was my grandfather's and it used to rest under the keyboard of his old piano. Now it rests next to my more modern piano and doubles as our computer seat.
Because it is an heirloom of sorts, it makes me feel grounded when I sit on it. I know my Pennsylvania-Dutch great-aunts and great-uncles and grand-parents and aunts and uncles and cousins and siblings -- all rested their bottoms on this chair with music and harmony in mind.
When I lie in bed in the mornings, my kids spin the seat and it squeals until they find the right height for their little bodies to reach the computer table. (I have to spin the seat back down when I sit at the computer or else my legs hit the table.)
Occasionally a friend will come to call with her toddler who will spin the seat endlessly and the piano stool squeals in delight at the attention.
In fact, the seat is very polite. It only makes noise to entertain children briefly until the achieved seating height is attained. Then, in deference to the adults, the seat is silent for the more perfunctory duties of piano-playing and computer typing.
I oil the wood to make it gleam, but I rarely oil the threaded pole upon which the round seat is bolted: I don't want the squeak and squeal to be quieted. No hushed spins -- I like to hear the tales that piano seat has to tell as it is turned.
Funny how we gather strength in diffent ways from our daily chairs. Never would have thought of it if you hadn't posted, BJK.
Thank you for the memories of family and friends and paths to recovery.
Best,
wiserforit
Posts: 508 | From Banks of the Hudson | Registered: Jul 2006
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aklnwlf
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5960
posted
Wow. That floored me. What a perspective.
I sit at a nice, cushy, cloth-covered, adjustable computer chair with wheels.
Grey and black, like some of my days.
So when I sit down you hear the wheels kinda give and then I'm rolling around to the desk to my laptop.
They don't squeek cause they're plastic. They just make rolling sounds.
Not a whole lot going on down below but in front of me on this laptop....
-------------------- Do not take this as medical advice. This comment is based on opinion and personal experience only.
Alaska Lone Wolf Posts: 6147 | From Columbus, GA | Registered: Jul 2004
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