Tips from EllenAdams, these were posted to the newsgroups alt.med.fibromyalgia and are used with permission.
I'm new to Fibromyalgia (diagnosed 2 days ago) so forgive any ignorance, but I've been partially disabled with crohns disease for 2.5 years. A friend of mine commented that maybe I should share the ways I cope with other people. I think my situation is somewhat unusual (and lucky) in that I'm not as limited financially as many people so I'm not sure my suggestions are useful to everyone but here goes.
- I got my disability company to cooperate with my employer and buy me a computer for my home so I can get my email and work from home.
- I signed up for online banking so that I can pay my bills easily and in 10 minutes
- Online banking was costing a lot. I told my bank that I was planning to research switching banks to get it for free. They said they would give it to me free for the next year. (I never knew that they could be so flexible actually)
- I sent the bank an email and got "bank by mail" envelopes for deposits
- The guy across the street came to complain about the way my lawn looked. I offered to hire him to take care of it. He took the job. I also have him take the trash to the curb on trash day.
- I have a maid come in every other week. I told her from the beginning that I expect her to straighten up and clean (and do the dishes in the sink). I don't pick up for her. She puts fresh sheets on my bed and carries my laundry downstairs. Every other week is affordable and still enough to keep the health dept at bay!
- Lower your standards when it comes to the house being presentable. Your friends don't care. Even your mother will understand. Anyone who doesn't--don't invite them over. (I tell them if the state of anything disturbs them they can feel free to correct it. One friend straightens up the silverware drawer in an absent minded way every time he's here!)
- I'm not a hostess anymore. My friends come over, bring snacks, help themselves to things, or fix something for both of us. Give up waiting on the able bodied.
- There are dry cleaners who will pick up and deliver. Mine leaves my clothes hanging on the door knocker and accrues a bill.
- When the kitchen remodellers suggested I come to their showroom to select a Formica sample, I told them they needed to come to me. I'm spending money and I'd be too tired to make a decision if I went to them (they were fine with this). Now the project is all planned and I've yet to go to their showroom!
- Have things shipped to the house instead of carrying them home. For my new cook-ware I went to the store to select it and then had them order it to be shipped to my house. I ordered shutters at hechingers and they said they'd call me when they came in--I said no, just have them shipped to my house. Once I called Nordstroms, explained the kinds of shoes I liked and they shipped 12 pair to my office. I tried them on and they had UPS pick up the rejects. (And, of course, there's classic mail order)
- My latest idea is to have dinner parties with a "guest chef". I have friends who cook and everyone would enjoy getting together. I'll just sit on the sofa and be entertaining.
- I can't drive for more than a couple of hours so I can't get myself to the beach. This year I'm going with a group of friends. I have a ride there and back, my own room, and everyone else is organizing food shopping/cooking etc. I'm paying a little extra money so I don't feel badly for not participating in the work. They appreciate the extra funding for the trip.
- I don't work on Wednesdays. I work part time these days and found that a whole day off in the middle of the week was the most restful option for me. Also, making it a regular day is easier for my boss and employees to remember.
- I have a massage therapist come to my house. I found out that most are happy to do so, they just don't advertise it. Some charge an extra $5. (I'm going to see about getting my insurance to pay for it next) Massage really helps the aches and pains. (Massage every other week, and a maid every other week--it works!)
- Take the car to the dealer to get work done. Last time I called ahead, explained that if they would give me a discount I wouldn't need to shop around for a good price elsewhere. I got 15% off my brake job, a free state inspection, and I had them throw in a carwash--they have one on the premises for the new cars and it saves an errand. They also are accommodating about giving me a ride to work.
- I have a house-mate who's a good friend of mine. I give him a serious break on rent in exchange for some of his help. He does grocery shopping and a few other things. If he gets his own place, I'm considering offering a displaced wife room, board, and some money to live here and look after me and the house. If you have the space you might consider bartering it for services.
- Support your neighborhood drug store. There's a family owned place near me. My drugs cost over a thousand dollars a month (even though I pay much less with a prescription plan). I prefer the income go to them rather than to a chain. They deliver my prescriptions to the house and are happy to throw in anything else I might request. Delivery is free.
- Grocery stores do deliver. In my area, Safeway delivers groceries. Alternatively, I often get my house-mate to take me so I can pick things out but he will lead the excursion (I get distracted), and carry everything.
