| Sitting
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Having Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) may make it difficult to sit on
a chair. Chairs that are low, soft or have deep backs can be
uncomfortable. Sit closer to the edge or on the framework of a couch
or chair, support your back with cushions, pillows or rolled up
towels.
A Good Chair is Useful
Try an office chair with adjustable height, lumbar support,
arm rests, wheels on the legs and a swizzle seat. Don't twist at
the waist when sitting in the office chair, instead, turn the
whole body keeping your hips and knees at a right angle (use a
foot rest or stool if necessary). Avoid crossing and your knees,
feet should be flat on the floor.
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| Sleeping
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Women with PGP have difficulty using
stairs so if your bedroom is upstairs here are some suggestions.
Until your pain and disability subsides consider using a room on the
main living area such as the dinning room, if that's not possible
set up sheets and pillows on a couch so there's somewhere for you to
sleep or rest during the day.
Sleeping & Pelvic Girdle Pain
An unstable pelvis compromises the ability to support and
transfer body weight appropriately; that's why it difficult to find
a comfortable position. You need to experiment with different
positions until you find what's suitable.
Lying on Your Back
- Support the head and shoulders.
- Supported knees can be straight or bent.
- Support underneath your pelvis and feet.
Lying on Your Side
- Keep your head level to the spine.
- Support shoulder, stomach, bottom and chin.
- The bent leg should be supported and made comfortable.
Pillows
- Use pillows of different sizes and thicknesses; towels or
blankets folded or rolled.
- Lying on a foam or woollen under blanket (such as lamb's
wool square) could give added comfort.
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| Driving
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Here are some suggestions to help
you get in and out of the car.
- As you enter the car, turn so your back is to the side of
the seat and sit.
- Hold onto the seat or car door and twist your bottom until
the legs are parallel to the door, remember to keep the legs
together.
- Using your hands, lift the legs or get someone to swing them
into the car.
- Getting out of the car, the legs come first then swing
yourself around so you are side-on to the seat, slightly lean
forward and stand up.
- Use a back support (lumbar roll) when sitting or driving the
car. If you do not have a lumbar support use a small cushion or
rolled hand towel.
- Check with your respective Law Enforcement to obtain
information on whether you're able to qualify for a Disability
Parking Permit. This permit would allow you to park in Disabled
areas.
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| Shopping
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Here are some suggestions to help you
with your grocery shopping.
- Prepare a food list and ask neighbours, friends and family
to shop for you.
- Inquire if your supermarket has an online shopping service
or home deliveries.
- Most places will carry your packages/bags to your car if you
ask.
- Shop at a time there will be less people.
- Always carry even weight on both arms.
- Try different ways of pushing and/or pulling the shopping
trolley.
- Experiment holding the shopping trolley different ways.
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| Cleaning the House
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| Don't feel guilty if the house is
too messy. Children and a mother in pain is reason enough for
understanding, help and compassion from family and friends. If doing
the housework increases your pain consider breaking these tasks up
over the day, a few days or even weekly. For instance, if vacuuming
and washing floors is one of the more difficult chores don't do both
in the same day. Commit to spending no more than fifteen minutes on
weekdays straightening or cleaning your home. Set a timer, and when
the bell goes off, go lie down! Stifle the perfectionist in you long
enough to rest. Prioritize only your most basic needs.
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| Preparing Meals
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| Use a stool or chair to sit on when
preparing food. Choose a table that has a suitable height. Use a
laundry trolley; fill it with all the ingredients from the fridge
and pantry to limit the amount of walking and bending. When clearing
the table use the trolley to transport the plates and bowls. Lower
expectations; give yourself permission to eat using paper plates.
If you can't stand long enough to wash the dishes, leave them to
soak 10 minutes or more to make them easier to clean. Reorganize
areas in your kitchen so the most commonly used items are placed for
easy access. For those with a walk-in pantry, use the same idea;
sort out the items and store them within easy access. This task can
be applied to many more areas in the house.
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| Getting Dressed
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Here are some suggestions to help you
get dressed.
- Dress sitting down pull clothing over your feet and then
stand to pull them up.
- Buy maternity clothes that are easy to wear.
- Wear shoes that lace up or ones that slip on and remain
firm.
- Avoid shoes with heels.
- Wear socks that have cushioned soles.
- A good idea for getting dressed in the bathroom is to leave
your clothes on the bench and have a chair nearby to sit on.
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| Stairs
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If possible, try to minimize the use
of stairs. If you try the suggested method mentioned below have
another person with you for help and support. If it is too painful
or you are in a hurry try sitting on your bottom using your arms to
lift you up and down.
Suggestions For Walking Up the Stairs.
- Position yourself close to the hand rail; elbow and arm
slightly bent.
- Support as much weight as you can into the arm holding the
stair rail.
- Slightly bend your back forward.
- If holding the rail with your right arm, lift the left leg
first.
- Transfer your weight between the right arm and left leg then
bring up the right leg.
- Repeat this motion until you reach the top.
Suggestions For Walking Down the Stairs.
- Position yourself close to the hand rail, elbow and arm
slightly bent.
- If holding the stair rail with your right hand bend both
knees balancing your weight between the right arm and left leg.
- Bend your back forward till you find the balance to bright
the right leg down onto the step.
- Now bring as much weight as possible over the right leg and
arm, you may notice your back comes over with you on an angle.
- Bring down your left leg. Repeat this motion until you reach
the bottom.
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| Toilet
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| If sitting on the toilet causes
discomfort elevate your feet on a step. Another option is to use a
toilet chair that is rolled or placed over the toilet seat; some
come with an arm rest.
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| Bathroom
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| If your bathroom is upstairs bring
down the items you would use the most during the day for example;
makeup, hair and tooth brush.
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| Bending & Standing
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| To pick up an object slightly bend at
the waist and knees, place a hand on the thigh and transfer some
body weight into it; keeping in that position lean over.
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| Laundry
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| Carrying a laundry basket full of wet
clothing is difficult; use a laundry trolley to push or pull.
Consider hanging out the washing on a clotheshorse which will lessen
the stretching to reach a clothesline.
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| Mobility and other Types of Aids
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| Consider using aids to help
support your weight, balance and mobility.
Wheelchair
Try taking off the armrests and/or foot support you might find
it easier to use your feet to get around. Using your feet for
mobility in a wheelchair has the benefit of exercising leg muscles.
Dynamic movements help maintain muscles strength during the times
you are unable to stand.
Frame
Some come with wheels and a brake; it can also accommodate a
basket that attaches to the front bar.
Elbow Crutches
Whether you use one or both crutches depends on what you find
most comfortable.
A Helping Hand
Has a claw at the end that can grasp objects off the ground. It
limits the amount of bending you have to do.
Shower Chair
Any type of stable plastic chair can be used. One that holes in
the seat is better suited to drain the water away.
Walking Stick
There are various types of walking sticks. See what suits you
the best.
Handle Support
It can be screwed into the walls of your bathroom and toilet to
assist you in lifting up and down.
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