Since I had my shoulder injury 4 years ago, I've also developed some neck and back issues, probably stemming from compensating for the shoulder injury in the right arm. It is aggravated by sitting so much, so I need to figure out how to sit less.
I've thought about a treadmill desk. I've thought about a standing desk. I try to get up and move in the office every hour, but reality is, I sit an awful lot. Much more than I did as a stay at home mom where I was always fiddling with something or doing something.
I am adding in daily walks and will soon add in step aerobics, but that still doesn't eliminate the hours and hours of sitting I do each day,
Cost is a big thing. In this case, getting healthy is expensive! I have a teeny tiny office. I'm not complaining as I am so happy to have my office - big window and all overlooking some beautiful homes on the middle street of DC. I just have to be super mindful of what I put in the office.
I can get used, a whole new office suite (my office needs a major overhaul with furniture) and a new ergonomic chair for about $1200 including delivery from what I see in ads. I could keep the desk I have and pick up a new chair and credenza for about $800 (ergonomic chairs are expensive!) (These are just sort of mock-ups of how the room might look/function with each option).
Another option is to get a sit and stand desk and ergonomic chair and credenza (making it possible to someday get a treadmill too) for about $2000.
Or, I can get a sit/stand desk with treadmill and a credenza for storage and an ergonomic chair for about $3000 with delivery included.
See my dilemma? In all cases it would be out of pocket. I work for a nonprofit and don't expect anyone to pay for my furnishings for an upgrade. I need a credenza (getting rid of two very old and beat up, yet functional bookcases cubbies) as my office has no horizontal space and I need that space for storage and work space. The credenza could probably get covered, but nothing more.
But, would I use it? I am getting continual neck and back strain from sitting so much. Perhaps just getting the more ergonomic chair would help.
Wish I could get a prescription saying I need such a thing for my health and then it would be partly covered by insurance. And so, I am going to take more ibuprofen, for the 8th day in a row for my neck strain headache.
And on other updates... 13th day in a row that my weight is staying mostly steady. THAT is getting old too!
My dad died from a heart attack at 42 and I was heading for a similar fate. Worked for 2 years to get fit and lost all the weight, but I cound't keep the weight off. For an additional 2 years I stumbled, but never got my feet under me. In April in 2018 I had a stroke at 48 years old. I simply had to get healthier. I'm less confident, more scared about ever leading the health life I want to live. I have stumbled so many times.
You are really giving this all you've got, Melissa. That's highly commendable of you, as it is the absolute right mindset for this. I hope you continue to explore all options in dealing with your shoulder injury. Good luck, and take care!
ReplyDeleteJacqueline Hodges @ Dr. Koziol