In today’s episode, we’re joined by two inspiring spoonies! In Part 1, Kait from Season 1 returns to share her expertise as an OT, breaking down the '4 P's' of energy conservation—practical tips to help you save your spoons.
In Part 2, Bill opens up about his life with Neurosarcoidosis, from being a star lacrosse player to enduring seven brain surgeries. It’s a powerful story of resilience, adaptation, and finding strength in the face of life-changing challenges.
Follow Bill on Instagram at bmac33
Read more about Neurosarcoidosis here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurosarcoidosis
Follow Kait on Instagram at alignedk8
Listen to her podcast episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gX7fIzuzwbnUsMFOx4Thx?si=c62d387ae0bf4707
Read Kait's Clinical Research Journal here: https://journals.lww.com/clinorthop/citation/2024/09000/what_i_wish_my_surgeon_knew__i_am_more_than_a_hip.7.aspx
The 4 P’s in Energy Conservation
Prioritize:
Decide what needs to be done today, and what you can do throughout the rest of the week
• Making a list of to-do items in order of importance.
• Set goals for yourself. Ask yourself, what do I want to achieve today (this week, this month, this year, etc.)
Plan:
Plan ahead to avoid having to take extra steps or measures during your daily activities
• Identify the time of day in which you have the most energy, and then plan to do your most challenging or most important tasks during that time.
• Making sure you have seating available for wherever you are going or in areas of your environment where you require breaks.
• Keep a chair or a stool in the kitchen so you can take breaks as needed.
• Write out your grocery list beforehand so you know exactly what to get and not have to wander around the store.
• Plan to have people support you in tasks that are extra difficult.
• Before beginning any tasks, gather all of the items you need before beginning. This will eliminate extra trips to gather materials.
Pace:
It is important to take it slow when completing tasks.
• Breaking down tasks into manageable units or stages.
• Take breaks as needed.
• Use deep breathing strategies during your breaks.
• Alternating hard tasks and easy tasks.
Position:
The positioning of our bodies as well as items around us can help save energy.
• Keeping items that are needed frequently within reach. For example, keep most used items on the counter rather than higher shelves.
• Using adaptive equipment such as a reacher, sock-aid, dressing stick, long sponge, shoehorn, adaptive jar openers, etc.
• Sit in comfortable positions during breaks.
• Position our bodies to be sitting up straight so we can engage in deeper breathing.
