May 23, 2008
Working on My Back These Days
Heavens no, I haven’t taken up a new career, but I have been forced into a laying down position for a large part of the day. It’s either lie down or scream in agony. It kind of sucks. 
As you might know, I’m just over 6 months pregnant and this little gal inside is growing too much and is making my uterus push against my ribs on one side, causing extreme pain at the top of my ribs all the way through my back. I can usually stand up or sit for about an hour and a half before my body says enough (well, really an hour, but I try to ignore it for a while) and lying out flat eventually relieves the pain.
Anyway, if you’ve ever had this pain during pregnancy or know someone who has, it’s no fun. I had it with previous pregnancies, but this is much earlier and much more extreme.
By the way, baby is totally fine and healthy…it’s just mama being pushed around. 
So here I am, trying to ready myself and my business for the big day in August, but it’s making it tough especially since I have plenty of other obligations to take care of in my day besides business.
Well, I’ve devised a work-in-bed plan, that is working out half decently thus far. Should you ever find yourself flat on your back, you might find some of this helpful.
Actual time on the computer is carefully planned out as it is extremely limited. Before I turn the computer on, I know exactly what I’m going to do, get it done (with a bit of yelping along the way) and then computer goes off.
Thank goodness for Smart Phones. My Nokia E61i is like my best friend right now (but I still sorely miss my Sidekick which is the most rockin’ phone with the best keyboard EVER) since it allows me to lie down and get some typing and web surfing done.
I’m leaning on my VA. Prior to this, my VA has always received most of the daily correspondence, so thank goodness for that. Providing customer support isn’t terribly easy when you’re grouchy and have limited time to do it in. I’m also able to forward other correspondence to her, so she can answer in the way I specify. I just type out cryptic, gruff messages on my phone and she rewrites them into eloquent, polite responses on my behalf. 
Planning Content, Products and Blog Posts. I’m doing more work on paper before I begin, which means I’m not doing so many things willy-nilly. Sure, I’m lying on my side, writing kind of messy…but I’m the only one who has to read my notes.
Thumb-Typing My Reports, Articles, Blog Entries Etc. I’m using my phone to type these while I lie down comfortably and just hook my phone up to my computer later to further edit and publish. I can surf the net when I need research done without getting up off my duff.
Overall, it’s helping me ensure that I am more productive in my time. Sure the thumb-typing and handwriting slows me down a bit, but it gives me more time to think and ensure I’m spending my time more wisely. It also keeps me away from those usual distracting tasks we all seem to do while on the computer (you know checking stats, visiting forums, pretending that social networks is working, etc!).
All right, now that this blog post has been pasted from my phone and edited and published on my computer, I’m off to rest. Talk to you soon.
Free Marketing Course
I am sure this is very challenging for you, but it seems your ingenious work-in bed-skills are getting you through it. I suppose the “caveman” typing won’t get any better while holding a baby. Maybe I should practice more of this: “Before I turn the computer on, I know exactly what I’m going to do, get it done (with a bit of yelping along the way) and then computer goes off.” without minus the yelping lol
I hope this doesn’t last until August, take care.
Sorry to hear you’re feeling so lousy through this pregnancy. I personally had my nerve cut in my last surgery so it at times can be very painful if it hits. Take it easy.
We cavemen can be sympathetic you know:-)
My admiration grows, you manage to lie in bed and actually work? I suppose the discomfort keeps your eyes open.
My wife had a hell of a time with our first but it is worth it in the end as you know Alice.
Hope relief comes along pretty soon… does this last all the way through the pregnancy? Take it easy Alice.
I’ve never been pregnant (although I’d be rich I’m sure) but I KNOW debilitating flat on your back injuries, so i really feel for ya.
Take it slow
Hope you find some relief soon, Alice. Take care of yourself.
Hang in there Alice, I can still remember vividly the discomforts associated with pregnancy.
I remember at the speed money seminar the speakers talking about dragon naturally, transcribes voice to text.
Might be more effective then cavman typing.
Thanks for the well wishes. Today is actually a much better day!
Michelle - I caveman type better than I speak. Always prefer writing.
Sorry to hear you’re in pain Alice. That’s no fun! These little people really beat us up sometimes don’t they? LOL!
I hope you feel better soon. It will pass… and it will weight about 8 pounds.
Really sorry about your pain Alice. Pain has a nasty way of affecting our outlook and attitude too, if we let it. Doesn’t seem to affect you though!
Actually, I think this is ‘little Alice’s’ way of letting you know who’s boss!
Take care of yourself. . .
Stephanie
I didn’t know you were having a girl, Alice. How awesome! Seems like this is the year of the girl. Which means I’m likely having another boy LOL
Sorry to hear you’ve been having so much discomfort. I love the fact that you aren’t letting the pain keep you from being productive. Although I have to say I don’t know how you can accomplish any work while in bed…I’d fall asleep if I tried working in bed…LOL.
Tishia - definitely getting lots of sleep too, but I can only sleep so much!