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Friday 7 March 2014

The SWEPT Concept

I decided to create an acronym that accurately describes an average day for those suffering with Ankylosing Spondylitis, like myself. Whether or not you are suffering through severe degeneration and fusion or dealing with inflammation and stiffness, this acronym applies to you.

So, what is SWEPT?

SWEPT stands for Struggling With Easily Performed Tasks. Here are just a few tasks that others not suffering from an autoimmune condition (or certain other disabilities) would take in their stride without thinking twice:

  • Rolling over to sit up or get out of bed
  • Putting on your socks
  • Tying your shoe laces
  • Picking something up off the floor
  • Tying up your hair
  • Going for a drive in the car
  • Running to catch that train you are about to miss
  • Standing on the packed train because there are no seats left (no one is going to give their chair to someone with an invisible illness such as AS)
  • Sneezing and/or coughing
  • Getting dressed or undressed

I'm sure those with AS will think of more tasks that they struggle with each day but they are just a few. When you're SWEPT, it can seem a little demoralising. I mean how hard is it to tie your shoe laces, really? Sometimes it can make you feel so useless, to need to rely on other people to help you with the most simple tasks. You don't want to be a burden on them or have them think of you as failing at basic human functions.

I have come to realise that I am not a failure for needing help sometimes. While it can be frustrating, it is a symptom of my condition and that it is not something to be ashamed of. It has also taught me to appreciate when I CAN tie my own shoe laces and get up out of bed in those occasional pain-free moments.

When you are SWEPT, as much as it is frutrating, own it. Don't let it keep you down. Work on getting the task done and if that means taking a break or asking for help, them so be it. There is nothing to be ashamed of.

In the words of Michael Stipe "Everybody Hurts Sometimes".


Please feel free to comment with other examples of times when you have been SWEPT.

Have a great Day














~AS Angel~
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3 comments:

  1. Motivational Psychic Medium Sal7 March 2014 at 23:57

    Oh I hear everything you say! I have A.S and am a mother of 5. I battle every day. I hate to love going to bed. It can bring relief to begin with but as time ticks on it becomes so much more painful. I get up atleast twice a night to move due to pain.
    My names Sal, I live in wollongong. May I ask where you are in Australia?

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    Replies
    1. AS Angel11 March 2014 at 03:18

      Hi Sal,

      I am in Melbourne, Victoria.
      Have you considered using pillows between your legs or under your back and/or knees to help align your body to aid in a more restful sleep?

      I can't imagine what it would be like to raise 5 children while battling AS. I congratulate you for not giving up and persevering to give them what you can when you can. I hope you have a pain free night tonight.

      Delete
  2. rello8 March 2016 at 03:36

    You forgot....sitting down on the toilet....reaching for loo paper......using loo paper......trying to stand up....trying not to drop your pants on the floor.......dropping your pants.......sitting down again so you can reach them....hopefully.....and start all over again. Yep SWEPT every time.

    ReplyDelete