Conferences are not designed for Sjogren's

[LisaMarie]

So, I'm out at a conference all week.  Today is the opening session.  Started at 8am.  I felt fine.  Felt like I had energy left after I walked 3 blocks to get here.  Arrived 30 minutes early and sat down to catch my breath.  Moved into the main room shortly after they opened the doors.  Oh, they blocked off rows of seats forcing you to fill up the room from the front.  So, I'm sitting around the middle of the room.  I should have sat at a end seat at least but I hate people having to crawl over me.  So, I'm in the middle of the row.

The session starts.  Feeling fine so far.  A few awards.  Nice.  Glad they won. 

Main speaker finally starts 30 minutes later.  He's a great speaker.  Funny.  I'm an hour into the session now.  Starting to struggle in my seat.  My back hurts.  My legs are starting to hurt.  Try to encourage myself to focus but I can't.  My stomach is turning big time.  Slight palpitations.

I still have another 45 minutes in this session!  They scheduled the session for almost two hours!  I've used my spoons just sitting here!   I'm not sure how I'm going to handle the rest of the day now. 

I think I'll blow off the first round of break out sessions and go back and get a nap.  Need to be productive at a 2pm meeting.

[A66eyroad]

I've always heard that the brain can only pay attention as long as the butt is able to sit. Two hours is WAY too long.

Glad to know you're taking care of what's important --- your health!

[Joe S.]

I used the time in the chair to meditate. It is harder when you are presenter Like I am this weekend. I plan to bring my towel to all my talks.

[A66eyroad]

Having a Douglas Adams day, Joe?   

[KellyG999]

I also have to attend professional conferences and I am lucky if I make it to 2 or 3 sessions in 2 days. I also try to sit in the back, near the door thanks to IBS and an overactive bladder. Fun, huh?

LOVE LOVE LOVE the Douglas Adams books. Especially the 4 book "Trilogy"...

[Joe S.]

Douglas Adams weekend! -- http://www.valleycon.com/ I do not know which topics they have selected for me to present from this list.

One Hour Presentation Menu

Down My Rabbit Hole – Strange, insane memories of future events from my past, and whispers of conspiracies.

I Want a New Drug – beginners guide to hand and body reflexology. Bring a friend to touch their pain.

Beginning Couples Massage – Bring your significant other for gentle torture and stretching massage. Please leave your torture implements at home.

Electro-Herbalism – Is this part of our Star Trek Medical future?

Reiki 0.5, with hand attunements – Laying on of hands for beginners.

Resonate Towers – a simple device to promote growth and healing with the earth.'s natural resonance.

Self-Hypnotic Meditation – learn the simple techniques for pain relief, health and a process for creating your own meditations.

Pain Management Tips and Tricks – for those forced into better living with out chemistry.

Introduction to your Energy Body Anatomy – Hara Line, Chakras, Meridians, & Auras

My Other Vehicle is a UFO – A discussion of techniques for building a UFO. Some Patented techniques have been used in our past.

Spoon Theory and Pain Management – a presentation of these two documents and a discussion of how to slow down and regain management of your pain levels.

Life After Life – a moderated discussion of past lives, near death experiences, transitions and future lives.

Our Holographic Multiverse – a discussion of wave interactions, written on the sea of energy that we exist in. I promise not to invoke the calculus. You can look it up yourself.

[A66eyroad]

Wow! Wish I could go! It sounds like you've got a lot of great information to share!

No wonder you need to bring along your handy towel. Just remember: DON'T PANIC!   

42,
A66ey

[lindaneall]

I always feel this way when attending the Sjogren's Syndrome National 2-day Conference.  It feels like a marathon to me, especially the 1st day that runs from around 9 a.m.-9 p.m. I keep suggesting that they build in a little nap time for us.

[Babs659]

I have been really struggling to make it through my 8 hour work day.  I feel fine in the morning.  By 2 o'clock I feel like crap.

Don't know how I'm going to make it 2 1/2 more years.

[Narablueeyes]

I have been really struggling to make it through my 8 hour work day.  I feel fine in the morning.  By 2 o'clock I feel like crap.

Don't know how I'm going to make it 2 1/2 more years.

Oh yeah...

[Joe S.]

Babs659 is part time an option? Do you have an option for FMLA? I am sorry if I have asked this before but I do not remember. Is there some way that you can add restorative breaks to your day? I am sorry that I do not have better suggestions for you. (((hugs))) if nothing else works.

[LisaMarie]

Yesterday's two hour nap did help me a lot!  I managed to go back to the conference and attend one other session, followed up by a small rest before I headed out for a fun night with others.  There is no way I could have done it without my nap and the "rest" period though.  I'm sure today will be the same way. 

I too am experiencing the lack of ability in getting a full day of work in on most days.  Luckily, I can be somewhat flexible in my job. 

[LizPetillo]

I wanna go to the conference Joe S. is going to!!
All my favorite stuff!!

[Babs659]

I work for the county, civil service position.  I don't know who to ask about modifications, and I'm a bit scared to in this economy.

[Narablueeyes]

I work for the county, civil service position.  I don't know who to ask about modifications, and I'm a bit scared to in this economy.

Have you tried your superior?  That's who I ask.  Although I've been told I was lucky to have a somewhat understanding boss.  Maybe the human resources person?  Check your personnel handbook for disability rules because in my position, it's a must that we be accommodated.  I'm just assuming you live in the US.  THE Americans With Disabilities Act protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination.  Providing reasonable accommodation is a must.