You have my sympathies. I was unfortunate enough to lose a leg about 4 years ago. The occupational therapist was very helpful, and provided me with a pair of perching stools which are ideal for the job. Like bar stools, they are quite tall, but the seat is just slightly angled forward and they have short rails at the sides (to assist atanding up) and at the back (for security). PM me if you would like more details.

Like you, I find it limits the time I can work, especially standing, and it has steered me into doing more light work, such as O gauge loco modelling which I can mostly do sitting down. I can though still work standing up when I need to, but try to restrict it to half an hour or so, then go and have a sit and a cup of coffee (or bunk off and play a comuter game!).

I wish you luck though.

David

Edited By David Littlewood on 07/12/2012 01:08:45

I have seen Ergonomic stools that are the other way round and you straddle them as you would on a horse and you support yourself with your legs/feet under a bar. they were quite common where I worked with at least three people using them all day !

One chap I know had spinal impact from being on a boat for some time and having been bounced about which squashed the pads in his spine around L4 and L5 vertebra. He found these seats beneficial.

Clive

Worst I've had was carpal tunnel syndrome – I completely lost the 'tingle' reflex where they tap the inside of your wrist. My right arm used to go totally cold and loose all feeling. It came on after several months intense DIY after moving in, I think it was forcing hammer drills through tough concrete and too much mnual screwdiving. The latter can bring it back.

Got so severe I was worried about MS but the next best thing to a cure has proven to be mouse mats witha silicon gel wrist-rest at hiome and work they stop the inside of my wrist rubbing on the edge of desk or table.

Mind you, I've had bad backache this week after doing a lot of lifting (too much rather than too heavy) – age is starting to catch up.

I find how I sit or perch to be really important – I sat down at the lathe (on a stool) for the first time this week because of the backache. I felt less 'in control' but could not have carried on otherwise.

Lumbar support when driving really helps too -new car hasn't got this, but stuffing a folded scarf into the small of my back was useful.

We have a straddle chair at work, as a few people have had issues, on and off – one chap has a computer stand made of plywood that looks like a child-size computer desk – it stands on his desk and he works standing up!

Neil.

Hello All

I have an obscure muscle wasting disease and i can't stand for more than a fee minutes, I also need help to rise from an ordinary chair.My work shop is quite small with the usual lathe, milling machine,bench drill etc.

I acquired an office chair with swivel, castors & arms , I raised the height. to suit and it works a treat I can sit all day on it ( and frequently do) pushing myself around with my feet, My mill was new in the spring and i mounted it on a low bench which also helps although my lathe is at the normal height. As my condition deteriates I hope I can continue from my wheelchair. I might be able to post a photo if your interested.

Regards

Farmer Dave

Edited By Farmer Dave on 07/12/2012 21:44:12

I'm not disabled, just getting old. Ankle, knees, hips ,and back are worst. I've found that not doing anything for very long is the answer. eg 10 mins standing at lathe, 15 mins at computor, walk dog for 10 mins, into cold shop for 20 mins, feed hens. keep warm and keep moving seems to work. Only problem is my feet are wareing out. Also have a "bar" stool and a chair in both shops, the light bent tubing sort. These also used as support and benches in emergency, also good as a "halfway house" when lifting stuff onto bench.