Health Conditions
For most of my life I've had physical health conditions - formal diagnoses of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS - autonomic condition), Gastroparesis (stomach doesn't empty well), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS - allergies for me, including dust) and Scoliosis of Spine (back and other physical pain).
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These are complex conditions that require a lot of management by me (something I'm quite able to do).
I'm not a sick person
Having health conditions doesn't mean I'm a sick person who needs some kind of special help though. I've worked very hard over many years to get medical advice / exercise / life style changes / medication / distraction & pacing.
I want to be accepted for the person I am and the many things I can do, not what I can't. Health conditions make me a more resilient and robust person who has values in life - wanting to get up, make a difference in my world and achieve something.
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That doesn't mean the conditions easy - but life often isn't - I can do things that aren't easy.
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The main way these conditions affect me is this - higher heart rate (esp. on standing), considerable physical pain, limited diet, allergies (dust etc.), number of infections, exhausted more easily.
Why Work Seated?
I sit to turn due to the affects on my heart - standing turning at my lathe increases my heart rate too much, making it dangerous to use machines for any length of time. I don't use my band saw that much, and have yet to use this seated - I take regular breaks instead.