I've had a few requests to create a text description of our pacing decision chart - or "To Do or not To Do" chart, so here it is:
Title:
"To do or not to do?" pacing and activity decision chart, produced in association with the Hypermobility Syndromes Association.
(Note: This is a simplified version. The full version would fill a book. Exact processes vary between individuals.)
This chart has boxes with questions in - each box having a yes or no answer - which sends you down different paths to help you reach a conclusion about whether to do an activity or not (or to help explain your decision to someone else).
(Note: Most activity can aggravate symptoms, so it's not about avoiding pain and fatigue, but trying to keep them manageable. Trial and error is required to find this level, and it can change over time.)
Pathway 1:
Box 1: Will it cause so much pain or fatigue that I can't function for days?
No.
Box 2: Given current symptoms, will I be able to complete the task?
Yes.
Box 3: Is there enough recovery time between now and when I next need to function?
Probably:
Outcome: Let's do this thing!
Pathway 2:
Box 1: Will it cause so much pain or fatigue that I can't function for days?
Yes
Box 4: Can I make it manageable by: splitting the task into smaller sections? or using an adaptation or aid to make it easier? or asking for help with challenging parts of the activity?
Yes.
Box 3: Is there enough recovery time between now and when I next need to function?
No.
Outcome: Best not. It's OK for an emergency, but not for routine tasks.
Pathway 3:
Box 1: Will it cause so much pain or fatigue that I can't function for days?
No
Box 2: Given current symptoms, will I be able to complete the task?
No
Box 4: Can I make it manageable by: splitting the task into smaller sections? or using an adaptation or aid to make it easier? or asking for help with challenging parts of the activity?
Yes.
Box 3: Is there enough recovery time between now and when I next need to function?
Yes.
Outcome: Let's do this thing!
Copyright Hannah Ensor 2015.
There are other permutations but this should give a good overview of the chart.
"To do or not to do?" pacing and activity decision chart, produced in association with the Hypermobility Syndromes Association.
(Note: This is a simplified version. The full version would fill a book. Exact processes vary between individuals.)
This chart has boxes with questions in - each box having a yes or no answer - which sends you down different paths to help you reach a conclusion about whether to do an activity or not (or to help explain your decision to someone else).
(Note: Most activity can aggravate symptoms, so it's not about avoiding pain and fatigue, but trying to keep them manageable. Trial and error is required to find this level, and it can change over time.)
Pathway 1:
Box 1: Will it cause so much pain or fatigue that I can't function for days?
No.
Box 2: Given current symptoms, will I be able to complete the task?
Yes.
Box 3: Is there enough recovery time between now and when I next need to function?
Probably:
Outcome: Let's do this thing!
Pathway 2:
Box 1: Will it cause so much pain or fatigue that I can't function for days?
Yes
Box 4: Can I make it manageable by: splitting the task into smaller sections? or using an adaptation or aid to make it easier? or asking for help with challenging parts of the activity?
Yes.
Box 3: Is there enough recovery time between now and when I next need to function?
No.
Outcome: Best not. It's OK for an emergency, but not for routine tasks.
Pathway 3:
Box 1: Will it cause so much pain or fatigue that I can't function for days?
No
Box 2: Given current symptoms, will I be able to complete the task?
No
Box 4: Can I make it manageable by: splitting the task into smaller sections? or using an adaptation or aid to make it easier? or asking for help with challenging parts of the activity?
Yes.
Box 3: Is there enough recovery time between now and when I next need to function?
Yes.
Outcome: Let's do this thing!
Copyright Hannah Ensor 2015.
There are other permutations but this should give a good overview of the chart.
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