[baldeagle]

As some of you know, I went on the pole about 10 weeks ago.

A great help to my ankles, knees and hips.

There is a an often mis-quoted saying which goes something along the lines of

"As one door closes, another bu**er slams in yer face!"

And so with me, because in spite of the fact that exercise is good for Arthritis, in my case it's aggravating my elbow joints something rotten!

The doc say's that I can take painkillers if I want, "You don't have to suffer", she said.

But, I don't want to have to be doped up to the eyeballs just to go to work, so, with some regret, I've had to pack the round in.

I've drained the hose - blown the water out of the pump, and shoved it all into the garage.

All me customers are getting a note through the door within the next few days.

A great shame, I never had many customers, I never wanted to make a million,.

It got me out into the fresh, I met some smashing people, [and I include those on this forum, who helped me no end], it gave me an interest, and lastly, and least importantly, it supplemented the works pension.

Now looking round for something else to do, something that I can fit in with my social life, after 40 'odd years of working for somebody else - W/Cing did just that.

Thanks to everyone on this forum, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Bye, from Baldeagle in Staffordshire

[macmac]

best wishes to you mate, i hope you do well in whatever path you take.

tony

[window pain]

sorry to hear about your plight baldeagle, but why don't you let someone else do your round and pay you a rental, or employ someone on a wage and supervise them, at least you will get something.  

[Pj]

Sorry to hear your plight Mr Baldeagle.  Tough decision, I'm sure many on here understand the battle with health.
Do you have to chuck it all in?
If you were making a profit could you not get someone to get it going under supervision.
"Half a sixpence is better than half a penny!"

[jeff1]

Good luck Baldeagle for the future.

But take a tip from Pj and window pain, rent out your round and equipment and make a little for your self.

Good Luck,  you can still stay intouch with us, to let us know how your doing.

Regards

[D woods]

Hi Baldeagle
Why dont you rent out your window cleaning round and get into carpet cleaning?

[windows_chepstow]

Sorry Baldy.

How about taxi driving?

[Paul Coleman]

As some of you know, I went on the pole about 10 weeks ago.

A great help to my ankles, knees and hips.

There is a an often mis-quoted saying which goes something along the lines of

"As one door closes, another bu**er slams in yer face!"

And so with me, because in spite of the fact that exercise is good for Arthritis, in my case it's aggravating my elbow joints something rotten!

The doc say's that I can take painkillers if I want, "You don't have to suffer", she said.

But, I don't want to have to be doped up to the eyeballs just to go to work, so, with some regret, I've had to pack the round in.

I've drained the hose - blown the water out of the pump, and shoved it all into the garage.

All me customers are getting a note through the door within the next few days.

A great shame, I never had many customers, I never wanted to make a million,.

It got me out into the fresh, I met some smashing people, [and I include those on this forum, who helped me no end], it gave me an interest, and lastly, and least importantly, it supplemented the works pension.

Now looking round for something else to do, something that I can fit in with my social life, after 40 'odd years of working for somebody else - W/Cing did just that.

Thanks to everyone on this forum, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Bye, from Baldeagle in Staffordshire

I'm really sorry to hear that Baldeagle.
Best wishes wherever life takes you.
Maybe Crystal Palace are looking for a manager.   

[marc al]

   Try getting in contact with the RFU, I don't think experience is neccesary and you only have to do about 11 saturdays a year!!

[shammy davis jnr]

a credit  to us all at least you know when to call it a day must be hard my heart goes out to you ,dont worry  you will always be a window cleaning brother
dont be a stranger keep us posted on your grand tour off the bahamas
all the best for the future ,what ever you decide im sure you will be a asset  to any employer
yours shammy davis scotland

[mark dew]

Can you not pole by walking forward and backwards without moving your elbows, like they teach on ionics course (i think)?
Otherwise what a shame. Still all the best.

[Scrimble]

Hi,

I live in stafford and have recently started up and dont have many customers, Maybe you could help me out?

Mark.

[Londoner]

Now Thats a great offer! Respect to Mark for that one

[poleman]

I think it would be a sad day when I have to give up window cleaning as its been my life for 20 years, so my heart goes out to you, if as it seems you are packing it in, well all I can say is good luck for the future  

Andy  

[JohnL]

Best of luck to you baldeagle in whatever you do.

have you thought about subbing your round out and taking a cut?

best wishes

JohnL

[shammy davis jnr]

bald eagle  im sure you will visit from time to time though  keep us posted on what you get up to

[dai]

Bald eagle. I have been on anti inflamateries since I started 13 years ago. I now take gloucosimine sulphate too. I have had to use elasticated elbow supports occasionally. I am lucky I guess, I can still carry on doing the job.
It's a pity you couln't have tried Jeff Brimbles ultra light pole with lightweight brush.
It's only you that will know how bad the pain is though mate. I'm sure you would have carried on if you could. There is some good suggestions on the above replies.
Good luck mate, There but for the grace of God as they say. Dai

[www.crawleycarpetc]

All the best baldeagle

[H h20]

Hi Baldeagle,what pole have you been using?,is this the reason you have found that is causing the arthritis to be worse,i use carbon fishing poles and they are so light you don`t know you are holding them,i live in Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire not too far from you so before you make a definate decision you are more than welcome to come and try it out,Gaz

[EasyClean]

Hi Bald Eagle,
I sympathise with you. I too suffer from chronic arthritus. I am dependant on steroids and cancer treating tablets along with pain killers and anti-inflamatory tablets for my arthritus.

I had to stop window cleaning when I developed arthritus. It has been a long hard uphill struggle to get my life back to what I can best describe as almost normal. I have to go for blood test every 2-4 weeks, see a specialist and occupational therapist, etc. I am very strong minded and determined not to let my illness get the better of me. Everyday I am in constant pain. Most of the time it is only mild but I have learnt to recognise when I am overdoing it workwise and accept that I need to take time off work otherwise I will just aggrevate a flare up. Most of my customers are aware of my situation and are understanding and loyal and so am I to them as it works both ways!!

I assume you know that certain types of food are very important in aiding or preventing arthritus which you are aware of.

The best advice I could recommend to you before you 'Jack in' window cleaning is to consider:
1. lightening your work load to fit in around your health
2. use the lightest poles available for WFP and also use carbon poles with the lightest brush heads rinsing 'brush on' & not 'off' if your not already doing so as they are much sturdier and less strain on your joints. You would notice the difference to your health in next to no time.
3.use microbore hose as they are less strain on your joints then normal hose.
4. keep up regular exercises specifically for joint movements, plenty of rest too along with adequate beaks when you're working also!!
5. listening to what your body is telling you. By that I mean 'Don't work by the clock because its 9am Monday so you've got to go to work but if you feel well then go out and clean some customers windows and if your not feeling up to it then start midday when you'll feel better.
6. Most importantly stay positive as it's so easy to feel depressed and so hard to pick yourself up again.

I would say to you think twice before you give it up completely, look at the alternatives. Good luck to you whatever you do !!!!!!!!