Lab Stools

[Lauren]

I apologize in advance if a topic like this has already been made. I tried using the search facility but just got results about the other kind of "stool."

At the moment I take Chemistry, Biology and Psychology at A level and so a lot of my time at school is spent sitting on a lab stool. I've spent a lot of time with my physiotherapist talking about proper sitting position and it has helped in other situations but it doesn't really help when I don't have any support for my back. It's giving me back and neckache that's quite distracting. Also, because I end up leaning on the desk with my elbows it's putting pressure on my shoulders and so they just end up dislocating and cracking and crunching. Sometimes I give up and put my head on the desk until whoever sits next to me pokes me enough to make me sit up again.

My physiotherapist suggested that I get up and move around every so often but I can't exactly do that in the middle of a lesson.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Rosie]

Hiya

I had a real problem with bachache when I was in the sixth form and as i was doing 2 science A levels I spent at least half my lessons in a lab. The school supplied me with a wooden stool with a back, just like the normal tall wooden stools used in labs but with a back, and that was 30 years ago! I would have a look on the internet to see what is available, and ask at school to see if they either have something or can get something for you to use. The other thing that you might look at is a perching stool, but with that you are not actually sitting, but for some people they work well, others don't get on with them.
Some office type chairs can be adjusted to give extra height, so this may be another option. Do explain to someone the problems you are having and how it is interfering with your studies.

Rosie

[Lauren]

Thanks Rosie,

It just occured to me that I only really have four months of school left, scary stuff! So maybe there isn't much point getting another stool at this point, but I will definately take it up when (if I get in!) I go to university.

I don't really know who to talk to at school about this kind of thing. My form tutor is pretty clueless. I think I'll manage the next few months and maybe bring it up with my physiotherapist.

[roqchiq]

Just out of interest, what are you planning to study at uni? If it's a lab based subject you may want to check out what is/isn't possible now, as I studied Chemistry at uni and wasn't allowed a stool as it was a 'fire risk'. This was over 15 years ago now, and attitudes (not to mention disability legislation) may have changed, but it is worth considering. I'm sure someone on here will know what the situation is.

[Lauren]

I'm planning to study Food Science, I'm going to a post application open day at my firm choice in two weeks, I will ask about it then.

[alice-emma-louise]

Lauren, when you go to uni (and I'm sure it's a when, not an if!) make sure you get in touch with the university's disability support team before you start the course. You will be told to submit a DSA application and from that will be given a needs assesment. Here they will tell you which stools are available, which they think will suit you (mine doesn't have a back but is supposed to be supportive for the back due to the shape of the seat but if you think you need a seat with a back make sure you have that info from your physio and take it to the needs assessment with you). From there, they will send you a report with all the things you need, a list of suppliers and you will need to contact your local authority (or maybe they contact them for you, I can't remember) - you will get a reply telling you what they agree to and then you can ring suppliers to confirm the orders and they will bring you your stuff!

It's really quite a simple procedure but it does take time so try to get the ball rolling well before the course starts

Alicex

[Lauren]

Thanks Alice, unfortunately my firm choice was the only university who did not send me information about their disability team after I sent an application. XD I'm going to sort out my student finance very soon. We have a talk at sixth form about it this week and if they don't talk about dsa I will stay behind and try and get some answers.

I've already talked to the disability liason officer at my insurance choice and she was helpful.

I might ask my rheumatologist about both the lab stools and dsa. When I asked my physio about dsa he said he couldn't help me, and I didn't know if it was a "I don't know anything about it" or a "It's against the rules for me to advise you about it" thing.

[teaspoon]

I think it might be worth raising with school anyway, because chances are you won't be the only one and someone else will get use of it after you leave. At my school some labs had wooden stools, and some had normal plastic chairs but with longer legs.

We weren't allowed to sit down for experiments that involved fire / chemicals, but most of the work you do in the labs at school (if it's anything like mine) is learning from the teacher / making notes, so work that doesn't 'need' to be on the high benches - it's just that that's the room available. It's a bit different at uni because lab time tends to be all experiments and lectures tend to happen in lecture theatres.

If getting a higher chair with a back isn't an option, then it might be worth asking if for note taking lessons rather than practicals they can put a normal chair and table in the lab, or even one of those chairs which has a little desk built into the arm of the chair?

[Lauren]

Another problem though is I'm in seven different labs over the course of one week. I might just have to find exercises that strengthen my back and core and see if it helps me cope better with the lab stools.

Does anyone know any good ones?

[alice-emma-louise]

RE strengthening your back and core - pilates is a good shout but try and find a class with an understanding instructor and stop any exercises that are painful!

Have a look at some of the threads here too - lots of tips and tricks on strengthening muscles!

Axx

[Jezabel]

Hi Lauren,

When I was studying A levels I had a very similar problem - I also studied Biology and Chemistry and never really considered what kind of seating arrangements that would mean for me, for most of my day! I mostly just sat in an apalling position that would make my physio cringe. Leaning over my desk, hunched over, putting my shoulders in ridiculous positions and usually ending up laying on the desk! It is very difficult but improving core strength is definitely the way to go. I am currently trying to do it and I know its easier said than done. Wherever you go to uni I would try and make sure you are well set up with support, i.e speak to your new doctor about physio, OT etc.

I'm at uni at the moment and I have long sessions sometimes where I need to stand up (up to 3 hours) but having applied for DSA and speaking to the disability department everyone is very supportive and I'm allowed a stool. I absolutely recommend applying for DSA as I was really surprised just how much they can help. I'm sure I would have really struggled without their help. I'm afraid I can't recommend any stools in particular but a DSA assessor should be able to recommend one for you.

Let me know if you need any advice with DSA applications

[Lauren]

Haha, the slumped over the desk position sounds really familiar to me. I end up lying down on the desk too, and everyone near me would be prodding me and telling me to wake up, but it was so exhausting trying to hold myself up.

Just before I broke up for study leave, my physio showed me some stomach muscle exercises, they're quite hard, but I've been doing them everyday. Before i went on holiday and scoffed lots of lovely french food, I had some quite good muscle definition. Because I haven't been at school though, it's hard to say how much it will have helped.

I've applied for DSA but will have to wait until September before I know more.