Hi there. I think you figure out how to live as you go. It's a slow process but talking to people here can be helpful and so can researching on the net. You'll figure out what helps specifically for you. I've been ill for nearly 3 years and know a lot more now than I did at the start. And I've still got a lot to learn. You will begin to work it out. There are some good books around too about living with chronic illness and pain but it sounds like you're needing very practical ideas right now. I'm sorry I can't offer too much there as we have different types of illness but there will be others here who have similar difficulties. All the best.