Do you work?

Diseases & Conditions Multiple Sclerosis
1
Hi everyone,
 
As most of you know, I was diagnosed with MS in April.  I am getting ready to return to work on a graduated basis and am very nervous about the cogntive changes affecting my performance.  Before I left work on short term disability, I was having a lot of trouble concentrating and problem solving. It also just took longer to do everything, mentally, because of the fatigue. My quotas were going down the drain.  (I answer customer emails)
 
I am wondering if anyone else has this problem, if you are still working, and if so how you cope with it...  I'm also leary of telling management about the cognitive stuff because I don't want them to be looking for it or lose faith in my ability. 
 
I have had this job for a year and a half and it is the best one I've had for my anxiety issues, and I've tried many.  I would really hate to have to leave it now because of the MS. confused
 
 
Shar
 
 
 
 
2
I still work from 7-5:30 m-f. I have also found it to be difficult at times but for the most part I just keep doing what I'm doing.

-Pete

"If you don't talk to your cat about catnip who will" - CCL 

3
Hi Shar,
It's really up to you and your body about work.  I know people with pretty advanced MS that work full-time and very long hours but they don't have the fatigue factor. I had to quit work years ago when I was diagnosed with Lupus but now with MS added, there is no way I could work doing anything!
 
In my case, it would be unfair to whoever hired me because I would be home 4 out of 5 work days!  You don't have to disclose any of your health issues to your employers, but if you are close to them and feel like the info. can be trusted it might help you when you are having a bad day.
 
Have you tried Provigil for fatigue?  Several folks find it helps quite a bit.  Take care!

Michelle ><>
 
"Life shouldn't be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather, to skid in
broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly
shouting...."Wow! What a ride! Thank You Lord!!!"
 
 
 
 

4
Hi Shar,

The biggest reason for people quitting their jobs due to MS is because of fatigue or cognitive problems. However many people still continue to do so and it is entirely up to you to figure out if you can or should. You could talk to your doctor about it and see if there are any medications that might help with things. Give it some time to see if meds or other changes in your routine help matters any before making the big decision. A couple of things that might help are doing your more challenging tasks early in the day when youre not as tired and see if you are able to take more breaks to give yourself time to rest. Good luck, and please let us know if you find anything that helps.

Kimber

 
Allow Healing Well to continue to help others, clink link for details

http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=3&m=474038

5

Thanks for your replies Pete, Michelle and Kimber...

I am going to check further into the different meds for fatigue.  Without them, I don't see myself being able to work my way back up to full time sitting at the computer.  It's mentally exhausting and I just couldn't seem to concentrate for that long.

At home I'm tired after having a shower!  At the grocery store, I have it carefully planned how much time I can spend as I start fading fast after about 15 minutes.  That was my first symptom of MS and I thought I was just lazy and out of shape, even though I'd just lost 40 pounds... I hope the meds help as the fatigue has been life altering.

Pete - Do you suffer from fatigue?  May I ask what kind of work you do?

Hope everyone is well,

Shar 

6
Hi Shar,


I also work 5 days a week and find the fatigue and the problem solving very difficult at times especially by the end of the week. As I do research and property survey mapping it can be very difficult when the brain won't kick in and help out.(lol) I am now taking fluoxetine and that helps somewhat with the depression and concentration difficulties. Good luck and play it by ear and try to take it as easy as you can. Dale
7
Monday p.m.
 
Hello Shar:
 
I feel for you.....and the generel consensus amongst most of us MS'ers is that fatigue is the most crazy symtom of our disease.
 
I take Provigil...somewhat effective....but speak with your doc as there are a series of med's that can be prescribed.
 
I have been on disability for @ five years...I really miss working....and many other things pre-MS...but, as it is...
 
Great Luck,
 
John
 
 
....and if it gets to that point, do not be afraid to apply for disability...
8
I started on Amantadine for fatigue today.. pretty dizzy, but I've got my fingers crossed :-)
 
I also spoke with my supervisor at work and told him about my cognitive concerns.  He remembered that I was having trouble concentrating before I left on short term disability and seems very willing to help accommodate me any way he and the company can.
 
Caution: VENT
 
I am so frustrated with this!!  I had settled so nicely into this job after a year and a half, was helping train new people, was getting senior on the team and given more responsibility all the time.  Then BAM.. first attack, quick diagnosis... now I feel like I need "special" treatment because my brain is letting me down.  It feels terrible to have my confidence shaken and jeopardized when I've worked so hard for it. 
 
Thanks for listening,
 
Shar
9
photogirl1358 said...

Pete - Do you suffer from fatigue?  May I ask what kind of work you do?


Shar,

   Sorry I took so long to answer. I think? I may sometimes, its hard to really say, I offten dont sllep enough trying to do all the things I need to do every day. I have 4 kids and my wife is also chronically ill, so coupled with my work sechdule I am a very busy man.

As far as what I do, I am service advise in an auto repair shop. I'm the guy you deal with when you drop your car off for repairs, I find the parts and bid and sell the jobs. I spend most of the day standing at the counter. This has become more of a problem of late as I am having more leg problems.

I intend to work as long as I can and if there comes a day I cant any more then I will cross that bridge when I get to it.

Glad to hear you now have something to help now, hpe it works. Hang in there at work.

As always - Pete

"If you don't talk to your cat about catnip who will" - CCL 

10

Wow Pete.. sounds like you have a full plate!  My spouse is also chronically ill and I can't imagine adding 4 kids into the mix.  The cats are lucky to have food some days :-)

I got a call today that I am going back Friday with 4 hour shifts to start, 3 days a week.  So nervous but very excited to see everyone and try this new brain out.. lol.

Thanks everyone,

Shar

11
Hi Shar and All,

I would love to be able to work at a job I like and knowing when I leave it will be on my own terms. Unfortunately, it didn't happen that way, and I am still "grieving" the loss of my job of 12 years and my life full of activity. Since then, I worked at three different jobs in the last 5 years, I lasted from 2 days at one and almost 2 months at the other two (at least I tried). That was while I thought I only had RA and FMS, during the last attempt at working my symptoms had started again and I continued to try to work, I've always felt I was a person who could endure, through the memory lapse, numbness, pain, and fatigue it wasn't until I loss vision that I felt I needed to get checked out, MS and a lot of depression. So, no I am not working right now. I think trying to manuver around the house and keep my family together is enough for now.

Thanks for asking

Dx'd RA, MS, FMS, CTS, CFS, Hypothyroidism, Dep, Migraines, Optic Neuritis.
 
still i gotta keep on smhilen' 
 
Many smhiles 4 u.

12

Hi everyone,

Smhiles I'm sorry to hear you had to leave your job.  I hope you have found other things to occupy your mind and time.

I worked today, my second, 4 hour shift since going back.  Boy was I out of it by the time I got home!  Just a drained zombie.. Went right to bed. I think I'm not used to being mentally challenged for that amount of time..  I had to give up on the Amantadine for fatigue as the dizziness was too much for my anxiety to handle so I think I am going to cough up the $200 a month and try that Carnitine supplement my neuro recommended. 

It was so nice to see all of the familiar welcoming faces at work after being a hermit for the past 4 months yeah

Shar

13
hi all
i am very concerd about going back to work they have been work 4 10hour day and 8 on friday and saturday. i hope the fatigue thing does not catch up with me . when i went on short term dis is was getting the dizzy spells very often i drive a fork lift so i have to be very carfule . i told work they have been very supportive so far i have not been back yet to see how i will do .
wish me luck

jerry

It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.
Hit it.