Going back to work

[engy]

Hi all,

A few months ago I was posting how I wasn't sure I'd be able to go back to teaching.  I asked the Superintendent to work part time and the reply was, "No, come back full time or not at all". I told him I would let him know my decision Aug. 1st.

After reading all of your helpful suggestions/opinions I decided to just take it a day at a time and when the time was right I would know what I should do.  I am a planner so this was NOT an easy thing for me.

I just lived every day the best I could.  I felt better than ever and it seemed the the Plaquenil really started working even more with my fatigue and pain (I started taking it in March). 

So, I decided to go back to work.  My doctor told me that I would have to continue with my lifestyle changes of having someone clean my house and not taking on extra committees and resting more at home to be able to go back and I agreed.

Last week I actually went to Kennywood with my family and had a ball! I walked around and rode rides for 8 hours.  I have been fine even after all of that but was weary of a crash, it never came.

Anyways, I'm still doing well.  I get tired every now and then, especially after 4 pm, but I relax for an hour or so and my second wind around 6pm.

My doctor mentioned today that she would give me a prescription for an ADHD patch that is a stimulant for my fatigue I still have.  I would put it on in the morning and take it off when I get home.  She said I wouldn't even have to take it every day, only if I felt like I needed it and I could even cut it in half for a smaller dose.

She mentioned it before in the spring but we didn't really talk about it.  This time I took the script.  I'm VERY nervous for many reasons. 

I don't like to take medications that aren't natural (except for my Plaquenil that I love now).

I'm worried about a stimulant making my heart race and other side effects.

I'm worried I will do too much because I have energy and I will have a flare and crash.

That was very hard for me to write so thank you for letting me feel like I could.

Blessings to all, Carie

[A66eyroad]

Do you have time before the school year begins to try out the patch to see how you react?

[engy]

A66eyroad,

Yes I don't have to go back for 10 days.

Carie

[A66eyroad]

It sounds like you've really thought this through and you're doing all the right things! My husband (who's a family therapist) always warns me to "watch your diet and rest" which are always the first things that I toss aside when I become too busy or too stressed. But it really seems to me like you've got it going on!

Good luck and enjoy the year. I just know you'll be that teacher a child will remember as being The One Who Made All The Difference. 

[Meld256]

I remember your story, Carie. 

That's such a great line you wrote; "I just lived every day the best I could".  Something we should all strive to do.  I'm so happy for you that you've had such good results from Plaqeunil!  I began on it at the end of April, and have seen positive effects, too. 

Yes, it sounds like you've really thought of all your options and made careful considerations of all. I'm sure you'll make the best decision for YOU about the patch, too.  So happy that you feel you can come here and voice your concerns and open your heart. This is definitely a safe and encouraging place to do it. 

I get the feeling you will have a great school year.
Take care,
Melinda

[engy]

Thank you both so much for your kind words! You both brought tears to my eyes with your support.

I feel ready to go back to do the job I love.

I am going to try the patches this weekend & see how I do. My husband (a high school & college math teacher) is also a fire fighter & EMT and he will be home all weekend if I try it & have any negative symptoms so thats makes me feel better.

I still have some fatigue & upper back pain but not nearly as bad as before so wish me luck! 

Carie

[irish]

Carie, It is great that the Plaquenil ishelping you and that you will be able to teach again this year. It is also great that they make a patch that you can use for the energy. Better than being tired in to taking a drug everyday.

Sounds like with you and your husband both having level heads you should be able to keep this plan in order. Good luck. Irish

[Katybarstool]

Carie

All the very best with the patch this weekend. And good luck with your new term at school.

Kathyx

[engy]

Checked drug interactions with tramadol & the patch, major no,no!

I am not taking tramadol but neuro. gave it to me & since I haven't taken it forgot to tell this dr. (diff. hospital so not in my records).

So now I feel like I've done something dishonest even though I haven't taken either drug & really forgot about the tramadol.

Not only that I question which one to use?! I have back pain in afternoon but I'm not sure I can suffer through it going back to work.  I also think I can push through the fatigue more then the pain but haven't tried either drug out yet.

Now I feel like a big druggie (& I'm sure the pharmacist will think the same) & I don't know which to
even give a try.   

I don't want to call both dr. because they think what they prescribed is right & the other is wrong.

I'm more confused. UGH Carie

[cosmi]

Carie or anyone,

Have you experienced any side effects with the Plaquenil?  I think I'm going to need to go back to it, but taking it before affected my stomach. 

Thanks

[engy]

I had NO side effects at all. I feel lucky for that because I seem to have side effects on everything!
Carie

[Meld256]

engy,

I'm sorry that now you have more decisions to make about which to use.    I doubt if a pharmacist would think you're some kind of "druggie".  Do you have a pharmacist you speak with regularly to get their advice on this?
I suppose the best advice might be to ask one of the prescribing docs which med they think would be the most helpful to you.  I'd think most doctors understand that we can forget about a script on occasion. 
Keep us posted, dear! 

[CAT1962]

Carie, I work with children with special needs and was dreading going back to work. I do love those kiddos, but I am BEAT by the end of the day! Just absolutely spent. We started back last week. I can't afford to quit, and I do try not to cry at the end of the day. I just push on, and keep going.

[engy]

Thanks Meld,

I called my dr. & she said definitely go with the patch. She said if I need something for pain she can prescribe something that doesn't react with it.

I only plan on using it when I need to but at least I'll have a "bandaid"

Carie

[Meld256]

engy,

Good!  I'm doing a "Happy Chair Dance" for you.    Now you and your doc have a great plan of action.
So happy for you!  Now you can start the school year with more confidence that you'll have help with pain issues.   Go get 'em!

Melinda