EXHAUSTED!!

[KellyG999]

Friends,

It has been exactly one month since I returned to my high stress corporate job following 10 restful weeks of FMLA. I knew it would be an adjustment, but I really thought that I'd be more settled in 30 days later.

I find that I get really tired around 2:00 and can barely hold up my head. Then, when I get home I can't do all the things I used to do, like emptying the dishwasher, vacuuming, cooking, etc.

I am really worried. Do you think this is normal or a bad new sign? Any energy boosting suggestions that won't wire me up or dry me out?

Thanks so much!

KellyG

[Gonavy629]

Hi Kelly,

I have been exhausted almost entirely for two years. The only time I feel better is completely resting at home. I have missed 50% of work over the last 2 years as a result. I had to retire from the Navy as a result and started and new job and the exhaustion, pain, and all around crappy feeling has caused me to miss the last three weeks.

Saw doctor today and he is starting a predisone treatment to try and boost my energy. They did this awhile ago and it works for a short time but I slowly go back to feeling exhausted.

I haven't found a cure or any help. I really has affected my quality of life too and not sure what to do. Looking for advice as well.

Chris

[Joe S.]

Kelly, try 6-8 oz of Carrot Juice per day. If your fatigue is from pain this should start helping.

[bloodless]

Sounds like pretty much par for the course. Wish I could tell ya different...

[waterbby100]

I'm right there with you! I had to drop my working hours from 30 per week down to 17-20, and I still feel like I work a normal full time job!! After about 3 months of reduced hours I am starting to feel human enough to have a real life, at least somewhat. I can enjoy myself at a moderate level as long as I take it easy and not push too hard.

I eat well, sleep as well as I can and take as good care of myself as possible and it doesn't get rid of the exhaustion all the way. I am at a point of acceptance, Love, Laugh and appreciate what you can everyday...then let the rest go!!
Kimber

[Scottietottie]

Hi Kelly

I only work 5 hours a day and have virtually no energy when I get home. In fact recently I asked my boss if there was any way I could work just 2 or 3 days a week instead of 5 - and job share. He's looking into it - or at least he said he would.

I'm sorry you're struggling but fatigue just seems to be part and parcel of this thing.

Take care - Scottie 

[Meld256]

Hi KellyG,

I feel sympathy for you being worried, but I can understand.  I can't say if it's any worsening symptoms; for so many of us the fatigue can be one of the worst things. 

I will make a kind suggestion that you may need to look at any way you might reduce your work hours. I also understand that your position may make that difficult.  At your age, (still young, but with much experience I'm assuming that you may be at the "top of your game" in the corporate realm.

Others will have other suggestions, I'm just throwing this idea out there...you can respond by telling me I'm crazy. 
One thing I think I've learned is that instead of thinking we are "giving up" or "giving in" to our illness by making decisions like this, in reality we are taking action for our best health and emotional well-being.

Sending you a soft hug,
Melinda

[katita]

I'm tired of being tired!  After much hesitation, I just started FMLA to cut my work week from 5 days to 4.  It's like I didn't want to give in to it, but now am so happy I did.  I'm going to do this for about 3 months.  I'm sure I won't want to go back to 5 days at the end of it.  I'm hoping that maybe my work will let me go 4 days (without FMLA) at the end of the 3 months.  I am always tired, but lately I have been REALLY tired.  It  messes with my ability to think straight and remember things.  It makes work difficult as I'm sure you all know.

[mshistory]

I am always exhausted too  I work part-time and have two very young children. The unrelenting fatigue has been the most difficult thing for me so far.

[smallfry]

Hi KellyG

What Meld said makes a lot of sense are you able to reduce your hours?
Another thing that I thought of can you afford to get someone to help with the housework? so you aren't doing so much when you get home it might take some of the pressure off.I really feel for you this fatigue is the pits.

Take care
Lots of hugs

Cheryl

[jmkboyer]

Hi Kelly,

I'm sorry for your fatigue!  I don't know how you do it.  Now that my youngest is in school I have a little down time but it still is so overwhelming. And painful.  Good luck in deciding what to do and how to live through this.

MB

[irish]

There are a couple of medications that can increase energy. Help me here gang cause I am having a brain fart. Is it Cylert and Pro----something or other. I know that when I first joined the forum years ago people were taking these to help with the energy. Did the docs quit prescribing these meduications now. Provigil, that is what it is called. Maybe talk to your doc about using these medications in a very low dose.

I was exhausted for years and for a long time I would come home and change clothes and go to bed for a nap for at least an hour and a half. My hubby thought I was being crazy and when I got diagnosed I was so thankful to know why I needed that sleep.

Fatigue is so insidious. It really makes us lose our life because we can't tolerate being up and around. I am to exhausted all the time that I can't even enjoy visiting with friends because after an hour of conversation and I am crazy with fatigue. Irish

[KellyG999]

Thanks for all the support. Yet again, at least I know I'm not just crazy...

Melinda, I sincerely appreciate your suggestion, but in my position I am needed FT and then some. And yes, you are perceptive. I had to work my rear-end off for years to get this position, so I don't feel ready to give it up yet.

Plus, since I look "good" except for underweight and dark circles, people think I am OK. I bought a simple book on SJS and will ask all close family to read it.

Irish - you have NO IDEA how many times I have come home mid-day, put on "comfy clothes" and took a nap. It wasn't even a choice - I had to do it.

Thanks to all. I'll ask the doc next time I darken her doorway. sigh.

KellyG

[gold55]

Hi Kelly,
Yes, don't give up anything that you've worked to achieve.....I did that.....gave up 4 licenses and basically reinvented myself on my job which was lucky but it left me stranded as far as climbing any corporate ladder.   Prior to diagnosis, I had my two degrees and 4 licenses and all that work behind me and just didn't understand why I wasn't interested anymore... depression maybe???
I am thankful I still have a job!

It seems like everyone on here who starts Plaquenil seems to feel it helps with fatigue.  I know my docs don't want to prescribe it for me unless I'm getting more joint pain or fatigue.  Is there a reason you can't try Plaquenil?  Hope you hang with it and forge ahead with your wonderful position!!! 

Jill

[Duchess]

Plaquenil has not helped with my fatigue. I have been on it for 9 months now. Everybody is different. Everyone's threshold is different. It depends on the kind of work you do. I found that I had to be really honest with myself. I did not want to leave my job. I changed departments, went from full-time to part-time, all that I could. In the end, I had to apply for disability.

Duchess