nerve pain and fatigue

[Tasia W]

Hello everyone
I was working 25 hours per week & my hours has increased to 30 hours a week, mostly sitting at a computer, however I do home visits, school visits as well. I am a case manager and it keeps me pretty busy. For financial reasons I have been moonlighting as a waitress two evenings a week and so Wednesdays and Thursday are extra long days for me between 13 and 14 hours. One job is mental and one job is very physical. I am becoming increasingly aware of the toll that it is taking on me. I am so tired at the end of my work week that I have since taken Fridays off to recuperate. I figured having a three day weekend would help speed up my recuperation. What I am finding most difficult is the pain and spasms I have in my feet and calves at the end of a shift. I have had sharp shooting pains in the tips of my fingers and toes it seems like for months now and have notice that the pain increases after physical activity. I was taking baclofen to help control my muscles spasms and it helped a bit, however I was very emotional and irritable on this drug-I think I had an adverse affect to it and so I weined myself off of it.(I have a neuro appt coming up and will discuss this with her).
I know that I am probably going to have to give my notice at the restaurant and this is frustrating because the extra money has really really helped us along. Also, I have not told anyone that I work with about the MS. It hasn't yet affected my ability to serve yet. However, I am extra careful and aware of my lack of coordination on my feet. It is after when I am home that the nerve pain sets in. I have been hiding MS from my co-workers at the restaurant and at my day job I have only confided in one person about it. I don't want people to look at me any differently cause I am still me But I know that I am going to have to make a decision cause I am cringing at the thought of going to my second job tonight just cause I know the pain that it causes. Also, the fatigue, I am so tired that my eyes are weepy and I am irritable and can't focus on anyone or anything. I can easily cry.Does fatigue do this to anyone else/ So sorry for whining and complaining however, this is the only place where I allow myself to do so, so thank you for listening. If anyone has any suggestions, ideas, comments please....I'm listening

T

[MSNik]

Tasia, whine away sweetheart! Thats what we are all here for. You have to vent, and truly there is no better way to share your pain and frustration then doing it with strangers! We are all one big family here, ok?

To answer your question, yes, I do think every one of us suffers the fatigue and exhuastion you speak of. Although everyone has different MS symtoms, and everyone's progression is different, I have found the only thing we all seem to have in common is fatigue! Question for you. Are you on any Meds for MS?? I found that once I got used to the Rebif Im on, it did help the fatigue quite a bit. I started to feel more like "me" again. But, thats once I got used to it...the first few months, well, that wasnt fun---but it was worth it.

I posted a thread not long ago about whether or not to tell my boss about my MS, and got quite a bit of feedback on the subject. In general, most people feel (and I agree) that its not a good idea to tell coworkers unless you have to, because as you said, they DO look at you differently. Its sad to admit, but if you dont have to, dont tell. But, keep in mind too, that you may need some accomodations at your permanent job. You are entitled to them. If you have a good relationship with your supervisor, you might consider speaking to her/him confidentially to see what they can work out with you....
As for waitressing- I dont know how you do it. Its TOO physical. Can you find something else? Telemarketing, or something sitting down to supplement your income? I know waitressing pays well, but not at the risk of really hurting yourself...I too, am in a quandry right now about taking on a new job which would include more hours, more travel and more brain work! I am terrified of the thought, but also want this job more than anything! SO, I feel for you.

If there is anything we can do, ask.....please try to pace yourself, and take a mental break if nothing else. Stress is BAD. Im glad to hear you have an appt iwth your Neuro coming up...hopefully they can provide you with some more answers..
Hang in there...and keep venting!
Nikki

[Bearygood]

Here's weirdo me with MS and no unusual fatigue. Trust me, I feel very fortunate and marvel at how all of you with bad fatigue do all you do!!

Tasia, whatever job gets in the way of your physical and emotional well-being is one to leave. In this case it's waitressing and MS but the situation is applicable in many other situations. Not to mention, how healthy could it be to find yourself in a job where you're constantly reminded of your limitations? I'm sure the extra money helps but perhaps a second job could be one that might be easier to handle? Maybe even working from home?

I'm sorry you're going through this. Hope that you find a solution and feel better soon.

[Tasia W]

Thank you for your reply and I really appreciate your input!! It is so nice to to have this site for support!! It is difficult to find people to relate too and this site is truly a God send.
My last neuro appt was almost three months ago and we discussed the rebif drugs. At the time I declined trying anything as I had been pretty much feeling alright and the thought of regular injections kind of scared me. However, I think that I will discuss this with her when I see her in June. I am very lucky to have my neuro, she is very attentive and has been aggressive as far as dx and treatment. As far as telling my boss, I am going to follow your suggestion and my first instinct and not say anything.
Once again, thank you1
T

[Tasia W]

Thank you Bearygood, I am listening to what all of you are suggesting and I already know within myself that I can no longer waitress, I guess I just needed to hear from people like you who can relate to the situation. I am constantly looking for different job to help supplement our income. My ideal situation would be to have my hours increase more at my day job. That would suit me just fine! Take care
T