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Tried to go back to work..way too sick!

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Posted 1/23/2012 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi gang,
I am self employed, and I tried to go back to work this afternoon for just a couple of hours. I can't believe how shaky, weak and sick I feel! I was discharged from the hospital with c.difficile on Thursday and have been on Flagyl since Wed. Do you think it's normal for me to still feel so weak? I just cancelled the rest of my clients for this week, and I'll try again on Monday. I guess it's been a long haul.....I've lost 25 pounds and I'm probably just not being patient enough. I was trying "mind over matter," and tried to just force myself to pretend I'm fine, but it's just not working.
Posted 1/23/2012 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Gumby44, dont push yourself. I tried that with the same result, but having to be out of work even longer each time. I have lost 35 lbs over the past 2 1/2 years and cannot seem to find the right balance. However, one thing is for sure, I am weak and I cannot really work the way I know I need to work. I have tried and all I do is get frustrated. So take you time. This is both a mental and physical thing we must deal with,

good luck!!
Posted 1/23/2012 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
Im sorry to hear you're weak and cant work. I'm in the same boat and it is awful. Ive lost about 30 lbs since november and cant even do the one stairtp our porch by myself :( all i want is to go back to work, i havent worked since november and am very lucky my employer is very willing to work with me and what i can (and more of can't) do physically. Being sick amd stuck in the house is awful.
Posted 1/24/2012 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
Completely normal and natural to still feel weak.

People nowadays seem to have lost the understanding of convalescence, which is understandable given our fast-paced lives, fear of losing our jobs if we don't perform, etc. But unfortunately our bodies haven't. This was brought home to me back last October when I came home from hospital for the 2nd time, having spent a total of a few weeks of being very ill; I found walking (let alone bounding) up the stairs an effort. That took me by surprise and made me realise I must have been quite badly weakened. It took a few weeks before I could run up the stairs again.

In your case, it really isn't a case of 'mind over matter'. Your body physically needs to recuperate, regardless of how your mind feels. I'm sorry, it's probably not very cheering news. But don't blame yourself for it, 'cos it's not a moral failing in any way whatsoever. Hope you return to full health sooner rather than later.
Posted 1/24/2012 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone! I cleared out my schedule for the rest of the week. I have moments when I feel really ok, but it is very inconsistent. I'm just so tired of being sick and tired!
Posted 1/24/2012 2:13 AM (GMT 0)
I say the same thing everyday to my wife and my doctors!!!!
Posted 1/24/2012 7:02 PM (GMT 0)
Normal for me when I was in similar shoes.  Work your way back.  Eat really really healthy.  You may need to push yourself a little but; Try not to push yourself so hard that you flare.  Know yourself, your body.  You are not a wimp, your body has been through a very tough time.
Posted 1/24/2012 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the responses! Today has been a much better day. I cleared my schedule and took the rest of the week off of work. I think just taking the stress away of thinking that I have to get dressed and go to work has helped. I took a short walk in the pretty snow with my dog, ( I only made it about a block...but it was still nice) and I took a two hour nap this afternoon. I'm still struggling with eating, but it is getting better. I hate giving in to being sick, but I do feel way better, just allowing myself some time. Thanks for the support as always.
Posted 1/24/2012 7:45 PM (GMT 0)
I too think it's normal. Both fighting an infection and recovery takes a lot of energy, so it's probably a good idea to rest, so your body can focus all its energy on getting you well.

Best wishes!
Posted 1/24/2012 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry gumby

I hope you get to feeling better soon

My dog is doing much better but he is so tired of being crated that he has really started talking in the mornings

He's also jealous of our cat and the fact that our cat isn't caged so when we have Bobo out for his walk and if gets a chance, he stomps at the cat with one of his front legs

It's like, he's telling the cat that just because I'm caged doesn't mean you're going to enjoy yourself - LOL

Here's hoping that all works out well for you
Posted 1/25/2012 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Roni, Bamagirl and tsitodawg,

I am very happy to report that my symptoms of nausea and GI pain are much better and I'm also eating better. I still have a very small appetite, but the domperidone is helping me eat for sure. I'm still struggling with lots of phlegm in my throat...I'm assuming reflux. I'm down to 5mg of Pred today. My biggest problem is extreme fatigue. Tsitodawg, what you said makes a lot of sense. I haven't felt well since September. We tested my stool in Sept. and it was negative for c.diff, but we never tested it again until my recent hospitalization....so we don't know how long I've had it. I just want my old healthy life back so bad that I forget how sick I was, and to be more patient. I am feeling very hopeful though.....it's so nice to get a break from the pain and nausea....I'm very grateful for that. I hope everybody else starts to feel better soon too!!!!!!!!
Posted 1/25/2012 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
Gumby, are you taking vitamin D? How is your blood iron? The fatigue thing could be related to either or both of these vital nutrients.
Posted 1/25/2012 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
I am not anemic and my doc says my nutritional status is fine. I have an office visit this week, and I plan to specifically ask about Vitamin D, because I don't know whether or not he has tested for it. Thanks for the suggestion. I hope you are doing well.
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