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Need tips on how to manage fatigue

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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 4/26/2014 2:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,
I'm sure I asked this before, brain fog galore!
But, pacing myself works good for me. Energy wise except, I can only do so much without feeling like I need to nap for hours. The problem is, I need to go back to work. Keyword: NEED
We're not doing so well financially, and I was told that having Hashimoto and Fibro is not enough to be put on disability. (Two conditions that make me tired. Ironic right?)
So I need to find work. Part time would be enough for us to get better and pay the bills we can't pay right now. Except, with everything I have to do in the house, and the meals and the errands, once I did everything there's no energy left to work. I did a 9 weeks programs payed by my province. 9 weeks, 4 days a week on how to deal with chronic pain, with physical therapy and I did all of it, but after 9 weeks I had to rest for about 3 weeks to recuperate. And in those 9 weeks, I was unable to do anything once home. Too tired to do anything, passed out on my couch every night.

I'd love to have some tips and advices from people who work and have jobs on how they actually do it.

Thanks, and hope you're all doing well xx

PS: I need to write on my 9 weeks program, I keep forgetting.
Posted 4/26/2014 1:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Anna: I'm probably not much help, as I don't work outside the home.

Just wondering if you have considered working from home? There are threads here, I know, about fibro and employment (I remember posting and looking for work-at-home ideas). You could search in the bar above something like 'work employment fibromyalgia,' and that should bring up a lot of past discussions.

I really wish there were more opportunities available for those of us with fibro. It's definitely a balancing act.

I wish you the best and hope you can find something that 'fits' well for you.

Good luck and have a great day. :)
Posted 4/26/2014 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
On an off note..... I had the same problem with my disability. Got a lawyer who sent me to a psych and was diagnosed with major depressive disorder as a result of being so ill and disabled all the time along with PTSD.

According to them, the depression diagnosis makes a difference. Still waiting on my outcome, but my mom's lawyer did the same and these lawyers don't get paid unless they win so I am now going with their flow. I waited till I was denied before getting a lawyer. My mom went to a lawyer as her first step.

I have been unemployed for almost three years and left while on FMLA. I know that I can get a job, but I also know that I can not hold a job due to my fibro; but if disability is happier saying it's due to depression...so be it.

Wishing you the best of luck and hope that things come together for you.
Posted 4/27/2014 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
I've found that my fatigue is helped by limiting what I do other than work and home. I am so much better now due to many factors. I take Savella which helps me. I also go to an acupuncturist which has helped the most. I watch my diet, dairy was a big one that I now avoid. I'm trying gluten now as my son needs to give it up so I might as well join him. I also take Malic Acid and D-Ribose.

Sleep hygiene is really important. I try to go to bed at the same time each night. I have no screens on for the last hour of my day before sleep and I take melatonin and if I'm really wide awake then I'll take Amitriptyline or Tylenol PM to help me sleep. If I don't sleep well my fatigue is far worse.

Limited exercise helps too. I do Tai Chi which is gentle movement. This strengthens my muscles and helps my balance too. I make sure that my exercise is at least four hours before I plan to go to bed.

I've found that no one fix will help everything, but many small fixes work together to give me a nearly normal life.

Joy
Posted 4/27/2014 3:17 AM (GMT 0)
I learned to be the master of the 20 minute meal. Use convenience items. I can't stand for long so this was my solution. My husband isn't fussy so that helps. Sneak rests when you can. Also caffeine helps me.

Barb
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