New job, coping

Hi all,
I managed to land a new job and I am thrilled and terrified at the same time!

Fortunately, it starts as part time, Tuesdays and Thursdays 8-4, and will gradually become full time. Mind you, I still teach dance in the evenings-EVERY evening for several hours.

I don't do well with 8am's. I have modified my bedtime routine, going to bed early, etc., but 8am is still pure torture and misery. For a time, I believe I can handle two 8am days. I do teach an 8am Yoga class on Mondays and Fridays at the YMCA (after which I come home and go back to bed...). Anyway, I'm looking for coping mechanisms more than a pep talk. Although it is sweet of some to say, "You can do this! Think positive!", etc., etc. I've tried this with other jobs more times than you can count, and by golly, no I couldn't do it. I got sick, run down, hospitalized, etc. The plus is I will be working with seniors as opposed to little kids, so at least I won't be in a daycare with sick kids!

I am thinking of dropping the 8am yoga classes. I do enjoy doing it, but it isn't landing me much money, especially with all of the cancellations due to weather. I feel bad quitting though.

I'm just trying to consider my options, figure out what will help the most. I may be able to arrange having my Fridays completely free until 4pm. If I know I can crash part of Friday, I might survive.

Recently, I've had to reduce taking the gabapentin as I realized the terrible fogginess and forgetfulness was worse with 600mg of gabapentin than with the Fibromyalgia on its own. OF course, now the pain is returning...

Where is a miracle cure when you need one!

Jen

Jen -

Congratulations. I am happy that you found something.

I have the same issue with early mornings. I am only awake for them when the pain pulls me out of sleep despite myself.

I do the following when I have to get up.
Take Tramadol (my pain is usually the worse when I wake up)
Take Modafinil (prescription for being awake)
Sadly, this doesn't always work
Drink as much water as I can
From the water bottle that I keep by the bed
Start some noise - I use podcasts to "talk" to me.
I find the more stimuli the better
Do my stretches of each body part in bed
The more I move each body part the more I wake up.
Shower with a scrubby sponge vigorously
Use my bath gel with the stronger scent
Get my shoes on as soon as possible
My shoes seem to give me that "i am up" feeling
It also helps stop laying down "for a minute"

For me it is all about sensation and stimuli that aren't pain based. I wont lie - it isnt easy. I just pile pieces on until my brain kicks in. The other thing I sometimes do is play a game on my phone or ipad. This makes me think. Once all senses are engaged, I am up. I dont sleep during the day, so once I am up, i get moving pretty well.

I know it sounds like a lot, but my key is having it ready the night before. It makes my husband crazy that I take a bit to settle, but I make sure everything is at hand.

Hope some of this helps, Jen. Let us know how it is going.

I follow a strict routine on workdays.

Get up, start coffee, and take pills.
Go shower. The hot water helps, and by the time I am done the painkillers have taken effect.
Eat brekkie. No books or computer, no TV.
Get dressed. I lay out clothes, pack lunch, choose jewelry, etc. every night. I pack my gym bag and school bag the night before.
Make-up, hair, etc.
Out the door.

My one cardinal rule is: Do not sit or lay down. If I do, all is lost.

I am not a morning person (too many nights in rehearsals during my life.) Being asleep by midnight is rough for me.

Post Edited (Myself 09) : 2/2/2015 2:09:40 PM (GMT-7)

tangodancer101 said...
Jenni, Girzilla,
Thanks! These are great tips and what I am looking for!

I think I will focus on "spoiling myself" in the morning, like mentioned--the scented shower gel, etc. I wish it was only a matter of going to bed early, but that never seems to be a guarantee. How odd. My Rheumy appeared to be correct that my constant sicknesses were very related to sleep. Since I've had very few early mornings in the past month, my swollen glands went down, sinus issues nearly disappeared, sore throat went away. It mattered about mornings--sleep as long as I like, or go slowly, ease into my day. So strange.

Jen

Hi Jen, congrats!!! I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions, but are you saying that the more sleep you get the less symptoms you have?

Congratulations, Jen!

I'm not a morning person, either, though I'd like to be again. Like Myself, I don't like to go to bed...1:00 is my average time, and no matter how I try, I'm very lucky if it's midnight.

Debbie

That is what I am concerned about if I went back to work. The fatigue that plaques you after work then your in bed the rest of the night or weekend. It was no life when that was happening to me. I really would like to try working some but so afraid. I had started and stop so many times before. I have social security, but we know how that pays, plus I rather be a productive citizen.

I'm sick today (feel feverish, but no fever; exhausted and lying on the floor). I was supposed to visit my daughter at the campus today and am not up for it. I should have expected it. Angel, like you said, it's the price I may pay every weekend from now on. I really have to rethink this.

Today, I am shaving off some stuff for my week-- it starts already. Of course, I'm getting calls to add on more, cleaning at the fitness studio, 2 more dance classes at the dance studio, a can I teach a class at the University, a panicked call from my supervisor at the Y begging me not to quit teaching my Yoga classes cuz my students like me. (I think they like that I am honest about my health issues--many are older and it makes them feel more comfortable that I have challenges just like them).

Maybe we should start a 1-900# service and charge high rates. That could be a stay at home job... Oh my.

I'm telling myself how wonderful I am for saying "No". Positive thinking about negative responses.

Jen

Jen,

I know how hard it is to say no. My lack of skill with it is a running joke among people who know me well. I know it is very hard - particularly after getting hired and having more possibilities. Stick to your guns. It may sound presumptious, but I'm proud of you for saying no and keeping to your limits. The people who you do work for will appreciate it more as well. You will feel better and be more responsive with some limits set.

Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. I get that weird feverish thing a lot. I take my temp and only have a small increase, but it feels crummy. I am sorry to hear that you are missing your daughter time. I know how hard that is. Don't know if it is cold there, but that sometimes makes it worse. Bear with and know we are thinking about you.

Hey, if you start the 1-900 service .... could I have a job? :)

Jenni