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Should I Quit My New Job Now?

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Posted 4/12/2018 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone!
I have had widespread mystery pain for a little over a year now. Its gotten progressively worse, and Ive gone through 3 doctors trying to figure out whats wrong. The last doctor thought it was fibro, so she set up an appointment with a pain clinic next month.
The only problem is I've just gotten a new job that requires me to be on my feet and moving for 8 hours. I only work the 8 hour shift twice a week and then I do a 4 hour shift on friday. That doesnt seem so bad until I add in that I'm a full time college student with night classes. My shift at work starts at 5am and some nights I dont get home until 9pm. College has streched me thin enough but I thought I could handle this job, I really did.
I had my first day yesterday. Thats how new this job it. Everything started fine, and then around hour 5 my feet and ankles started to ache. Then it moved up into my legs, and then my hips (which hurt me the most everyday). When I got off shift I went over to a friends house so I could try to rest before class. I really thought I was going to be fine. But in the middle of class, 5.5 hours after my shift ended, I got some of the worst pains Ive ever experienced. My whole body started to feel like it was breaking. It was everything from my neck all the way down. I had to leave early so I could try to get to my car.
I should not have driven home. Its a half hour drive to get back home, and I should have let my mom drive me. It was so hard to focus on the road (mostly because I was crying from the pain) and I went way below the speed limit. I dont really remember getting home last night, but I know I had a really strong pain killer, a really hot bath, then went to bed.
That brings me to this morning. I needed to skip my first class because I still hurt, and Im still trying to recover from yesterday. I really thought I could handle this job, but it just sent me into the worst flare Ive ever had. I have another 8 hour shift tomorrow and Im dreading it. Everyone says that because Im so young I shouldnt have any problems doing this, and I wanted to believe them so much. I should have energy and I should be able to handle all of this but yesterday was a huge reality check. I dont want to go to work because I dont want to feel that sort of pain ever again.
What if I didnt have those strong pain killers from a surgery I had a while back? I think I would have had to go to the hospital. What do I do when those run out?? Do I quit this job now rather than later? I dont think I can do this anymore and I feel so guilty.

Post Edited (MysteryPain2000) : 4/12/2018 3:26:35 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/12/2018 7:35 PM (GMT 0)
I think you know in your heart that you need to quit the job. Whether or not you have fibro or chronic fatigue (ME) or something along those lines or something entirely different, your body is telling you to slow down. There's a weird thing with these illnesses - we see the people around us functioning at a level that we feel we should be achieving and so we push and push to try to keep up. Somehow we convince ourselves that we're just lazy, or our symptoms are just in our heads, and that if we just push ourselves, we'll get through to the other side and get better. It doesn't work that way. What you're describing is a push/crash - you probably felt a bit better, so you thought you could handle some extra activity, started the job, and your body said 'nope' and now you've crashed. Take the time to get a clear diagnosis, do a lot of reading, and then learn your safe limits and live within them. That takes time and experience, because everyone's limits are different, but you'll get there. Hugs.
Posted 4/13/2018 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds like its maybe not the right job for you at this point..however..once you get help and also learn self help measures..you will not always feel this bad.. i was worse in my 30' s and eventually figured out what works for me...

You need to study up , there are ways to help yourself , as well as what the drs can help with..

But when my kids were young and i was in a lot of pain, i,would loved for someone to tell me.. you can feel better..its very trial and error what helps each of us...
Posted 4/13/2018 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, MysteryPain, and welcome! Feeling guilty for trying something? Absolutely not! You should be commended for attempting a job that has you on your feet for hours when you have chronic pain AND are taking college courses! Your user name should be SuperGal. Being on your feet for so long affects all the muscles. I can’t do it...especially standing in one spot for awhile. Like you described, my ankles and legs will start hurting, then my hips, and on to my back. Plus I become totally exhausted in a situation like that. This job could work if you could work a few hours a day perhaps. But, as it stands you most likely should find a different job if you need to work. You gave it your best shot so be proud of yourself!

You have gotten great advice from our members. You need to find what helps you get in control of the pain and then your life will improve. As Ljm mentioned, she is better today than she was when she was younger. The same hold true for me. I found what helps me and I haven’t felt this good in decades.

I use ibuprofen with food, Tylenol, magnesium malate, vitamin D3, and a muscle relaxer called Robaxin that has made a significant difference in my pain. I walk daily as a gentle form of exercise and I pace myself when doing things. Gentle massages help me and I also do trigger point therapy on myself when needed . All have helped me live a full and enjoyable life in spite of fibro.

Be sure to read Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum. There are links to good info about fibro and you will learn a lot there.

I’m looking forward to getting to know you better. Don’t hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you. Hope to hear more from you soon.

Sherrine
Posted 4/13/2018 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
I hope you're able to hold out until you see what the pain management Dr. does. You might feel like a new person. But, sometimes even that doesn't help.

So, maybe a desk job. Maybe, if you check groceries or something you could as for a stool. People with disabilities do have rights. Perhaps less hrs. Many options.

A lot of students don't work. It's hard, I know! Been there did that! I don't know you financial situation but at one time I worked in the Financial Aid office and saw a lot of adults live on student loans. I nearly cried with each when I knew that was what they were doing. Just try your very best not to get caught in this situation.
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