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Posted 10/13/2012 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
So I love my job, but they temporarily changed my scheduale to the night shift instead of day shift. I have found it difficult to adapt and my body doesn't seem to like it either. Along with the rain for the past 2 days I feel awful. I get 3 days off but I don't feel like I'm recovering very well. I don't want to complain to my supervisors because I feel lucky to be working. But I hurt so bad, I can't take muscle relaxers because of the shift I'm on. They make me tired and since I don't get off till 3 am and have to drive 45 minuets to get home I can't afford to be tired. Does any one have any advice on what I can do to not only keep awake but also keep from being in so much pain and stiffness without having to take a muscle relaxer? I would appriciate any advice given!!! shakehead
Posted 10/13/2012 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know what kind of work you do, but would it be possible to use a heating pad while you work? I know that I do a lot of sitting at work and using a heating pad helps with my aches and pains. If you can't use a heating pad what about those adhesive heating pad things I think they are made by ben gay or something. I've never used them but they might help? You could also try using a stimulant like adderall or some other drug like that. If you take it at the start of your shift it should have worn off by the time you are ready to go home. I use it for concentration problems and it works pretty well. Also, your sleep schedule is probably out of whack which can definitely increase pain so maybe you could adjust to a new sleep schedule if you go to sleep and wake up at the same time. Your body may need time to adjust to the new sleep pattern but you might start to feel better eventually.
Posted 10/13/2012 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lisa,

If you recently went on this shift, it is going to take your system a little while to adjust. Is there any way that you can walk around towards the end of your shift and do some stretching? Maybe even walk in place. I know it sounds wierd, but exercise gives us energy. So I would try to do something like that during your shift.

Getting use to a new sleeping routine is hard. Are you going to work this shift from now on? Or will it change? I know how difficult it is.

Adderall does work for fatigue. Some doctors don't want to prescribe it though.

I know what you mean about not wanting to complain. Jobs are few and far between. I really recommend the exercise if there is any way that you can do that. Or go out for a brisk short walk.

Best wishes...

Hugs, Karen
Posted 10/13/2012 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
I take a muscle relaxer that doesn't make me sleepy....only the very first dose. After that I have no side effects from it. It's called Robaxin. Maybe it would work this way for you, too. Of course you would have to wait until you have several days off again to try it.

I would try, in the meantime, to stay on that night shift schedule on your days off. It's difficult for your body to adjust....kind of like jet lag.

Sherrine
Posted 10/14/2012 5:19 AM (GMT 0)
If your moving around on the job I use those back heat wraps. I dont have a bad back. It very long and I can apply it about anywhere on my body. The heat relaxes my muscles. I buy them at costco so much cheaper. The voltaren Gel is wonderful to rub on aching joints. I bet you are going to feel bad for a little time with the new hrs. I use magnesium for muscle cramps. I take it at night. I cant take muscle relaxers, it had made a differnce in my cramps. It took about a month to work really well. I hope you can move around because you know that is the best med.
Posted 10/14/2012 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks to all of you for your advice. To answer one of the questions my job requires me to stand for the entire 10 1/2 hrs. So a heating pad is out of the question even though it souds awesome. I will look into the wrap ones that you can apply to diffrent parts of your body. And I will ask the Dr about Adderal it sounds like that could be useful. All I know is that I do have muscle relaxers that I thougt would make me tired, they are the same as one of the ladys that responded to my post. It's Robaxin so I will definately try that and see what happens. I don't take them as often as I should so that's why I'm not real clear how I will feel. I took one today so that I will Know before My shift tomorrow yeah
Posted 10/14/2012 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
I hope that you feel better Lisa, and that you can take your robaxin at work. Muscle relaxers make me kind of loopy too. I messed up and took one at work once. It made me loopy for about 20 min. But after that was over, I was fine. I have tried the flexeral but it makes me very sleepy and gives me a hang over. I took soma for years. I don't take one now. I have both though.

Let us know how things go.

Hugs, Karen
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