Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group
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I have been struggling with a decision for a couple of weeks. To go on disability (partial or short term or whatever), or keep on keeping on.
I work 50 hours a week running a small company. I am not currently in a flare up and only have bad MS symptoms when I am fatigued or stressed or having a bad shot day. But I have noticed over the past 2 months that I am getting more and more fatigued earlier and earlier in the work week. It used to hit me Friday afternoons, but now it is sometimes starting Thursday mornings.
The fatigue is very disabling. It is the kind of fatigue that if I don't find somewhere to lie down within minutes I feel like I could collapse. I feel drunk and very weary and am unable to do anything until I get some sleep. All my MS symptoms are a-buzz (pun intended) and stick around until I get that sleep also.
This brings me to my questions. What are your experiences with this work week issue? Should I ignore it and press on? Am I doing my MS harm by continuing like this? Will it cause another flare up?
It will affect my decision to know if it is possible to progress my MS by continuing like this. If not, I can just back off slightly. But if it is possibly affecting my future quality of life, I may want to take more drastic measures.
Your experiences and input would be greatly appreciated.
I work 50 hours a week running a small company. I am not currently in a flare up and only have bad MS symptoms when I am fatigued or stressed or having a bad shot day. But I have noticed over the past 2 months that I am getting more and more fatigued earlier and earlier in the work week. It used to hit me Friday afternoons, but now it is sometimes starting Thursday mornings.
The fatigue is very disabling. It is the kind of fatigue that if I don't find somewhere to lie down within minutes I feel like I could collapse. I feel drunk and very weary and am unable to do anything until I get some sleep. All my MS symptoms are a-buzz (pun intended) and stick around until I get that sleep also.
This brings me to my questions. What are your experiences with this work week issue? Should I ignore it and press on? Am I doing my MS harm by continuing like this? Will it cause another flare up?
It will affect my decision to know if it is possible to progress my MS by continuing like this. If not, I can just back off slightly. But if it is possibly affecting my future quality of life, I may want to take more drastic measures.
Your experiences and input would be greatly appreciated.
His neurologist wrote the employer a letter explaining how the exhaustion works with MS (my husband is a courier driver); and luckily, his run was cut back to 6 hour days and it's been working very well for him. He hated being on disability, totally bored out of his mind; this way, he starts at 8 a.m., done by 2 p.m. and has 'down time' at home to recoup his energy levels. It's ideal. I realize not everyone would have an employer that would do that; but sometimes, asking is worth it! Good luck.
The fatigue was killing me as well. I spoke with my doctor and a week ago I began taking Provigil. It has been amazing, I feel much better. I work full time. The provigil has allowed me to return to somewhat normal levels of energy.
Be Well
t
I work full-time at a large university and just started taking Provigil to see if it will help my fatigue. I also get worse as the week goes on and end up using the weekend to recuperate. Some weekends I feel like I just sleep the whole time. In your case, would you be able to put a recliner in your office and take a nap? I'm sure your schedule is crazy, but maybe you could give yourself this as an accommodation to allow you to continue working.
Neener
Thanks again for taking the time to reply!