Tuesday
I woke up at 6 and was exhausted (an 8 or worse). I reset the alarm for 8:30 and slept some more. I just could not get up at that point. The house was freezing, I was soaked (night sweats) and I was just too tired. I felt a little better at the second alarm, maybe a six I guess. I felt better after some hot coffee. I think it was more the heat than the caffeine this time.
I'll be using my cane all day 'cause my knees are hurting and I don't want them getting worse. I took the aleve last night and this morning. Hoping that kicks in soon. I'll use the Voltaren when I get home.
Today I'll be working on my other project, so this is going to take some serious brain power. I'm trying to impress on my boss that I can get my work done on time and without her bloody interference and doubt. But it really does take it out of me. I can't wait for April 13th and my next doc appointment.
Back to work now and then to reading the fmla and company policies.
Update:
I've read the company FMLA policy and it looks favorable. I just need my doc to admit that this a serious health condition--which it is. I believe she'll agree. The company reserves the right to get a second opinion, but since the doc works for them I doubt that'll be an issue. In the meantime, I'm looking for pacing options. Two solid days in the office seems to be too much for me. But I don't really have a choice, either. Yesterday I cam in at the usual time, today I came in later. I might have to just alternate like this for awhile. I have no problem completing my hours at home after picking up the kids, so that should be ok.
By the end of lunch today, my legs were just weak. My right hip hurts when I walk, the left knee hurts, and the legs just feel like they're going to quit. Sigh. And they wonder why I don't exercise. sheesh.
I'll be using my cane all day 'cause my knees are hurting and I don't want them getting worse. I took the aleve last night and this morning. Hoping that kicks in soon. I'll use the Voltaren when I get home.
Today I'll be working on my other project, so this is going to take some serious brain power. I'm trying to impress on my boss that I can get my work done on time and without her bloody interference and doubt. But it really does take it out of me. I can't wait for April 13th and my next doc appointment.
Back to work now and then to reading the fmla and company policies.
Update:
I've read the company FMLA policy and it looks favorable. I just need my doc to admit that this a serious health condition--which it is. I believe she'll agree. The company reserves the right to get a second opinion, but since the doc works for them I doubt that'll be an issue. In the meantime, I'm looking for pacing options. Two solid days in the office seems to be too much for me. But I don't really have a choice, either. Yesterday I cam in at the usual time, today I came in later. I might have to just alternate like this for awhile. I have no problem completing my hours at home after picking up the kids, so that should be ok.
By the end of lunch today, my legs were just weak. My right hip hurts when I walk, the left knee hurts, and the legs just feel like they're going to quit. Sigh. And they wonder why I don't exercise. sheesh.
Replies
Jenna, I\'m sorry to hear your knees are hurting - I use a cane for balance and even though I resisted the idea when I first needed it, it\'s been a good way to have more mobility and independence than without it. I was fortunate to have FMLA the last 18 months that I was at work, and for many years my husband has had it with his employer so that he can be available for me when I need him on really bad days or for getting to medical appointments. It is a great safety net.
thanks for sharing, MB! I used my cane liberally yesterday and will be doing the same today. I like to do without it, but I\'m seeing that it\'s not really an option anymore--which is okay. I have a collapsible that fits in my handbag, so it\'s fairly convenient. FMLA is one of those things I have to learn how to activate at work. I know I need to do it, but have no idea how to started. I\'m planning to call HR tomorrow so I can find out.
Hey Jenna,
I just read this in Bruce Campbell\'s \"Recovery from CFS\", chapter 7, The Energy Envelope, at http://www.recoveryfromcfs.org/chapter7.htm and thought of you:
\"The other idea from my reading was the Fifty Percent Solution, a concept I found in the book Recovering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, by William Collinge. He suggests that patients estimate each day how much they can accomplish and then aim to do half of that. Rather than repeatedly stressing your body by trying to do more than it can tolerate, you aim to limit yourself to a safe level of activity. The unexpended energy is a gift to your body. I appreciated his giving permission to do less and his reframing a lower activity level as something positive. \"
I hope you find it helpful. Have a good rest day today, sweetie.
Jack