Anyone else feel exhausted?

[As30]

Not sure if it's because my asthma isn't under control, I've just had an exacerbation, family life, the kids etc or a combo of all the above but I've absolutely had it by 7 - 8pm as in I feel I can't physically do any more.

Everything hurts, breathing is a chore, I feel I could sleep for a week and I have no patience.

To top it off I've had a sickness meeting at work today and they have said they are unable to take occupational health recommendation of not working 4 to midnight shifts until my asthma is better controlled i.e. have seen the consultant. I'm on annual leave at the moment but I am dreading going back to work. I have a job doing telephone triage and we lone work from 5pm. It's extremely busy and difficult for someone who is well. Just to add we do have different working times they've said it wouldn't be fair to other staff etc. It's part of my contract.

Everything is taking far too much effort at the minute

[Bsr92]

Hi, I don’t really have much advice for you but just wanted to say your not alone, I too am recovering from a exacerbation and feel exhausted!

I know it’s frustrating but listen to your body and put your health first! As for work I’m sure they have to put in reasonable adjustments recommended by occupational health, surely that’s better than you not being at work at all!

Take care and hope you feel better soon X

[As30 in reply to Bsr92]

Thanks becks92 It's nice to know I'm not alone but sorry you're feeling the same too.

You see I thought they had to however they can only take the recommendations under guidance they legally don't have to make them. They've come back at me saying it wouldn't be feasible for the service. It was really horrible and I normally get on well with my manager. My first mistake was not taking union rep in but if I'm honest o can't be bothered with all the hassle of any of it and I didn't want to be that person but I think from now on i will.

[Bsr92 in reply to As30]

That’s a good idea to take a union rep with you! I think the majority of people don’t know how exhausting it can be getting over a exacerbation! X

[bookworm]

Hi I'm afraid I can't help with work situation however I feel rough at the mo., have/ mild allergy related asthma my lungs are clear. Just be diagnosed with having a viral infection. I hope this doesn't sound out of turn but does seem by what your saying that your mental health but be might suffering.

Let us know on here how your getting on here take care. Not sure but can the asthma uk charity help

[As30 in reply to bookworm]

Thanks bookworm.

Not out of turn at all. It's been a bit of a rollercoaster since I was diagnosed 7 months ago. It's had a profound impact on all aspects of my life. It's all been a bit overwhelming. I work in healthcare and I have been quite surprised and disappointed with how I have at times been spoken to and dealt with both from a patients perspective and as employee.

I think I may go back to my GP just to have a chat about how I'm feeling. I have a good support network but feel I have overused this and I sound like a stuck record.

I have used the asthma uk helpline previously. I may ring again especially for some advice about work etc.

Thank you

[Oldandgray in reply to As30]

It’s such a psychological shock being diagnosed with having asthma. I was diagnosed three months ago and am still having difficulties coming to terms with the diagnosis both physically and psychologically.

I’m a retired nurse and even I am finding it a burden so don’t bash yourself up about it.

[Wheezycat]

I just find recovering from any flare both slow and exhausting.......and frustrating!

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Wheezycat]

Same here! I was in hospital last week and though my lungs are behaving surprisingly well (by their standards...) I am absolutely knackered, more so than usual - I keep trying to get back to work and feeling completely wiped out. Very frustrating especially as I don't feel it was 'that bad' in comparison to some others and that I 'should be over it by now' especially since the breathing doesn't seem to be the worst.

[RD23]

My body seems to be aching more and doesn’t seem to recover as quickly. I was bad on Monday and again today and ended up in A&E with both. My ribs usually ache but it seems recently that they ache more, maybe it’s due to the frequency of attacks, or that my body doesn’t recover like it did when I was in my 20s or a combination of both, who knows! My arm also really aches from the cannula but I don’t suppose the nurse pressing on it helped!

It seems to have taken a while to get back into the swing of things work wise after the holidays and I’m definitely feeling more tired, I couldn’t do anything on Sunday as I was just drained.

[ChrissieMons]

I think you need all the help you can get with your home life because you need time to recover. We all think we can get on - or should be able to get on - with everything and it is just not true. Get sicknotes from your GP and rest all you can. You are feeling very stressed with all this and that doesn't help you rest. You might have to think about a different job which, at least for the time being, doesn't put the same pressure on you. Talk to your friends and your family until you've talked yourself into some decisions. You are no use to yourself or anybody else when you are worn out and unhappy. It doesn't have to be like this.

[As30]

Thank you all for your comments. Bizarrely I had a phone call from the respiratory team on Wednesday they said they want to see me sooner and could I go in today.

I'm so nervous as I feel like this is last chance saloon. Just hoping I have a good consultant who may be able to do something more. As even on a good day I'm still SOB and wheezy, pf up and down from one day to the next and o would love nothing more than to breathe a little easier without chest feeling so tight! As we all would I'm sure

Wish me luck. 😬