Fatigue affecting my wirk

[Blun01]

Hi, I’ve just been recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I’m on amitriptyline at night although it’s not having any impact yet.

Also I’m a teaching assistant at a primary Schl and I’m finding it really hard to stay awake in the afternoons.

My eyes just want to close.

Anyone else feel the same?

[CheetieCat]

Hi, yes I know how you feel it's really difficult. Maybe you could try taking your Amitriptyline earlier in the evening to see if it makes any difference the next day? Sleep or lack of is a massive issue for most people unfortunately x

[Blun01 in reply to CheetieCat]

Thank you for the tip, I’ll try taking it earlier tonight.

Yeah you’re right, sleep is a massive issue as it affects the whole body. Feel like I’ve been run over by a bus today.😊

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

I find that mid afternoon is my worst time for fatigue ...I now have a lie down most days around 4pm, especially the days I'm working.

[Blun01 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

It’s a nightmare isn’t it. A lot of people just don’t understand it though, they just say, go to bed earlier!!! Like that makes a difference ...

I actually fell asleep at work the other day, not good!!

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff in reply to Blun01]

No, it's hard for people to understand fatigue is not just tiredness... And going to bed earlier, getting a few hours extra sleep doesn't make any difference.

I use my hubby as an example. He has always been great at trying to understand my fibro symptoms, but after he had a stroke in 2015 and started suffering fatigue himself - he only realised just how debilitating it was - and how you could go from doing something to completely wiped out in no time at all.

[moo196]

Morning,7.30pm is my cut off point for taking my amitriptyline. Preferably 6.30pm. Any later on and I risk being more sleepy the following day.

Maybe try the same? Good luck!

[Blun01 in reply to moo196]

Thank you. I took it early last night and I still exhausted, I’ll keep trying this method for a while to see if it helps x

[moo196 in reply to Blun01]

I have to say that I still feel exhausted every morning with or without the amitriptyline. It's a symptom of fibro.... But I don't have the overwhelming grogginess of the drug and I have "slept" more.I find that if I can get a set routine of bed by 10, up at 7.30 and a shower and off, then I can avoid the worst of the symptoms.

[Crafti76]

I worked as Student Support Assistant for students with disabilities. I was training to be a Teacher. During the afternoon we would have a sensory session with soft lighting, music etc. It was horrendous for me as I constantly fell asleep. Then I would wake and feel absolutely rubbish for the rest of the afternoon. I have left work now and am concentrating on my health but I miss working so much. The only advice I have, is speak to your employer about any adjustments that could be made to help you. For example more frequent short breaks. Fatigue can be completely overwhelming and debilitating.

[Blun01 in reply to Crafti76]

I’m so sorry you had to quit working and I know you’ll be missing it yes, I love my job as the little ones are like little sponges and a pleasure to teach.

I would be better just working until lunchtime but it’s just not possible.

Thank you for replying to me and I hope you continue to put your health first.

[supermum]

Depending on what dosage you are on could be there too strong speak to your gp and see what they suggest or try and play for time and give them time .Good luck

[Blun01 in reply to supermum]

Thank you. I’m only in 20mg so not strong, I’m just gonna give them time like you say.