Tension headaches and fatigue

[Jaec]

I had a brain haemorrhage many years ago and I live with the results every day, but I still find it hard to cope with fatigue. Recently I have had problems at work and tension headaches and fatigue are definitely the biggest problem at the minute. Any tips on dealing with these anyone?

[RogerCMerriman]

I tend to get them when tired late in the evening. I also twitch a fair bit if tired behond normal.

I suspect it's when I've had stressful or busy days etc.

[Sem2011]

I find fatigue and headaches (and spascitity) a big problem at the organisation I volunteer. Can I ask what type of work you do? My is office based. I wear ear plugs to soften the noise, to which helps with overload to my brain. At lunchtime I take a break and switch off my senses with eye mask and bigger earplugs in a room alone. Would this help?

Access to Work is implemented for people who needs adjustments in the workplace by law and your employers are obliged to abide by this. They have a website. I have asked to be move to a quiter place as too noisy and found my concentration not good as distracted by noise and chatter,

Good luck and hope this hrlps

[moo196]

Difficult to live with I know. Best advice I had was to get out of the office/workplace for at least 20 minutes on breaktimes.... whatever the weather and wherever you are. Last week was difficult as wasn't nice weather but walked around the industrial estate where I work. I also took ipod with a yoga relaxation for other lunchbreaks and borrowed someone else's car to relax in as we have no room for lunchbreaks.

Fresh air was best idea and I am still trying to keep some of this up even though I can now come home at lunchtime since I got my licence back - try having a 15/20 min bike ride as well as sandwich/salad.

I do find the better I eat, the better I feel and try to go to bed when I need to - sometimes 8pm ( eye mask and earplugs help) .

Hope you find something to help.

[Nutkin33]

Regular breaks are very important to help with your fatigue. (Every time a smoker goes out for a fag,make sure you takes five minute break) Even if it means you go and sit on the toilet!

Think of yourself as a cell phone, and charge your battery often with little breaks. Never let YOUR battery get into the Red. As soon as it becomes Amber, charge your battery. This way you can stay in the Green!

Let's hope this works!

[Sem2011 in reply to Nutkin33]

Hi Nutkin

Your reply made me giggle. Yes we should take a break every time a smoker colleague has a break!

I try and pace myself, but sometimes over do things and pay for it later. Your analogy of Amber battery is good. I have to remember this

[angelite in reply to Sem2011]

Hi Sem,

I'm just the same,try to pace but regularly overdo.Nutkin's 'amber light' is a great way to think of it.I am also a smoker so I guess if I worked full time I would be one of the 'nipper outers' ! Problem is I don't always realise I am on amber and suddenly nosedive into red !

I certainly agree that spasticity is a major fatigue factor and a pain in the everywhere ! : ) x

[Jaec]

Thanks for all those tips everyone. I think the bottom line is I need a different job. It takes me 90 mins to get to work and the same back and once there we have 'working lunch' which means I am helping clients to eat and do not get a break the only time I have on my own is when I need the bathroom!

[angelite in reply to Jaec]

Hi Jaec,

It sounds like quite a punishing regime .Although your brain injury was many years ago it clearly still affects you and I think this needs to be taken into account by your employer.You need to have a decent break for lunch and possibly other rest breaks too.

gov.uk/rest-breaks-work/ove... tells you the legal requirements but in your case I would hope reasonable adjustments to be made for your continued problems.

Take care, Angela x

[RachyBoo]

oh no.....90 mins to work! you need to put that lottery ticket in too

ill be starting work soon - been off for over a year and im worried about fatigue, will take the amber tip too