New and tired

[Beppybutton12]

I'm new and had a brain aneurysm last Nov 2015 have been doing one of my jobs which involves working from home due to see my boss Friday about returning to my other part time job as a dental receptionist I only work 2 days a week but the thought of it terrifies me as I get so tired

Would like some advice please

[randomphantoms]

Hi Beppy and welcome.

First port of call would be to ring the Headway helpline.

They are open office hours.

You could also ask for a phased return to work.

Hope all goes well.

[Beppybutton12 in reply to randomphantoms]

Thank you very much

[bexx87]

Hi, take it slowly I was introduced back into school a lesson at a time, you need to re-build the tolerance and now I can do a full time 37 hour week at work and work full time as a student when I went to college but I still get day when its busy that I get tired and have headaches but a walk around the block and some fresh air does wonders

[Beppybutton12 in reply to bexx87]

How long did it take please to get full time

[bexx87 in reply to Beppybutton12]

it all depends on the person and what determination they have, I didn't fully start back at school until 15 or so about 2 years after my tbi and I just gained momentum but I was still going to appointments until I was 16 but I was a teenager so my brain was more adaptive to my injury is how I like to think of it but I do know people my age that are 2 years in to their tbi and are working full time and I know people that are 5 years into their tbi and are working part time so it varies

[Beppybutton12]

Thank you so much I feel guilty and feel I should be back to normal and don't wanna be pathetic but I guess it takes time ...does it ??

[lcd8]

Yes it does take time. But you will get there if you're determined. I agree with Bexx87 and a short walk and fresh air definitely takes the edge off. If I can't do that then I try chewing gum or sucking polos. Not as good for you, but it feels like as long as I have something to think about the fatigue doesn't catch up with me. The other thing that seems to help is daily exercise - 10 mins each morning. Then my tiredness doesn't seem so bad.

[randomphantoms]

Beppy how are you with pacing and recognising the signs of fatigue?

[Beppybutton12 in reply to randomphantoms]

I'm not very good at all I don't give in to it I just keep going maybe that's where I'm wrong

[randomphantoms in reply to Beppybutton12]

I think we all know the drive to "get it done" and then hitting the fatigue brick wall.

Trust me on this one and I know it's so contrary sounding........do a bit and rest a bit. You actually do manage to do more that way.

When I say rest I mean complete rest and for some of us that means lying down in a dark quiet room.

It's not giving in its managing your health and abilities to get the most from them.

Practice for a month or so and let us know how you get on.

[Beppybutton12 in reply to randomphantoms]

Thank you so much you keep me feel fine and not weak for taking a break

Will let you know once again thanks for giving me confidence

[malalatete]

You can also request that your employers build in frequent rest breaks for you as part of the 'reasonable adjustments' they are required to make under equalities law for people with disabilities. So you might have 2 short breaks in the morning and afternoon as well as your lunch break for example, or have your hours reworked so you do more but shorter shifts.

[Beppybutton12 in reply to malalatete]

Wow that sounds amazing maybe I'm expecting too much of myself my tiredness is all consuming I joust can't fight it and that annoys me maybe I should just accept it