Signs and Symptoms

[Selkington]

Lately I’ve been seeing more and more articles about how night shift increases ones chance of developing cancer. I started working permanent night shift almost a year ago. The money is great and as a single mum - it’s a very decent income. But since starting permanent night shift, my health has suffered. I have gained weight, I have developed stomach issues, I have had issues with depression, my body has suffered and now Melon. Money isn’t everything but it sure makes life easier I’ll tell you that!!

I had 2 days off just gone and I have slept a lot more than I usually do. Whether this is a symptom, a side effect, or part of depression? I do not know. I find myself crying or close to tears when I have cuddles with my children and I try not to think the worst and fear for them losing a mother - the only reliable parent in their lives. I guess it’s morbid and bit too early in to be thinking like this, I mean I don’t have a diagnosis yet just Melon. I’ve lost a very small amount of weight and I have no energy - the energy thing is normal for night shift work but the Weightloss is not! I have gained a lot of weight since starting night shift only work. Tonight I had - what i call - an “episode”, I get right upper quadrant pain, with nausea & heartburn. The heartburn is fairly new to me - I kind of feel like I’m in early stage pregnancy with the constant peeing, the pressure in my pelvis, the heartburn & lack of room to eat, I get breathless bending over to tie up my shoes and I continue to get sciatic type pain in my right hip and down my right leg. I told my GP and he said my breathlessness was due to trunkal obesity. He said that he was told my CT results will take up to 5 days, he is waiting for the CT results before sending the specialist referral to hopefully avoid another declined referral. Fingers crossed Melon is coming out ASAP!! But if my other concerns are not from Melon looks like I’ll be joining Jenny Craig to drop some serious weight - cause these pains/troubles are not conducive to my happiness!! Hopefully everyone is doing as well as can be expected. Love and light to you all xx

[Seasun36-uk]

I definitely think night duty is detrimental to one’s health.....but what do you do when it is part of your job as a nurse/midwife!?

Hope you get your results soon. Linda x

[Selkington in reply to Seasun36-uk]

Nightshift is very taxing - I am permanently on night shift - by choice. I thought I would be able to handle it but I don’t feel that’s it’s sustainable.

Fingers crossed results get back soon.

Thank you Seasun36-uk

[Nancy222]

Do you have an opportunitity to go back to days?

(And I get the practicalities of money. Would that it were different.)

[Selkington in reply to Nancy222]

Possibly - but at this stage I need as much money as I can make while I’m still in “limbo” waiting for a diagnosis. Once I have a diagnosis and plan of attack I should know the amount of time I will need off and I guess I’ll go from there.

[Nancy222]

That makes sense.

(And cancer is tough enough, but when one has kids, it's like a double wallop. Hugs.)

[Lindaura]

Dear Selky,

It is a shame you have to wait so long for results in what seems to you to be a life or death situation, but, at this point, the additional days won't hurt.

I believe, however, that if you have a sudden onset of another painful episode, you should call for an ambulance and get yourself seen immediately.

My husband saved my life by doing this. I thought I was simply sick with a severe infection, but he insisted on calling an ambulance. That got me to a wise A&E doc swiftly, who rightly saw my bloated stomach as ascites and it turned out I was simply riddled with tumours.

Anyway, this might be just one removable benign tumour, and they will know more when they investigate inside you and take tissue samples.

It's not a death sentence, just the beginning of a good fight that you can win.

Arm yourself with knowledge and go to it.

Best of luck,

Laura