Exhaustion..leg aches...and nausea

[SBJustBreathe, ASN, RN]

I've been working for about a month now and I've had a couple instances where by about 1700 my legs start aching mildly. I get off at 1930 and by the time I get home my legs hurt so bad it is miserable to walk, my head pounds and I'm nauseas. Too nauseas to eat dinner. I usually take some motrin and can get to sleep. But the next morning I'm still exhausted and nauseas. I usually take a nap and by about lunch time the next day I feel human again. All I can think is if I had to work again the next day there's no way I'd be able to. It's happened to me twice now, the first time being my very first 12 hour shift, the second time was about 2 weeks ago. Has this happened to anyone? Advice? I'm not sure why this is happening or what to do to make it stop. I've been trying to drink plenty of water and have a banana everyday I'm on the floor. Other than that, I don't know what I should do.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Have you seen your healthcare provider? That would be the best place to start.

[THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN]

Also, do you eat regularly while at work and do you exercise? I know it feels like it would make you more tired but it really does help energize you.

[gassy2be]

Try compression socks for the leg pains. Good, quality compression socks, not the ones you can get at Walgreens for $4

Also make sure you're staying hydrated, I always aim for at least 2L of water during my shift and 1L before. And make sure you're not going too crazy on the caffeine. Good luck!

[amoLucia]

Be careful about the motrin and an empty stomach.

The suggestion for the compression stockings was most appropriate. Also, make sure you have good shoes. If I remember right, my school shoes were more for appearance than practicality - I LEARNED real fast!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

We wish you well but we really recommend you seeing your provider. We just can't provide medical advice. Thanks.