Tired but would like to work

jenn902 · Oct 6, 2014

Hi tiredgirl!

I was in medical menopause at 30 and that was a living heck in itself. I have avoided the permanent menopause for now. I have several fatigue causing disorders (fibromyalgia, endometriosis, hypothyroidism) and I feel for you. I find it very hard to do anything above part-time when I am at my worst.

Casual time or agency work can be helpful as you can turn down shifts when you have had a rough night (had lots of those)and pick up when you feel alright. If you work part-time but still want some extra hours let the other nurses know (and management) you are willing to do 4 hour shifts so they can leave early, attend appointments etc. I racked up lotsa 4 hour shifts this way when I was flaring and could not last 8 or 12 hours.

I'd recommend a slower paced atmosphere to conserve energy. Foot care is good, blood services, clinics...I work on a lighter floor in a LTC facility but am looking to try working elsewhere.

Napping on your lunch hour is vital...so is taking all your breaks. I had to force myself to take time to break to help my energy level.

As for the hormonal symptoms maybe your HRT needs a tweak? I know my add-back therapy had to be re-adjusted several times and now post endo surgery clean-out #2 my meds were adjusted several times to find the right progesterone dose. My ovaries aren't failing 100% yet but they are pretty damaged so I get some menopause-like symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats mostly). Lady hormones can cause problems in all aspects of your life...sleeping too. I changed up my diets and supplements but still struggle though I consider myself stable.

Do you have the book 'Before Your Time: The Early Menopause Survival Guide'? I bought it when I was facing the possibility of a TAHBSO. It's a good read and suggested some good vitamins, minerals and alternative medicines to check out along with your standard medications.

*edit* Oh yes! Check out the HysterSisters. Great support group online! http://www.hystersisters.com/

Chica22 · Oct 18, 2014

Home Care can have plenty of flexibility built in to a part-time schedule! Best wishes balancing everything til feeling better!!

iluvivt, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2014

Bioidentical hormone replacement is the ONLY thing that helped. I even had to add some progesterone and a bit of testosterone. It made a huge difference in my life as ND happiness as I did not even recognize myself.

tiredgirl19 · Oct 28, 2014

First of all, thanks to all of you for all your suggestions!

Since my last post, I have tried working casual at a LTC establishment and it did not work well. I was not able to go for my fifth shift so I was "kindly" asked to not return... Not a big loss because I really did not like the place anyway.

I did some research about foot care and I registered for a course. I started a few weeks ago and I will be ready to start my own business when I am fully trained and the end of November. It will be a great opportunity for me to make my own schedule.

Jenn902: I just ordered the book, can't wait to read it when it gets here! I have been a member of hystersisters for a while but I stopped looking at it a few months after the surgery. I will definitely go back and see if I can find something of interest.

Chica22: I have applied to VON, they are in charge of home care in the area. Nothing so far but that may change when I am done the foot care training... Maybe they will need me then.

Also, I was wondering about bioidenticals: which ones do you take? cream or p.o.? I found a compounding pharmacy in the area and they did not have much to offer. They just recommended progesterone cream to help me sleep. I have not tried yet as I am still awaiting a prescription from my doctor. I asked about the possibility of having testosterone added to the estradiol I already take and it was like I was asking about having a third foot grafted on my forehead.... Seriously! They don't do testosterone a lot here...

I am waiting to hear back from my doctor and I will see what he says.

thanks again ladies!

Chica22 · Oct 29, 2014

First of all, thanks to all of you for all your suggestions!
Since my last post, I have tried working casual at a LTC establishment and it did not work well. I was not able to go for my fifth shift so I was "kindly" asked to not return... Not a big loss because I really did not like the place anyway.
I did some research about foot care and I registered for a course. I started a few weeks ago and I will be ready to start my own business when I am fully trained and the end of November. It will be a great opportunity for me to make my own schedule.
Jenn902: I just ordered the book, can't wait to read it when it gets here! I have been a member of hystersisters for a while but I stopped looking at it a few months after the surgery. I will definitely go back and see if I can find something of interest.
Chica22: I have applied to VON, they are in charge of home care in the area. Nothing so far but that may change when I am done the foot care training... Maybe they will need me then.
Also, I was wondering about bioidenticals: which ones do you take? cream or p.o.? I found a compounding pharmacy in the area and they did not have much to offer. They just recommended progesterone cream to help me sleep. I have not tried yet as I am still awaiting a prescription from my doctor. I asked about the possibility of having testosterone added to the estradiol I already take and it was like I was asking about having a third foot grafted on my forehead.... Seriously! They don't do testosterone a lot here...
I am waiting to hear back from my doctor and I will see what he says.
thanks again ladies!

Tiredgirl19,

I take a progesterone PO @ HS for calming effect, and use the Minivelle estrogen patch in combination therapy. Much more comfortable since then. As you know, it gets hot and humid in Asst Living. Energy level is great. Got Rx from GYN MD, now specializing as "mid-life" provider. Minivelle provides an add'l discount card for pharmacy.

Best wishes with the foot care venture. Seniors and disabled have great need for this service in every facility type I've worked in. Not everyone signs up in time for podiatry if they come in monthly or they may have conflicting appts. I bet they would be glad to see you once you are cleared to visit different facilities!

1KoolRN · Nov 4, 2014

Have you had your Vit. D level checked? May be a key factor for why you're so tired and also the insomnia. I got diagnosed with narcolepsy in May and have had some relief with meds, but not much. About 2 months ago, I started seeing a neurologist and she's helped me get my B's and D levels up (which were super scary low!) been feeling so much better since, even though my D level is still below normal, but I've been able to cut back almost 1/2 of what I was talking to help me stay awake! Been sleeping solid too!!

Trauma Columnist · Nov 4, 2014

So sorry you are going thru this.

Just a gentle reminder that per our terms of service, we can't offer medical advice. We can say "this is what worked for me" but we cross the line when we say "why don't you try this or that."

Thanks very much.