No Energy

dori2o

The last few days I have been very lethargic. I have no energy at all. Even now I m struggling to keep my eyes open.
For the past 12 months I have averaged only 3.5 hours sleep per night. The pain in my leg prevents anymore, but it has never bothered me before.
I'm pretty wound up about it especially as I have to work tommorow and had a scare yesterday when I amlost fell asleep at the wheel of my car whilst driving home from a 2 hour shopping trip in Manchester. I happen to work in Manchester so I have the same journey to make tomorrow.
I have been debating whether to just phone in tomorrow but I had a day off last week as my constipation (caused by MST) left me unbearable stomach pains and now I am officialy a 'Cause for Concern', i.e. I have a had a formal verbal warning regarding my sickness abscence.
Really don't know what to do.

lessonlearned

Hi Dori

Noticed that you've had no replies yet and wondered if perhaps others were like me - a bit lost for words. Been thinking about you.

Firstly without knowing a bit more it's difficult to give anything but very general advice or comments. For example, sorry but don't know what MST is - excuse my ignorance.

Re the lack of sleep - the knock on effect of lack of sleep can seriously impact not only our health and well-being but also our capacity for "thinking straight".

It's clear you need to take a step back from your life and take some control. A year is a very long time to be suffering from sleep issues.

Firstly and I am sorry to be so blunt. Stop driving long distances now. It's just not safe. Short local journeys should be fine - but long journeys involving motorways are just too dangerous in your present state. I sorry to say this but you pose a serious risk not only to yourself but also other road users. A motorway pile up could have catastrophic results and not just for you. Can you use public transport for a short while until you sort out things.

Secondly - get some help, quick. Pain management clinics, sleep clinics, medication etc - see your GP, if he or she is not helpful then change your GP. Don't be fobbed off.

Thirdly - work issues. Does your company have a HR dept who can help and advise you, union or anything similar. Can you work from home occasionally, change your hours etc.

It's time to take control back - hard when you're exhausted I Know but you need to act now. Do you have family, friends etc.

I know you're scared for your job - how about taking some annual leave to give you a rest whilst you set things in motion.

BTW I suffer from back pain - what's your mattress like. I bought a memory foam topper (about £100 - worth every penny - I get a good nights sleep now).

Good luck

Mojisola

lessonlearned wrote: »

Firstly and I am sorry to be so blunt. Stop driving long distances now. It's just not safe. Short local journeys should be fine - but long journeys involving motorways are just too dangerous in your present state. I sorry to say this but you pose a serious risk not only to yourself but also other road users. A motorway pile up could have catastrophic results and not just for you.

This is so important. Your other problems will take longer to sort out but this one needs to be dealt with immediately. The quality of your driving, after having so little sleep for so long, will be seriously impaired. Your skills will be at the same level as a drunk driver and, even if you only have a minor accident, you could be prosecuted.

What does your doctor/specialist say about your health problems? Have you been referred for any help with the sleep problems.

londonsurrey

Demand more help. There is help available for pain management - counselling, etc. Sounds like a "soft" option, but is part of how to live with it. Just one tool, not the total answer, but an important tool.

missbishi

OP, do you mean you are on MST medication? If so, do you honestly think you should be driving at all?

dori2o

Hi.

Thanks for the replies.

I actually managed to get to work today and last night for the first time in a long time I got almost 5 hours sleep.

I've explained my situation a number of times on various threads on here but just to summarise.

I suffer from chronic neuropathic pain in/around my right knee. I have had this now for 5 years. There is no cure, no further invasive treatment to be had. My future is one of pain medication and management. I am currently taking 30mg MST (Morphine tablets) twice daily.

Alongside the pain I have developed depression which I have been battling with for 2 years now. I am on Duloxetine (anti-depressants) for this.

I have been receiving counselling for the past 2 months paid for by my employer. This has helped but comes to an end this week.

I have developed stomach problems over the last month (pains/cramps, diahorrea, constipation, vomiting clear liquid), probably linked to the MST (Morphine tablets).

Over the past year I have had 5 months off work (I returned from a 4 month absence in February this year) and over the past 4 years have had almost 12 months absence.

My employer is fully aware of my condition, and the potential side effects of my medication (I provided them with a copy of the leaflet that comes with the tablets). I have seen the Occupational health doctor who confirmed to my employer that sickness absence is likely to continue as a result of my conditions. He actually said to me, although this is not in the report, that I should consider giving up work.

I have asked my employer to relocate me to an office closer to home for the very reasons described in my first post. They have so far been stalling on this decision.

the_cat

I'm sorry but you are ducking the most important part of everyone's comments by not addressing the driving issue. Under the influence of these drugs and with such sleep deprivation you should not be driving, surely? For your own safety and that of others.....

dori2o

the_cat wrote: »

I'm sorry but you are ducking the most important part of everyone's comments by not addressing the driving issue. Under the influence of these drugs and with such sleep deprivation you should not be driving, surely? For your own safety and that of others.....

Then the only option is to quit work.

I cannot travel that distance on public transport as it leaves me in too much pain to function and I cannot deal with the walking between stops and destinations, and I have exhausted all other methods including Access to Work, which seems to be just another Government scheme there to make the government look as though they are actually doing something.

the_cat

dori2o wrote: »

Then the only option is to quit work.

I cannot travel that distance on public transport as it leaves me in too much pain to function and I cannot deal with the walking between stops and destinations, and I have exhausted all other methods including Access to Work, which seems to be just another Government scheme there to make the government look as though they are actually doing something.

Then I suggest that you should ask the opinion of your doctor to find out if you are fit to drive if there is any doubt in your mind whatsoever

I'm truly sorry that you find yourself in such a situation. However putting other road users at risk by driving if this is in any way dangerous is not an option

sweetcheeks33

your symptoms such as cramps and upset tummy are directly related to your medication and long term use of this, is there alternative medication or one you could mix and max and this isnt good to be on long term.... daily basis for physical addiction apart from anything else... ( i know this is difficult) a tens machine for your knee have you tried this, a pain clinic would be a much better bet than your gp in this matter espcially in regard to getting your medication reviewed too ....

dori2o

sweetcheeks33 wrote: »

your symptoms such as cramps and upset tummy are directly related to your medication and long term use of this, is there alternative medication or one you could mix and max and this isnt good to be on long term.... daily basis for physical addiction apart from anything else... ( i know this is difficult) a tens machine for your knee have you tried this, a pain clinic would be a much better bet than your gp in this matter espcially in regard to getting your medication reviewed too ....

I have tried a TENS machine but it has had little effect (so far 9 months useage). My medication at the minute is being dealt with directly by the pain clinic. Physical addiction to Morphine is, despite common myth, very rare. Less than 1% of users get physically addicted to the drug.