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Going back to work after cancer: Is this exhaustion normal?
Cancer: Managing Symptoms | Last Active: Mar 2, 2022 | Replies (72)Comment receiving replies
@jimhd While I have anticipated changes were coming since I received my osteoporosis diagnosis about a month ago, I had not actually talked to my Primary Care about what that may look like. Maybe too....a little denial on my part. On thursday was my first conversation about all this. In fact, she said she had never cared for someone with osteoporosis as bad as mine that was still actively working....and as a bedside nurse. So....all this feels horrifically overwhelming and I'm trying to navigate the information and do what I need to do. If that means light duty and my unit can accommodate that, I'd like to try that. I CAN retire but that was not what I had planned to do at this time. So, saying all this, I'm not sure what my work place can/will do. I've not had any real conversation with my manager and not any with HR.
No, I don't sleep well....not for the last 4 yrs. And my hubs has a CPAP which help him greatly but often wakes me in the night. :p
This year has been overwhelming with each month since January bringing its own dreadful news. So to say I'm feeling "piled upon" is an understatement! I am having trouble even with small changes in my lifestyle right now.....I've got to make myself workout! I know I do, but I cannot seem to start....
I have a big trip planned in Jan with my sister and I've got to get as physically ready as I can!! UGH!!!!!
Replies to "@jimhd While I have anticipated changes were coming since I received my osteoporosis diagnosis about a..."
@fieryrn. I agree with Chris @auntieoakley. Exercise is good for whatever ails you, but I've always found it hard to do it consistently.
Sometimes change involves loss, doesn't it? And sometimes with those losses come some of the stages of grief, denial being one of them. During some of the stages, we shut down, during others, we're motivated to take action. Each one of us is different in how we deal with what life throws at us.
It's great to have something like a trip to look forward to. I'm getting excited to going to see our daughter in Alameda, CA for Thanksgiving week. OK, maybe I am looking forward to seeing our 2 and 4 year old granddaughters more than their parents.
When I was in the hospital for 18 days a month ago, it was really special that both our son and daughter came for overlapping weeks to support us. It meant a lot to both my wife and me. I'm thankful for the close relationship we have with them. Support from family, friends, and even friends we've only met here on Connect is always a wonderful thing.
The waitress is bringing our lunch, so I have to stop writing and put my phone away.
Jim
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A doctor who was speaking at a myeloma conference I attended said “the very best thing you can do for your bones is walk.” This in the context of very weak bones, vitaminD deficiency and osteoporosis. The act of putting your weight down over and over stimulated your bones natural strengthening process. He said take your bone strengtheners if you need them, make sure you have enough vitamin D, especially if you live in the northwest, and walk, walk, walk.
My husband found that walking was the best medicine for a lot of things. I find that I have a lot less bone pain if I can get out and walk a bit. When I read your comment about getting some exercise, it made me remember how beneficial it is for people who cannot lift, push, or pull anything.
I also find it helps my mental health to just get in the habit. It certainly has helped us in dealing with life threatening illness.
I am thinking about you, please keep me posted.