I'm curious to hear from people that suffer from fatigue and find it necessary to battle with management that hound them to work long hours.

Does employer have a note from your doctor - explaining what your limitations are?
The place I worked at required a note for any modifications of the normal work duties or hours.

One of my notes aid " limited to work no more than 40 hrs per week"
there was some question with supervisor that "scheduled" OT hrs was not really regular OT
so I had to get a note, even though I had job restrictions & modifications already.

I too would get a note from your physician. I would be diligent about being a top notch employee, since accomodations are being made for you. IN a pinch, I would offer to do what you feel like you might be able to handle at home. However, you are limited by your illness and should not hesitate to speak up. If you are a good employee, are willing to pitch in at home in an emergency and have documentation of your illness and need to not work OT, and they do not cooperate, then you might have to consider looking for another job. If they are abusive, I would consider legal counsel.

I also considered all of the advice. The problem is that in this work environment, managers are way too busy to be concerned with personal issues. The company is laying people off on a regular basis so they are more concerned with their own problems. I have friends that have quit here only to run into the same issue in other companies so changing jobs is a moot point. People with perfect health are exhausted and things aren't improving. I did supply a letter and document per their request but it hasn't made much of difference. I am considering legal council if I can find a competent resource in my area.

Hello ground pounder. Aside from the doctor's note, there is something called FMLA (family medical leave act) that entitles you to 12 weeks of leave (both for family and self.) It is a federal law, and stipulations are included. Go to the department of labor (dol.gov). Depending on the size of the company, and what is considered "severe medical condition" you will find out some good info. If you have a union, they should be able to assist you with the forms.

Thank's for the info but I am aware of the FMLA act (although not familar with the details). My sister also has FMS and uses it for time off. My primary issue, though, is the ongoing problem of people wanting me to work nights and weekends in addition to my normal 40 hr week.

I know that this thread is dealing mainly with general fatigue after long hours, but in a way it reminds me of a situation which goes straight to my heart. I am disabled, but I worked as an auto technician for twenty years. And there used to be an automotive problem we would see from time to time. People would check the level of fluid in their batteries, and if it was low instead of adding mineral water as they should, they would actually buy and add acid to the battery.

This almost always resulted in what we called a surface-charge battery. For five or so seconds the car would crank just fine, so if it started quickly you'd never even know that you had a problem. But after those five seconds, the battery would just go suddenly and completely dead. That's the kind of tiredness which I deal with now. When you first meet me I look and act totally normal. But once I start doing a repetitive task, within a minute or two my battery suddenly goes dead, and I have to take a break to let it recharge. I can't figure out what is causing this.

If I've interrupted the thread, I apologize. But it really made me think of that problem. I hope you guys are doing good, and great luck to all of you!

Idealist

Your description hits the nail on the head. In the mornings, even the activity of taking a shower makes me sit and rest afterwards.