[dmplaura]

Tomorrow I begin my 'ease back' to work. Starting with 4 hours tomorrow, Thursday and Saturday, then 4 hours a day for 5 days next week, working back up to 40 hours 5 days eventually (regular work schedule for me).

I am looking forward to getting back to work. I was going stir crazy after 1 week of being out of work due to Optic Neuritis (MS relapse, for those who don't know my story). I've been off work since October 1, and I'm returning December 20... over 2 months later, nearly 3!

I've been using my time wisely during recovery. I had 1 head cold, lost my voice. I've drank a lot of coffee. I've walked LOADS (for the most part, 10K+ steps daily on my pedometer). I've learned to bake a bunch of goodies, and cook some pretty crazy foods.

So it was time well spent, but I'll be happy to be back to work, as crazy as that sounds. I just wanted to be back before Christmas, and I got my wish so to speak.

Thanks all for your support during the last few months, greatly appreciated. I haven't been around a whole lot, as I've been staying away from PCs resting my eye to get better. I'm truly grateful the eye's 'healed' and my daily headaches seem to have cleared up (not waking up daily with my head on fire or pounding - a good sign!).

Up to 50mg nightly of Lyrica, and I want to think this could be why the headaches have disappeared, but it may be from resting the eye. We'll see when I'm back to work if the headaches return. Then we can blame the eye and computer monitors for my them. If not, then I can praise Lyrica for helping me.

[tkrik]

Glad you are doing so much better! Good luck tomorrow as you return to work.

[Jules A]

As someone who can't imagine what my life will be like when I can't work I am cheering you on today!!

I'm sure you will be tired but I hope the day goes well.

[SallyC]

WoooooooooHooooooooo!!!! Good luck and good wishes for your return to work.

[Debbie D]

Just make sure you definitely "ease" your way back in...don't overdo it...glad you're getting your life back

[dmplaura]

Thanks all! 4 hours was tiresome today, and I was simply going through 1,300 or so emails in my Outlook inbox clearing them out! Took all day pretty much. Then tech errors on my workstation (I work from home, truly thankful for this!) and phone calls began to come in my phone (!) which shouldn't have been happening, so I didn't actually speak to any clients today, or do any 'work' so to speak, other than cleaning house of the back load of emails.

I can't believe that I got tired out just doing this! Eeep. It's really cold now too, which I find doesn't help. I get cold and fatigue sets in (am I alone with this phenomenon? Why does cold make me sleepy?!).

Tomorrow I can relax, then back at it Thursday. For this evening, R&R!

[ewizabeth]

Glad you are able to go back gradually. Don't overdo it!

[Jules A]

I'm definitely more tired in the colder months but figure it is from the lack of light. So far, knock wood, I don't have an extreme reaction to the heat.

In any event hang in there and if you are able to I find that exercising is very helpful for my energy level and mood.

[dmplaura]

Well, this is the carp.

I woke up Friday with a dreadfully terrible headache. My eye was acting up Thursday, head started to act up that evening/night as well.

Worked 4 hours today and wore my sunglasses the entire time. Still have a headache after work, though I believe the glasses were quite helpful overall.

I'm feeling a lot sad. Is it possible that my 10+ year livelihood may be in jeopardy? Is this a situation that requires further healing/work accommodations? Can I even work long-term on a computer? So much going through my head and heart right now.

I'm at a loss. I don't know what to do. 34 years old, and thinking I won't be able to carry on a stable 'career' due to this cruddy disease and what it's done to my physical well being.

Ugh....

[SallyC]

Aww Laura, I am so sorry. Maybe it was just the first day back jitters/stress. Please take a deep breath, relax....... and maybe your next day at work will be better.

I really hate this damn disease...IT SUCKS!!!