Well a few years ago when my PN first came on...it was bad! I was very low emotionally and also taking a ton of meds that messed with my brain and caused horrific side-effects. I then started having bad panic attacks and I could barely function. I kept working, my job was flexible at the time. I realised that reality is perception. If people at work perceived me as being very ill than every mistake I made or choice they didn't like would somehow be linked to my illness. I work with a lady who has MS, and they blame everything on her MS.

Anyways 3 and a half years later I can almost function normally on most days,and I learned to cope better on the days that I don't. My greatest problem is the side effects of the meds I am on.

If your biggest problem is sideeffects from meds, consider possibly switching your meds around. this may bring some relief to you.Also talk to your doctor and be honest about the side effects.

I noticed that if i ate a breakfast & lunch that was high in protien is one thing that gave me a boost, carbs seem to relax me to much, another is drinking plenty of water especially in the mornings seemed to clear the fogyness out of the brain, another thing to get me more alert was taking a couple of multi B vitamins at breakfast time and another one at lunch time, worked for me
Oh, one other thing was just a medium pace walk for about 10 minutes used to get my motor running a bit better.
good luck
Brian

I seriously thought about quitting... actually got laid off during a company wide lay off because it was during the first six months of my diagnosis. I was still adjusting to my meds, not sleeping well at night, falling asleep at my desk, etc.

I took six months off, adjusted to my meds, got my health back in check and am back to work. However, I did take a less stressful position. I am making about 10% less money, but the decrease in stress keeps my illness in check.

I enjoy working now and believe me, there are days I HATE getting up in the morning. However, I know if I stayed home every day I would be feeling sorry for myself and being much less productive.

If you could find a way to get your doctor to give you a temporary leave, to get things "adjusted", then come back to a less stressful position, it might be better for you.... but only you know what you can handle!

I admit, I get frustrated when I try to do things I used to and I feel like an idiot because I forget things, or I am much slower at them than I used to be. I used to be the "boss", and now am an employee of someone who is younger than my kids! It's all a matter of perspective... if you don't mind, it don't matter!

Good Luck!

Moving in the direction of alleviating conflict is essential.
Absence of stress will do wonders, both physically and emotionally.
Stress is a major factor relating to PN, & successfully coping with it
changes your outlook, decidedly.
Stress is the enemy of PN. It makes it worse,
no doubt about it.

I have to add - that this is right for any kind of stress.

mostly it was the STRESS not the PN.

My leg pain was also a factor. But after 40 yrs of impossible stress including higher crime rate and the recent incidents I had to put up with, I figured it was time to live my life more safely and quietly. I feel much better now.