Initial rest period and return to work
 

My GP has me returning to work on a gradual basis after 5 weeks of full rest. I have heard (from her and others) that after an initial period of rest, there is no more benefit to 'cognitive rest' I'm not sure I agree with the 'Get back in the saddle' approach, but am willing to try. What are people's thoughts and experiences?

I worked 4 hours over the full day today, headaches and nausea and fogginess after 2 hours. I didn't do anything difficult - just some status updates and emails. My next day (2 days rest first) will be more mentally challenging. I was decisive and confident in my abilities, so that is an improvement! I enjoyed being productive, so it might help my mood.

I should say she doesn't want me back full time until I see the neurologist.

I and many others disagree with the full rest concept. Quiet rest is promoted more than full rest. Quiet rest means avoiding stimulation while staying active enough to maintain good blood flow through the brain. A gradual return to a more active life is also a more widely held concept. An all or nothing approach can be problematic.

I believe one needs to also learn to recognize triggers that cause symptoms so that those triggers can be avoided. It also helps to learn the signs of overdoing it. They are similar but not always the same. For me, rereading a line of text was a common sign. Needing to make an effort to focus my eyes is another.

I spent a long time in short stints at various activities. I had to stop reading the morning paper because it would cause me to need a nap.

So, don't push too hard if you notice any symptoms coming on.

Thanks, Mark. I really appreciate your advice as I try and figure myself out.

I should have said cognitive rest. I putter in the house, cook, take walks, talk to friends and read light, fluffy fiction. Screens are hard and my job is computer based.

I'm just curious if I'm doing more harm than good by pushing through part time work.

The fact that you are able to do chores around the house and some reading is a good sign:). Sounds like the computer is what is bothering you the most.

Do you work in an office? The coming and going of people, lights and noise may also be affecting you. If workplace appropriate, consider noise cancelling headphones and sunglasses. Note: some people experience discomfort when wearing noise cancelling headphones.

If you haven't already, set the brightness to low (or zero if possible) and look into Flux which is a FREE desktop application that further tinkers with your monitor's settings.

Avoid multitasking and focus on one task at a time. Set your desktop background to a soft solid color such as grey.

If this becomes a long-term irritant, consider investing in a more appropriate monitor.

Thanks! I use a laptop, but hooked it up to a monitor so I will try that and hope it helps.

The monitor adjustment helped, but I think my issue goes beyond just the computer. I do a lot of analysis, budget work, spreadsheets, etc. I noticed that when I was doing 'harder' work, things didn't go well. I was capable of it, which is an improvement, but it was taxing.

I am able to work from home, so it is quiet and easy to rest when needed.

I think I am not ready, and can't wait to see the neuro to hear what she says.

If you need to switch between applications, I found I did best with one screen set up to be an extension of the first. Your laptop will have a dual display setting. When you first connected the desktop display, your computer likely asked you if you wanted it to be a duplicate display or an extension. If it is an extended display, you can choose which display is the primary.

By having an extended display, you can look back and forth between screens rather than having to remember between them as you click between applications. This reduction in memory stress can make a big difference.

You can also drag and drop between the two displays.

Hi Aelfaba,

I intended to reply to your intro post, but haven't been on the site much lately.

Wanted to caution you about work-- the ER and my GP both neglected to mention the adverse effects of screentime, so I was working 4h/day after an initial 5day rest period.

At least you were counseled correctly post-injury, but don't try to push through. I did so for 5 months and have been paying the price for that.


My vision doc just provided a handout with a points system for daily activities & max points per day is 10. Computer work= 2 pts for 30m, so my typical (less productive due to PCS) days tallied up 40 pts prior to even getting home.

I would only work an hour and then take a break if I had known.
Best of luck-hope they understand,
Grace

For me anything that requires precise and coordinated eye movements is taxing. So anything relating to wordprocessing or spreadsheets is difficult.
Beyond the computer time, I haven't really read anything lengthy is about 2 years, because it is difficult for my eyes to jump from one word to the next effortlessly.

I had a cerebellar lesion and I suspect my eye coordination issues are worse the the average person on this board though. So don't avoid something if you think you can manage.


Screen adjustments haven't made my issues go away, but they certainly help.