I have to say that fatigue and pain also has a lot to do with motivation levels. Today I have done very little, I have been very tired, needed to sleep after lunch, my pain levels are up and I have no motivation today. I am probably paying the price for working 2 days this week, and I am scheduled to work 3 next week, including an 8-5. I only hope it gets better!

not to derail this thread... but mouse your back to work schedule sounds VERY aggressive! Is it not possible to stay at the same level for a couple weeks to give your body a chance to get used to that before increasing to the next level? When my NP has talked about my eventual return to work it was much more gradual than this. 2 hour days and not increasing for a couple weeks, etc.

Congratulations on making the jump back to work, now please be careful and don't over do it!

CC

You are right. I over did it yesterday, was up at 7am, worked 8 to 1pm, 45 minute drive there and back each way, and then went shopping in the afternoon (which brought noise sensitivity back temporarily), then stayed up till 1230 watching TV last night. Paying the price now and all day today, I will not be having a day like that again for a while, I have no motivation for anything today.

Yes, you are not alone. I have had to learn that I only have so much energy and I just do a few things every day. As long as I keep to the boundaries that my body imposes on me I don't have major symptoms. When I push it I do. I also think for the people who have had this condition for a long time and medication is needed that you have to work to find what medications work for you and keep a balance. That does not mean trying to get back to where you used to be but keeping a balance with how you are now. I have found medications that work for me and am much better to be around, have better behavior and feel more in control of this chaos. I think depression, anxiety problems, concentration, memory and fatigue issues all come along with this condition and you just have to accept that and do your best to manage the situation as it is now. This is a real challenge for all of us as we all seem to have been real over achieve-ers and always pushed ourselves to do so much in the past. I have owned two businesses and always been such a hard worker. Learning to accept this new slower life is hard but once you do, you may find you like it better. We now have time to stop and smell the roses sort of speak. Make the best of it. Don't be so hard on yourself. As long as you are doing what you can then that is all that can be done.
Brain

Thanks guys. I'm studying now, but my attention is at zero and I switch gears every five minutes or so... but I can at least read again which is god, and pay attention for five minutes which is an improvement over last week! So I'm allowing myself to focus on other things every few minutes, and then draw my focus back to my work as needed... I have lots of time to get it done, so I feel good about even focusing, without the pressure of a timeline.

Good job cam! That is the way to go. Slow and easy with lots of breaks. You can do this. Just work at it a little at a time with lots of breaks. You have plenty of time to get this done. Go easy on yourself. Remember what I said about just going outside for a breath of fresh air for a minute. Helps a lot. Good luck. I am pulling for you.
Brain

I too am having motivational problems. I am a teacher and have found myself spending less time grading and providing feedback. I also used to joke and socialize with my students all the time, now I feel like a businessman waltzing in and out of the classroom. I feel intense guilt over this, because I know I am denying them the level of education that I was providing earlier in the year...

I should have this assignment done this morning, then I can start on my next one. I doubt the second one will be completed today, but I need to get going on this, as there are only a couple more weeks left in the term, and I have three assignments beyond this first one to finish. The next two are small'ish... only 3-4 pages. The last one is a little more intense and I'll need more time since I have a whole book I also need to reed in prep too.

I have PD, and have the same symptoms that you have. Motivation is a big problem for me. I empathize with you regarding that. Not fun, is it?

It's tough, but I just need to keep going. I had motivation only a month and a half ago, so I know it can come back... Just with four assignments looming (2 late, 1 due today, and the last assignment due next week) I'm trying not to feel nervous... but I will perservere, and know that slow and steady CAN win this race!