I'm sure this is ask quite often ENERGY

[Barb249]

My doctor has me on prednisone and plaquinil; he claims that it will take a few months before I feel the effects of the plaquinil.  I had another bout with the symptoms the other day but this time I only had the Brain fog, short term memory loss, irritable, sick to my stomach.  I did not have the pain that I usually feel, I know it was there but I felt like it was masked.  Is this normal?  In time will the plaquinil stop the other symptoms? I think I could deal with everything but the Brain Fog, short term memory and the fatigue is constant.  Can anyone tell me if the plaquinil will give me more energy?  The doctor said it should help but it is becoming so hard to function at work.  I’m so irritable by the end of the week that I have to watch everything that comes out of my mouth

[VaBreeze]

Yes it certainly is a shame and it shouldn't be that way, but I know exactly what you are speaking of.  My employer wasn't very understanding either and it made things very difficult for me (stress wise).  I hope and pray that you will be feeling better soon and that everything will calm down at your workplace.

It's ok to be blue.  I have what I call "pity days" where I sulk about things.  I believe we all go through that - it's normal.  You aren't always down...it's just a tough time right now and you will get through this because you are a survivor and a strong woman.

I'm happy I could help in any way Barb.  You know that i'll be updating you about the "granny" situation, lol.  I'm feeling great today and pray you are better also.  I look forward to hearing from you soon.  

Wishing you a great day too.

[Barb249]

I phoned him today due to another bad night.  He had me on 1 ½ pills a day and told me to cut back to taking ½ pill In the morning and ½ pill in the afternoon to see if it helped.

As far as speaking to Human Resource, I wish I had that option.  Our corporate office is in Chicago and we are a branch office in Dallas, Texas.  There has been a big up roar and several people were fired.  Right now I’m so very lucky to have a boss that is extremely insecure (joking) and an office full of women that have made comments that they will say or do what they have to in order to keep there job.  I try very hard to just come to work and pretend that there is nothing wrong with me.  Believe me my illness is the last thing that needs to get around. I work with another girl that has MS and she is the one that told me about med help.  I don’t know if you have noticed I even went as far as changing the state that I live in from Texas to Tenn. It’s a shame that people will actually use an illness against you.  I can’t thank you enough for your kindness; you have answered so many questions for me.  I hope you’re feeling good today and let me know when the grand baby arrives.  I’m going to make it a point to email you when I feel good, honestly I’m not always down like this.  Have a great day.

[VaBreeze]

Barb - Have you thought about speaking with your Human Resources office to let them know your condition?  Maybe if they could make some small accommodations for you (ie. taking more time to get the work done; something that would enable you to do it in an easier manner), until you do feel better, it would help with the stress at work and with this time of year.

[VaBreeze]

The side-effects of plaquenil include dizziness and nausea, so some of the discomfort may be induced by the medication. The good thing is you did not feel the pain as before...it was less this time.  That is wonderful to hear.   The bad thing is, neither of these medications are used to treat fog or energy problems.  Your physician is most likely thinking that once your pain subsides, your energy level will increase because you are feeling better.  

Fibromyalgia can cause both of these symptoms.  Unfortunately, there isn't a cure...there's nothing to fix it (gosh I wish there were).  Sometimes, if one has chronic fatigue, the physician may prescribe Adderal or another med. that can increase energy.  So that may be an option for you down the road, if he feels it is a good idea.  There can be serious side-effects with these drugs as well.  

If you are still feeling like this in another week, maybe contact your physician to talk with him/her about it.  I'm praying that after you've taken the meds. for a month or two, you'll be feeling much better and that your energy level will increase.  I know how hard it must be for you at work.  Please take care of yourself.

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