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Stress and Pain

I've decided that too much stress and pain in my neck and arm is what's keeping me up all night.  I did sleep last night, but here it is past 2am and I'm still up and thinking how I have to work by 9am.  So, instead of going to bed I'll just watch a movie and take a shower.  Got to sleep sometime, right?
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655875 tn?1295695107
Karen, I don't know how you manage to work with the neck and shoulder pain without any sleep.  I could never do it.  I wish you the best and I hope your day is managable.
Helpful - 0
82861 tn?1333453911
Tuck, you and I could be twins in that regard.  I fought it and fought it until I finally thought, "I'm killing myself for this stupid JOB?"  If pain were my only issue I'd still be working, but the constant bowel obstructions are impossible to work around.  I was the most unreliable employee on the planet during my last year on the job.  How my boss didn't just fire me I'll never know.  LOL!  He is such a good man but I know he was terribly frustrated about it all.  My abscenses and lack of productivity weren't fair to him, the company, or even myself.  Change is always difficult even when we think we're in control of it.  I hated to have to admit my body was controlling me, but life got a whole lot better when I finally did.  

Karen, I've done exactly the same thing.  I'd stay up all night rather than fight to wake up and get moving after only an hour or two of sleep.  I always felt worse for small amounts of sleep instead of no sleep at all.  It's miserable.  Hope you can make it through the day.  :-)
Helpful - 0
547368 tn?1440541785
Designgyrl,

I remember all to well the years of fighting pain all night and rushing out the door to face a nine or ten hour day. I did it because I loved my career but there were mornings I went in with an hour of sleep. I'd stand in front of a room full of employees for a training class and wish I were in bed or attend a business meeting and try to focus when pain engulfed me. But like you I kept going, refusing to give up....until one day I simple could not go another step.

Now when I cannot sleep, which is often I think about those of you who are still working...and my heart goes out to you. It doesn't matter if I only sleep an hour or two or if indeed I don't sleep at all. I can catch a nap if needed or pace myself. The stress reduction of knowing I no longer have to force myself out the door at 6AM, be sharp minded and ready to perform the complex duties of my career is unbelievable. I am so sorry that you must work with your chronic pain. SSDI is no picnic but I am glad it was there for me when I needed it.

I wish I had some words of wisdom for you but nothing helped me sleep. So rest when you can and try a power nap over lunch if possible.      

My Best to Yuo,
~Tuck
Helpful - 0
1324871 tn?1288981706
It's funny cause nothing is weighing on my mind and I am feeling better but I am as wide awake as if i drank a pot of coffee.I don't have to go to work today either tho.I feel for you because i remember those long workdays with little to no sleep .I hope you get a little rest at least .You have a great Saturday too! I hope you are off work tomorrow .Maybe you can catch up on your rest a bit .Have a good day!! Melissa
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've got to work again today 10am to 7:45 so at least I'll be very busy in the afternoon and early evening.  I've just had a lot on my mind, but you are up too, so I guess I can say the same thing about you too.  Sorry you're sleeping as little as I am.  I'm feeling ok at least so I guess it's just making myself go to bed and lay down.Hope you have a great Saturday!!
Helpful - 0
1324871 tn?1288981706
Oh honey I was hoping you would be able to sleep .I know what you mean tho cause here I am again as well.I hope the shower will make you drowsy where you can rest .Watch a bad movie so you don't get into it .I will do that or read a book that is so-o-o boring (The rise and fall of Nixon works for me ) .Sometimes that will work but not tonight or today I should say .; )
Helpful - 0
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