OT -New job!

[Corriel]

I finally succeeded in getting a new job after almost 3 years.  While I am looking forward to it, in addition to stress of any new job, I am concerned about fatigue and cog issues with summer coming up.

I have opted not to tell my new employer about my MS for now but the job will involve working most of the day in my second language and it is a new field for me so I will not beable to rely on previous knowledge to get me through days when I am not on the ball cognitively speaking.

I am seeing my neuro just before I start this position so I have a lot to ask him but if anyone has any thoughts on what I should look into or even how to reduce my issues for stress and heat I would be grateful.

Corrie

[Cann1980]

I just wanted to say congrats!!
This is a great thing for you.. I know you will do well!
Cann

[karryon55]

Congrats on the new job!!!  I would get some easy meal options ready for the first few weeks because you don't want to go home & have to worry about too much. I often use the steamed Vegies in a bag along side a frozen curry is quick & easy as well as nutritious. If you have some family or friends that can help out with anything then recruit them for the first month as well.

I tend to manage most things better if I have a good plan of action & routine ready. So I would pack my lunch the evening before, shower & have many things ready so I'm not rushing in the mornings. I am incorporating meditation back into my life again after a period of letting it go. I find that this can be really helpful if you can't have a nap at the time & it clears your mind of useless chatter & stress.

I have recently purchased some of the cooling scarves or neck tie things but I also find having some icy pops at stand by are always handy because they are so cold they cool you quickly. I'm not sure if that's all that practical when your at work but drinking less hot coffee & more iced coffee & such is pretty cooling. I haven't tried one of the cooling vests yet probably because they are a lot of money which is not something I have at the moment.

I wish you well in your new job.

Hugs,

Karry.

[doublevision1]

Congrats Corrie! Get plenty of rest on your off time. Learning new tasks of a new job and working in a second language would tax anyone, so rest is all the more important for those with MS who experience fatigue. Maybe try an earlier bedtime especially if you are feeling overwhelmed.

Funny, pre-existing conditions have never been excluded from any of my past employers' benefits plans. All employees were covered for everything on the plan, from day one of employment. Variety of employers: private sector, government, NGOs. I just assumed this was a Canadian thing. Maybe not.

[Lulu54]

Congrats on the new position - I hope it is everything you had wanted and a whole lot more.  There's some great tips here on relaxing, cooling, and planning ahead.  I can only agree that if you plan your day in advance and can envision how it will unfold, including your meals after work, that will go a long way toward the stress.

Good luck with learning the new skills - that has to be exciting in addition to worrisome.  hugs, Laura

[SarahL2491]

oh thank goodness!  You had me worried there!
Hope you really enjoy this new job!

[Corriel]

Thanks ladies!

Sarah, overall it is the same employer but in another department so all of my insurances just transfer to the new employer. Thank heavens! What a horrible thing to sort out if that was not the case!

Corrie

[Lor301]

Woops!  I'm dumb- just realized OT means Off Topic.  Anywayssss, congratulations no matter what your new job is :)  A job is always something to celebrate

[Lor301]

Congratulations on your new job!!! OT- for occupational therapy?  That should be very rewarding :)  

[SarahL2491]

if you have an official diagnosis, and are offered insurance, will it be considered pre-existing?  Just a thought.  

[Corriel]

Thank you so much! It is air conditioned but I have been thinking a cooling vest is in order this year.

Yoga and meditation, pre-cooking meals should be totally do-able!

Thank you again!
Corrie

[Poppy7402]

Congratulations on the new job too.  

My suggestion on how to cope is to make sure everything on the home front is taken care of.  

If necessary, get a cleaner in so you don't have to worry about it until you feel you can.  

Also make sure your freezer is stocked with foods that are very quick to turn into a meal.  If you can, cook extra the nights you feel good and put meals into your freezer so that when you feel like you can hardly drag yourself home, let alone cook something, 2-3 minutes in the microwave and you have a nutritious dinner.  

Best wishes


Poppy

[rendean]

Congratulations on the new job!! Laura's idea about yoga or even some sort of meditation is a good way to reduce stress.

Is your new position inside in air-conditioning? If so, I think that along with with cooling vests (many fit under clothing now) can he;p you through the heat of the summer!

Confidence is the name of the game! You waited 3 years for this job , so go for it!!! :-)

Congrats,
Ren

[Maracamama]

Congrats again.

This is a tough question to answer.  I have struggled with cognitive problems too but it has mostly taken a break for quite a while.  Maybe yours will take a break too.

My only suggestions are to try meditation or yoga for stress (or even some other form of exercise that you enjoy - or can learn to enjoy) and try your best to stay cool.  Staying cool is not hard right now, just step outside :)

This is the best I can come up with.  Good luck.

Laura