Fatigue and work

Hi everyone, im just curious how those who get tired cope with work. I havent told my employer about my MS, i currently work 8 hour shifts in an outdoor setting. I’ve noticed recently that i could easily fall asleep at 2 in the afternoon and am now questioning whether i should continue with the job at all. Any advice would be great.

Firstly tell your boss of your MS diagnosis. Then decide which route to take. Personally I gave up work and put myself first. Yes it’s a struggle but no more than pleasing someone else.

If you are confident in your employer it is a good idea to let them know. They should help you to work out if it is better to keep working with appropriate adjustments or the best way to step back from work. Give this some serious thought and gather opinions and ideas from family and friends. Another approach is to think how you would advise a close friend in these circumstances.

Good luck

Mick

Hi Do you have an occupational health department? If yes get your manager to refer you to them for advice. If not rate your tasks on the amount of fatigue they cause and see if you can manage your day with an even balance and not one day full of fatiguing tasks. Maybe try a midweek break? Every Wednesday off. This is what I do and it really helps me. Remember you are automatically ccovered by the equality act so your employer has to make reasonable adjustments for you. Good luck

Hi, I used to get tired about 3 pm, I would lay down for about 30 mins and was fine after that. Ok I’m self employed and it worked out fine for me, but I would inform your employer who can’t sack you for having MS.

the problem with using the terms ‘tired’ and ‘fatigued’ is that people who don’t have m.s. think it’s the same as the fatigue they experience and they have little empathy/understanding.

I think it’s far better to simply say we are ‘ill’ when we are overcome with unwellness.

let them know as MS is protected under the disability discrimination act - reasonable adjustments have to be made.