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@claref 

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claref

Anyone work night shifts?

Hi all, Brief background- I was diagnosed in November with RRMS. Been on Tecfidera since the start of Jan. I'm a doctor (hospital medicine), currently on a phased return to work. Occupational health have advised I don't do any long days or night shifts until august. I'm trying at the moment to think through what my future career might look like- I realise this is a fairly impossible task as I have no idea how things will progress! Just wondering if anyone here works night shifts? How do you find it affects your MS? Do you get an increase in symptoms? How do you manage your fatigue? Thank you!
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@LisaNeighbour
@LisaNeighbour
 

Hi Clare I hope you are taking care of yourself and getting lots of support. I was diagnosed in May 2016, therefore I’m still getting used to things and trying not to let MS define me. As you will know, MS is very different for all of us. I hope my story, will help a little. I am a Registered Nurse working for the NHS. When I was diagnosed, I was working shifts including night shifts on ITU. I was incredibly passionate about my role however against all the advice from friends, colleagues and occupational health I made a rash decision to leave. I went back to work too soon and wasn’t fully recovered from my relapse. Not being fully recovered, left me constantly worrying I wasn’t pulling my weight or coping with shifts. I left my amazing job and went out into a community role with no long days, no night shifts and no weekends. This job was interesting and I learnt loads however the driving was exhausting and I really missed the team environment and the clinical nursing side of the role. I’ve now returned to NHS Nursing and I love my role. I personally find the long shifts very exhausting and I do struggle with the fatigue. I have not worked any night shifts since being diagnosed. Occupational Health and my line manager are supporting me with tweaking hours. Everyone is different, please listen to your body and occupational health. You are still you and your role will be there waiting for you when you are fully recovered from this relapse. I have found my colleagues to be incredibly supportive and I still feel valued. I still have a lot to give. I ve been told by my MS Nurse there are lots of Doctors, Nurses and other Healthcare Professionals working shifts with MS. They just tweak things to make it work for them. This forum is great for advice and support. Regards Lisa X

@LisaNeighbour
@LisaNeighbour
 

Hi Clare Sorry just to add; Occupational Health have always been 100% supportive and are guided by me. Sorry, I realise you are now back to work. Make sure you are feeling the best you can, before taking on long days and night shifts. Sorry, I couldn’t advise on night shifts. Kind regards Lisa