Hi.. I would love some input from some other MSer's. I am trying to make a decision work related(close to double the hours!) Im not sure if this is a good idea or a big mistake. So what I would love to know is.....Do you work? If so How many hours? Do you feel working helps or hurts your condition? Thanks so much for your time
Hi Karen:
I've never regretted trying to do more. I don't always succeed but I've learned that I need to put myself first.
I've reduced my hours over the past few years from 40/wk to 32/wk and now at 24/wk. I've strongly considered leaving work altogether but love to keep at it.
My advice is to not leave anything out there -- give it a try. I've found that doing this has expanded my understanding of my limits. I'm usually surprised at how much I'm able to do.
Good luck. Let me know what your decision is.
- Julie
Thanks for the advice. I agree its best to at least try to do anything we want! Thats the only way if we know if we can do it or not. The only problem that can arrise with that is sometimes I puch my self too hard and by the time I realize im overdone it its too late and I end up having a relapse or some nasty symptoms. We have to keep tryin but also have to know our limits too. I havent heard wether I even got the job so I havent had to make my decision yet.
Karen:
I just posted something on limitations... that you might be interested in reading. Not too positive, I'm afraid, and I guess it contradicts what I wrote to you before.
But, as far as work goes -- I think it really depends on your own energy level and priorities. My kids are older and mostly gone from the house now so I can put a lot of my energy into work and rest when I get home. It was much more difficult to do that when the kids were younger.
In answer to your other question about triggering symptoms -- I do find that getting myself overly tired is bad news. It triggers nerve pain, fatigue and blurry vision. It's always a fine line to when being tired turns into being overtired. Perhaps your employer would be open to flex time to accommodate this.
Karen, MS is a funny diease, you have to know your body. It will tell you work or not to work. If you push it you will fall down. I worked until I could do no more, I had to know when to say when. You will know when to say "when". Some people with MS can go and go and some of us have to stop. If you push it you will fall, and believe me having broken several bones, it aint worth the fall! I was DX in 2004 I worked until 2008 Fatique took over, it sucks
Some people do ot have ay symptoms at all, I went 44 years with no signs, I cannot cmplain, I had a good run. Hope this makes you feel better.
sherry/smomdukes 
Thanks for the good advice. Its just great to know what other people deal with and how they handle things. MS wise I have been doing pretty good. I do better though if I can do things at my own pace and rest/nap if needed. Working doesnt really give you the oppurtunity for much resting and I think they frown upon naps..haha. I prayed alot about it and I have Faith that God will only let be available what I can handle. Take care
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Karen, I really think only you can answer that question because, as you know, we all have MS differently. Pay particular attention to HOW your body feels after your work hours during a typical day. Your body (and mind) know best and that will be the judge of whether or not you should add more work hours. I know that has been my rule of thumb for the 25 years since my diagnosis! I hope this helped somewhere and good luck in your journey. Best...
Thankyou for your reply. I sure appreciate the advice. I really dont think I can handle those hours so I am still not sure what im going to do. I hate to give it a try and then fail at it. That would be a huge inconvenience to those training me.
I am sure your intuition tells you what you should do - sometimes it's hard to listen to it, but it's usually right! Don't be so hard on yourself about it - remember, you are the most important you!
That is so true. Thankyou!!!