Returning to work... or so I thought

sunshineandshadow · 10-18-2006, 03:30 AM

I had been ill for quite a while, having come down with a wicked case of shingles, followed by 18 months of sheer exhaustion concluding with gall bladder surgery in January.

I woke up in the hospital feeling 10 years younger. But I still had a long way to go to being healthy again. I thought I was that healthy back in June and took on a part-time job.

This was not a physically demanding job, I stood at the front of a store and cashierd all day. Things were fine at first until I was no longer able to take a lunch. Oh, they let me take 15 minutes, later in the day. But I had the shakes and a headache by that time of day. It would take me until the evening of the next day to recover. I tried to keep up my blood sugar levels by eating a trail mix of walnuts, cashews, other nuts, raisins and cranberries. It helped, but I still had the same problem, rapid drop in sugar.

I told myself I would quit when school started again, that I could make it for three months. Nope, I was wrong.

My last day, I was already shaking when I went in. I told them I was not doing well but they left me alone. Basicly, I had what was diagnosed as an anxiety attack, walked out and drove to the local hospital. I thought I was having a heart attack or losing my mind.

Now that school has begun again, I eat a little at 11 am and again at 1pm. I eat less at the 11 am lunch than when I was eating trail mix all morning long.

Since then, I have come to realize once more just how sensitive I am to diet and even just a tiny bit. I am working at taking care of myself. Part of taking care of myself is working. I make a lousy stay-at-home-mom. I wish I could really. I have to work to keep my sanity.

Question is, how do I keep the shakes and headaches from coming back when I do go back to work? How can I gauge when I am strong enough to return to the work force? How can I keep my blood sugar from bottoming out so severly? What do you do to keep your blood sugar up while still meeting your daily obligations?

MommyJenny74 · 10-18-2006, 06:34 AM

Hi cyster,
You've been through a lot! I had the most problems with low blood sugar when I was pg, and the dietician told me to have frequent snacks and always include a protein with my carb. That helped me a lot. I'm a stay-at-home-mom so I'm probably not the best to give you advice on how to manage that while working. I'm sure another cyster can give you some tips.

Hugs
Jenny

glowingpurpleaura · 10-18-2006, 01:23 PM

hi my only advice is just explain your issues in your interview and gague from there how helpful your future employer will be in helping with your medical needs hope you feel better soon

thisfreakingsucks · 10-18-2006, 01:31 PM

{hug}

TNT · 10-18-2006, 09:36 PM

I know it's not the tastiest thing...but I found the south beach ones are quite good.

They'll give you a sugar boost and a lot of fiber and protien too, and they're really quick to eat,

Another option may be those meal replacement drinks, like ensure and carnation instant breakfast or something like that.