Forum Discussion

NaturalBel's avatar
NaturalBel
Member
12 years ago

Day 1 Back at Work

Let me tell you, no matter how many walks, people I spent time with, books I read, or TV I watched, I still couldnt relax about going back to work.  So finally that day loomed up, and yesterday was THE DAY.

I found what was difficult was remembering the computer system/till proceedures from a job I had spent a small amount of time in a year ago.  Just the small stuff, and having to quickly think back to Pharmacy theory for questions on the floor.  

My major concern already was the kneeling on the floor again.  The couple of times my knee touched the floor yesterday, I certainly noticed it to be painful.  My employer is letting me just get settled at the moment - but he is going to give me back all the rolls I had before, regardless, and strong mention of merchandising and planograms, which involved re arranging shelves and massive amounts of kneeling.  I have never had an issue with my knees before I had Cancer, and when I mentioned it to my Oncologist/Rads Dr he just said it was a coincidence.  

My arm this morning feels sore and a bit uncomfortable in the shoulder, elbow and arm pit.  I wore my compression bandage, which I have been advised to wear for the rest of my life as a preventative to lymphodaema.    

I kinda feel like I played tennis with my surgery arm yesterday, and I mainly typed on the computer!

This week we had a public holiday, thank goodness, because I only have 4 days in a row at 4 hours.

I was surprised at how tired I was last night!

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    12 years ago

    Good for you on you first day back - glad you have such a great boss.  If knee pain is a coincidence, my whole (bc survivors) yoga class is the same.  Everyone has trouble with the knees - getting up and down as well as kneeling  - no matter how supple they were before treatment.

    So good you are getting all your previous roles back - you are obviously highly valued. Look after yourself and rest when you need to.  Michelle xx

     

  • Cherylek's avatar
    Cherylek
    Member
    12 years ago
    Congrats on going back to work! Just one more step on the road to "normality". I have found Red Krill Oil helps with the joint pain. The main thing I have found with work is mental fatigue and even now I'm still only working 18 hours a week on average. Cheryle :)
  • JodieWall's avatar
    JodieWall
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thinking of you Bel and hope today was a better day for you. The weekend is coming up and you can put your feet up and relax xxxx

    Jodie

  • adean's avatar
    adean
    Member
    12 years ago
    hi belle first day back l remember butterflys l still struggle a bit, especially with pain and the brain, and its hard because how long can u you use the bc as an excuse. l sometimes want to scream at work but lm sure they would think crazy. notes and notepads are my besty. thinking of u adean xx
  • adean's avatar
    adean
    Member
    12 years ago
    hi belle first day back l remember butterflys l still struggle a bit, especially with pain and the brain, and its hard because how long can u you use the bc as an excuse. l sometimes want to scream at work but lm sure they would think crazy. notes and notepads are my besty. thinking of u adean xx
  • Mich_x's avatar
    Mich_x
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hey my Bella

    What a huge achievement.  Being back at work. It is still early days following your journey so you are bound to be very tired, achy, chemo brained and whatever else the treatment we have gone through leaves as its residue for a while to come.

    It will take a lil while for your body to adjust to doing some things that you haven't been doing for a long time.  You are def bound to have aches and pains.  I find if I am at the computer for a few hours I end up with sore pec muscles, neck muscles and my mid to lower back kills me.  It is because our bodies don't like being in the same position for too long.  Make sure every 15 mins that you move away from the computer and do a few gentle stretches or just walk to other end of counter etc. just to keep you body moving.

    Ask for or take in your own lil stool (like babies use for toilet training) and use that to sit on till you feel stronger.  Have a cushion.  Your boss is obviously happy with you and your work and understanding so he will understand your needs for a while longer.

    You will be doing it tough for a lil while until you get the swing of things again of which I know you will precious pot.  Don't be too hard on yourself.  Remember to look after number one at all times.  Take it day by day or hour by hour like you did on your big road treck,  I was told it takes at least 15 times of doing the same thing constantly before the body adjusts fully to it.

    I will be thinking of you and willing you on every day my luvly.

    Lots of love today, tomorrow and always, Mich xoxoxoxo

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    12 years ago

    Well done! It's like starting a new job again so give yourself time.I guess you'll have lots of aches and pains cos you are doing repetitive movements that you are not used to doing.After my first few pilates classes,I could hardly move for 3 days after.Everything was sore but then it all came good as the classes went on.Here are my tips- lie in an Epsom salts,warm bath,Exit pain cream, panadol osteo and a heat pack- all stuff from your chemist! Thinking of you and hope next week is a little easier on you darl.Love and hugs,Tonya xx

  • Janey235's avatar
    Janey235
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Bel, I'm so pleased for you that you've returned to work. This is another step closer to your new normal. I am dreading going back to work. There have been so many changes in procedures and systems at the uni that I will probably have to do a lot of training to catch up. I'm going to take a leaf out of your book though and return with a great attitude which you've had all through your journey. Congratulations Bel. It must feel really good to be where you are today. Look after those knees though and take things slowly. Love Janey xxx
  • Janey235's avatar
    Janey235
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Bel, I'm so pleased for you that you've returned to work. This is another step closer to your new normal. I am dreading going back to work. There have been so many changes in procedures and systems at the uni that I will probably have to do a lot of training to catch up. I'm going to take a leaf out of your book though and return with a great attitude which you've had all through your journey. Congratulations Bel. It must feel really good to be where you are today. Look after those knees though and take things slowly. Love Janey xxx