Hi, Yesterday I returned to work on a phased return, it feels good to be back in one way but in reality it is quite difficult. Writing and typing is very hard, sitting at my desk makes me ache. Although I have only worked two mornings so far, I am very tired and restless. I hope that I can return to my normal duties full time in due course. I find reading and consuming info extremely difficult (how do you feel, do others have this problem?)

The PD has definitely progressed thankfully I see the nurse soon. I would also like to know - do all PD sufferers have problems sleeping and resting in a chair/sofa? My sleep is a complete disaster even with sleeping tabs, and when sitting I fidget and am constantly moving - a real pain in the butt!!

all the best Russ

P.S - thanks again to all those supportive emails and posts of support.

the following is entirely my own experience and may or may not be relevant

- it is better to do a good job part time rather than a bad job full time
- a bit controversial, but thinking requires energy and my thinking energy comes from regular small amount of fatty food - avoid sugar and low-fat milk- drink enough water. caffeine can help.
- if taking requip slow release is better as standard makes you fall asleep
- if you feel tired dont just carry on, stop -take a walk or a nap to allow your brain to reset - if you carry on you will just get worse. learn to recognise the signs.
- set your keyboard and mouse parameters to slow to avoid mistakes. use your good hand on its own

hope some of this is relevant

I had an Access to Work assessment and as a result have a more supportive chair and a different key board (it is very flat so I can rest my wrists on the desk). Info about the assessments is on the Direct Gov web site.

hi

I had an access to work assessment too. they were extremely helpful and so quick. they recommended a number of adjustments to my work such as Dragon software, a new mouse, a dictaphone connected to the Dragon software and all sorts of other gadgets that make my life easier. A fantastic service.

Caroline

I still work full time. You all seem to have decent employers. My manager has been asking the girls at work about me and my PD and how they think I am coping. Most annoyed about this as she has never once asked me how I'm coping.

I am still on a full time contract but after a meeting with my manager appt was made with OHS - decision made for me to work reduced hours until mid June then review again at OHS, hopefully back to full time hours then. (Although it is helpful to finish early at the moment as very tired by about 2:30-3pm normally work till 6pm)
My manager and colleagues have all been very supportive, I did tell them dx when I came back from appt with Neuro. Everybody is hoping I will continue full time and need to know if there are any work place adjustments required to ensure that this can be achieved. I feel very supported.
PB disappointing that your manager doesn't have the courtesy to ask you how you are getting on - maybe she is unsure how to ask?
Take care

She is young and putting her own stamp on things which is fine but going about things so wrong in my opinion. Does make me cross that companies seem to get away with treating employees with little respect and knowledge of their rights.

Hi there
I am working a full day tomorrow for the first time since diagnosis/med's. I hope I can fend off the tiredness and manage the day. I am a freelancer so making demands on employers can be tricky because I need people to employ me again in the future. To be honest I deliver staff training so my tremor should not get in the way. It may just make me look nervous. Although it is my left hand and I'm left handed. I will delegate the writing element if it looks dodgy. Ha ha. Wish me luck and best wishes to all of you too.

Good luck! hope the training goes well.
A couple of weeks ago my husband had a Fatigue Management Clinic appointment and I invited myself along too (he's the one with Parkinsons' but I reckoned I could use Fatigue Management myself). One of the obvious-when-you-think-about-it points they made was about pacing and "pro-active resting" ie looking at the demands the day is going to make and if necessary organising to rest before some later activity you know will be tiring - instead of pressing on and resting after, as one tends to expect to do. We enjoy announcing pro-active rests now - feels ever so purposeful and efficient - but seriously it's been a useful idea.

Thanks Potplant Sounds obvious when you think about it, doesn't it!! cheers I shall be adopting the proactive rest from now on. Even just saying it sounds positively professional.