Cramps in hands

Yes I am able to rest today and I'm back to work tomorrow for 5 hours I don't get a break in this store for 5 hours even though it is the same company and we used to get one

I'm glad you can rest today. It's awful that you have no break. I'm no longer up to date on the law in the workplace but if you have been moved I thought that the same conditions would remain so I would check that out. Did you have to sign a new contract? I realise that it is difficult to cope with PMR and work but are you able to contact Citizens Advice Bureau for assistance/ advice? There hours are limited so may be problematic but you may be able to get an appointment to suit or even some advice over the telephone.

Unfortunately not all the conditions remained the same though I was surprised about the breaks and yes we had to sign new contracts, I will see how things go in the next few weeks and how my body copes but if at the end of the day I don't find a solution and I am in pain then I will seriously think of retiring earlier than planned, I'm 58 and a half lol in body but my mind isn't but your health is more important than a job and with this condition if you don't listen to it it makes it worse 

If you can afford it, see if you can find a Bowen therapist locally - the things you are complaining about are possibly not directly PMR but something called myofascial pain syndrome. Some of the symptoms are similar but Bowen often helps a lot. You won't have to keep going for months and months - if it will help then you will know after 3 sessions, if it doesn't help by then it is unlikely to.

Ah well - I couldn't even start the Grauniad crossword despite my other language skills! I have a few words that persistently come out wrong when typing - jsut is only one of them!

Hi Mariane your right health and well being is number 1 and I am slowly realising that now though it is hard to grasp, I have had a few health problems in the last couple of years and every year I've said this is my year to be well then something else comes along so maybe it is time to retire, I'm only part time now but my employers are always wanting more and I'm too stupid and soft to say no, I'm not one for just going on the sick either . I seem to have lost all my confidence and feel very anxious so don't think looking for another job is an option as I don't seem able to take things in or remember anything at the minute , maybe once I start reducing the pred things might improve but I doubt it lol as it wasn't much better before that .

Believe me - no-one on their death bed will say they wished they'd worked more! And no employer will erect a memorial saying "S/he died in the service of the company". Six months after you leave the company most people will say "Who?" when your name is mentioned.

You may have less money when you retire but the quality of life can be SO much better. When you haven't to slog yourself half to death working you have energy to do other things that bring pleasure and they don't have to cost a lot. People travel - but don't know their own region. Often other people travel there and go oooh and ahhh at things you haven't even registered are there.

"I seem to have lost all my confidence and feel very anxious" - I think a lot ofpeople will recignise that as a symptom or result of PMR. Pred doesn't help either.

Thanks Eileen for that it really helps to know that I'm not the only one who feels this way sometimes until I come on here that is exactly how I feel and the guilt is horrendous at times, your right about the company I should not feel at all guilty there as they have not thought about me at all lately life is too short . I have also looked for a Bowen Therapist and emailed one in my area yesterday so fingers crossed .

Eileen is absolutely right. Think about yourself. There are lots of things to see and do which don't cost much. Although you may have to pace yourself if you ask a person who has retired how they manage to fill their day the most likely response is they are so busy they don't know how they managed to work. A few of us meet up for lunch in each other's houses. We set the next date at the host's house and that is a feat in itself as everyone is so busy.......all retired.You will also find you don't spend so much when you are retired.

Thanks silver I know your right I have a couple of friends who both say exactly that and I know I won't be bored I think it's just the thought of it lol

Yes. As the saying goes often the thought is worse than the deed! I worked part time for my final year prior to retirement and that helped. I note you are already part time so that's good. Please seek advice on the best way to retire on health grounds. I was like you and never off sick but was fortunate enough to be well when I retired. You will have paid in to your company and government for this very occasion don't even think about guilt. Remove it from your mind and take the sick leave to which you are entitled.