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Working with Fibromyalgia!!

Posted , 4 users are following.

Bee70
Bee70

Hi All

I work in an office inputting data over a 5hr period daily, Mon to Fri.

I do take regular breaks but I am now experiencing pains in neck and shoulders more on a regular basis. Fingers and hands too are becoming painful.  Where as I enjoy the work I do and the team I work with, my working life needs to carry on regardless. I have a family and commitments to paying bills.

I have booked myself to see Occupational Health on Thursday. Is there anything that I need to ask for regarding any assistance for me to carry out my work.  I don't like to whine but just want to make my working life more bearable. Has anyone had advice from Occupational Health ?

I walk to work which takes half an hour. The reason I choose to walk is that is the only form of exercise I get and also parking issues around where I work. I am not too keen on buses. Walking used to be enjoyable and I have been doing for years, but lately I am finding that my neck shoulders and back start to get painful as I walk. Anyone else has this experience?confused

1 like, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • shelagh6
    shelagh6 Bee70

    Posted

    Ask for an ergonomic mouse, that will help with more of the pain than you'd think. You also need an assessment of your work station. A gell wrist support will help too, I bought my own, less than a tenner. You should have a foot rest and a comfortable chair. Make sure your screen is the right height for you, can't think of anything else now but 

    I'll let you know.  I retired last April, I couldn't cope with the stress and pain but I did enjoy the company and most of the work, I was at a desk from eight till four thirty with an hour for lunch. I did get advice from Occy Health, they were very good but it helps to know what to ask for. Hopefully when you sort your work station the pain while walking will ease.

    take care, hope this was helpful 

    Shelagh

    • Bee70
      Bee70 shelagh6

      Posted

      Hi Shelagh6

      Thanks for the advice.  I have had a workstation assessment a while back but will recommend the mouse and maybe a chair. I already have a footrest. I did have a gel wrist support but didn't find that comfortable at that time. I may get it back out and try again.biggrin

  • tiswas24537
    tiswas24537 Bee70

    Posted

    its the repetative moments i am same writing letters or christmas cards or wraping gifts . when i stop i am so stiff and sore , i could cry . i can hardly move .
    • Bee70
      Bee70 tiswas24537

      Posted

      Agree, I find when I hold things my hands get tired very quickly and begin to ache. Writing for a a few minutes brings on my pains too.confused
    • tiswas24537
      tiswas24537 Bee70

      Posted

      yes i had to sew a few things the other week and my hands hurt so bad and my neck for days .
  • shelagh6
    shelagh6 Bee70

    Posted

    Hi Bee70, the ergonomic mouse is a godsend, Occy Health can order one for you, that's if you use a mouse a lot of course, I gorgot to ask, sorry! Don't forget the importance of position of your screen, it really helps to have it right.

    repetative movements are so painful, I have no magic cure for those, I use heat but it isn't that great. 

    Take ke care everybody, hope you all sleep well!

  • grahammolyneux
    grahammolyneux Bee70

    Posted

    There are many kinds of seats that can help and even a foot stool under the desk could help.And

    You could ask for a seat with an adjustable lumber and head support that would be key to your comfort

  • Bee70
    Bee70

    Posted

    Just an update from my Occupational Health appt I had today......

    Vicky, the lovely lady I met had not heard of Fibromyalgia and had to research it before my appt....

    She suggested that I get a document holder for my workstation. She will speak to her Manager and ask for her input.

    I suggested about the ergonomic mouse and keyboard, she said she will ask her Manager about it and will get back to me.  She also suggested to wear a neck brace but to check with GP first as this may also aggrevate the pains further. confused

  • grahammolyneux
    grahammolyneux Bee70

    Posted

    I have three prolapsed discs in my neck which was the result of a fall, after This was diagnosed with fybromyalgia. When I am travelling in any form of transport or sitting at the computer for any length of time or walking any distance I have to wear a collar.
    • Bee70
      Bee70 grahammolyneux

      Posted

      Does it help wearing a collar or does it aggrevate the pains further?

      If so how do I go about acquiring one?

      What I need to go to my GP ?

    • shelagh6
      shelagh6 Bee70

      Posted

      Creepy!! I have three prolapsed disks in my neck too but a collar makes pain and stiffness worse, I was advised against cervical collars by the Orthopaedic Surgeon.
    • Bee70
      Bee70 shelagh6

      Posted

      I think I will check with my GP first !! wink
    • grahammolyneux
      grahammolyneux shelagh6

      Posted

      Hi, I was told by them not to wear the collar and when I am not really doing much around the house it's Ok but as soon as I walk any distance or try to do anything which involves a bit of movement my neck ends up swelling. Also if I am at the computer for long and having to concentrate then my neck goes again this causes blurred/double vision and headaches and some dizziness along with increased pain. if I put on the collar before the symptoms start then I am able to continue for a while longer.

       

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