Big Heart, The only OT in the Hospital & Poor Endurance, Don’t mix well
I accepted a position. I did my first day yesterday. I had taken the position with the full disclosure of my illness and the problems that could arise if I don’t stick to my plan of 6 hour days. I know what happens, it’s happened before. I accept a position, I get really motivated and take on more work than my poor body can handle and then I relapse. And I can not afford this health problem. My family cannot bear to see me go through this kind of health issue again. The price of not adhereing to my body’s need to keep a steady pace, rest and sleep well are not worth teh months it takes to get back to normal health again. The high amount of steroids and the high amount of methotrexate take me months to wean down after I flare.
But, I over did it yesterday. I worked a full 8 hours. This doesn’t seem like much. And to my work-a-holic past I used to be, 8 hours is equal to 7 seconds. I have a very strong work ethic that I feel compelled to finish all the work that is placed in front of me. My heart begs me to keep seeing one more patient, and my sense of responsibility reminds me that I am the only OT in the hospital. This is going to get me into trouble. My body will break down and I will get very ill. Last night my legs ached so bad. Thsi morning I am due to work at another hospital andmy feet tingle and hurt. I must let them know soon that I must adhere to my health’s mandatory needs, or suffer 😦
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I acquired AOSD in 2008. I have suffered so terribly and have found ways to help me regain my life. This my personal journal of this mystery illness to diagnosis. I hope that I can help others with my experience and information.
Adult Onset Stills Disease 
I was just diagnosed with this disease on Friday. I am in a regimen of high dose steroids and NSAIDs. First meeting with Rheumatologist on Tuesday. No sleeping for me because of the steroids. I just want to tell you how much your blog has helped me. Your struggle for a normal life scares me, but I know I am not alone out there in the world. I thank you for putting your story for others to see. I share this with you, and it gives me comfort that there is support somewhere out there.
Hello Jackie, I am so sorry you are not feeling well. I totally understand the “no sleep on steroids”. However, I’m not necessarily recommending this to you, but it worked for me was an herbal sleep aide from the health food store, or while on super-high steroids I would use NyQuil (and now they made a NEW product called ZQuill that does not contain ANYTHING but sleep aide (YAY!!!) But it is up to you. What has changed my life and provided most relief from this Still’s disease is following an Anti-inflammatory diet. It changed my life, I’m now down to 2 Methotraxtes a week and am doing very well. If you read through my blog there is a whole set of entries about this diet. I am so happy you are going to see a Rheumatologist. He will help you a lot, and if he is anything like the MD I see, he will strongly urge you to eat anti-inflammatory diet, do yoga, avoid stress/fatigue. Best of luck to you. Sending out good vibes and a prayer in the universe to you that you feel better soon!