I'm retraining in mid-life due to fatigue
by Ray Bauer, Canada

Fatigue or total exhaustion has been a problem for as long as I can remember. The best way I found to handle it is an afternoon snooze to recharge myself.

When I owned my own business it was not uncommon for me to go home in the early afternoon for a recharge period, but I would work longer into the evenings if needed.

I found a job cabinetmaking in September 2000. I knew in the back of my mind, and everyone else tried to tell me, this was a bad decision, but the bills were adding up and I needed cash.

Before long I was working an incredible 53 hours a week. It was impossible to keep up that pace and as time went on the hours became fewer due to my health.

On a typical day I would be up at 5 a.m. shower, shave, eat breakfast, make lunch, etc. and arrive at work by 7 a.m. Most days I would be standing on my feet for nine hours. With just a half hour lunch break and two 15 minute coffee breaks, the day took forever to end. When it did I rushed home, opened the door and collapsed on the couch for an hour or two before making something to eat. I was too pooped to wash the dishes or do any needed household chores. I didn't care for television, to read, to work on the computer, to phone friends or visit. I headed for bed.

While I was at work I fought every minute to keep on my feet, and I did, but I was totally exhausted.

Then along came Christmas. I slept and did whatever my body would allow. I had also developed another severe problem. I knew my knee was sore and every now and again I would get pain while working, but I had no idea that my knee joint had crumbled. I now must use a brace all of my waking hours.

No more cabinet- making as a trade -- my body tried to tell me not to do this work again. I had tried to ignore my CMT as much as possible, including the fatigue, so it decided to get me by making sure I can't be on my legs for extended periods of time.

I have not given up! I am now attending night school learning AutoCAD (computer aided drafting) and although at present I can still get my afternoon nap, the fatigue is still there. Plus now, because my mind has to think again - a process that has been idle for some time - I am also suffering from mental fatigue. By the time classes end I am more than enough tired.

I start work once again, very soon. I will be battling fatigue again but must persist. The first month will be difficult as I will still be attending evening classes. I hope I last; I must, and I hope the numbness and loss of sensation in my hands stays at bay.

I have come to the conclusion that to be awake is to be fatigued and I am double fatigued as diabetes also causes fatigue.