My situation these days...

[Kirsten]

I know, this isn't cat-related, but I thought I'd post this here since this is where I'm usually posting, and where I know most people...

First of all, let me say that I haven't forgot about you all, and this forum. I feel bad for not coming here and staying in touch, but it's a difficult time for me.

As you may know, I've got a new job. I'm still happy about it, and I like my work. But I always had to work a lot, right from the start; and now last week, my co-worker Silke was fired, and now I have to work even more. Apart from my job (input of the photos and data from traffic speed traps) I now also have the complete office management, have to do all the phone calls and deal with our customers, and sometimes have to develope the films also. It's also my job to advise and train our customers to use the new data type we deliver now, something our programmer and I have worked very hard on the last couple of months.

It's a lot of responsibility and hard work, but it's stressful also. The worst thing is that instead of Silke, who was a pleasure to work with, I now have a stupid intern to "support" *coughcough* me, and other temporary personnel, which in fact are more extra work for me instead of being a support.

I don't know if it comes from this entire stressful situation, but I feel very ill and burned out for many weeks now. It started in February when I felt like getting the flu, but it never really broke out, while everyone else around me was sick. It was the same time that I got problems with high blood pressure again, and I'm so exhausted and tired that there are no words to decribe it. I somehow make it through my working days - and that's it. At the weekends, I just don't have the energy to do anything; I can hardly keep my eyes open, and even typing this required all my strength.

Could be that my thyroid gland is acting up again (I'm hypothyriod); that would at least explain my poor state. I've gained a lot of weigth also. But Im also feeling depressed, and I feel like the loneliest person in the world. I completely lost touch with my online friends, and with my real life friends anyway. Lost them all to their spouses and kids. They don't need me anymore, and none of them has called me for many many months. My private life doesn't exist anymore; all I have is my job, the rest is utter isolation - and I don't have the energy to do something about it.

I'm sorry for venting here, but I thought I'd better give an explanation why I'm barely around.

Kirsten

[moosmom]

Kirsten,

It certainly sounds like you're burning out. If it's not your thyroid, I'd have the doctor check for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. That's what some of your symptoms sound like.

Are you getting enough sleep (at least 8 hours) at night?? Eating right??

I know how you feel about the *cough cough* intern. In the time it would take to show him what to do, it's quicker to do it yourself. Anyway you can sit down with supervisor and talk to him/her about the situation. Maybe he/she can come up with some kind of solution. You won't be any good to anyone if you're sick.

Don't ever apologize for venting here. That's what this board is all about. And that's what friends are for!!

Please take care of yourself, okay???

((((((HUGS))))))))))
Donna

[catmandu]

Kirsten,any time,that you want,to set up a chat,please let me know,as I have had that problem,of having people,that were supposed to help me,but didnt give a damn.And then,you have all,the responsibility,but not the authority.And We ,are your friends,and Lily,and Lunas,too and we miss seeing you,On Pet Talk.

[lbaker]

Kirsten, when you are here we are here. When you are not here we still are all around you and standing with you. We all have moments of panic or unease but that's when you can use us. Use our strength for YOU. "..that thing we call failure is not the falling down, but the staying down". Let us help you stand tall with a smile on your face. Such a pretty face

[catcrazylady]

Kirsten it is so nice to hear from you again. We understand how busy you have been but friends are friends always.

I'm sorry to hear you are not feeling well. It sure does sound like you are under a lot of stress and stress can hurt our bodies just like being ill. I think you should go see a doctor to rule out anything physical and then deal with whatever comes after that.
Can you take any vacation to get some rest and let those gorgeous little nurses make you feel better? It sure sounds like you have an awful lot on your plate. Is there anything you can let go?

We are always here for one of our sweetest PT'ers so don't ever apologize for coming here and venting. We care a great deal about you and want to help in any way we can.

{{{HUGS}}}

[auggie]

Kirsten, I could have written this myself.
Job related stress and worries keeping me mentally and physically exhausted.
I feel like I live to work instead of work to live. I’m not sleeping well and feel too tired to do anything.
I wouldn’t hurt to have your Thyroid checked but keep in mind that stress can make you gain weight and feel the way you do. The best way to reduce stress is exercise and weight training it reduces the levels of Cortisol a stress hormone. I realize that because of your back there are some things that you can’t do. Germany is so beautiful in spring; maybe you can find an exercise buddy and go for long walks.
Stick around and I hope that you get to feeling better.

[catnapper]

I was just thinking of you and the girls this morning. Sounds like a very stressful time right now - do they have plans on replacing your coworker?

You could have mononucleosis (not sure if thats the word they use in Germany, but its a variance of the Epstein-Barr Virus) my daughter had it this winter and she had the same symptoms. Are your glands swollen? If so, please go to the doctor to get tested for Mono.


{{{HUGS}}} I hope you feel better soon

Sitr back and rest and take care of yoursef - let those lovely girls play nurse.

[catmandu]

The Found Cats, MMMEEEEEOOOWS For YOU,Kirsten..

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Like some others here say, do NEVER apologize for venting on PT! We are one big bunch of friends here, and we care for each other in good and bad days
Try to talk to your boss, Kirsten. This cannot go on like this. In the end you will have to quit, so he won't be happy with that too . It could be CFS (Chronique Fatigue Syndrome) yes, or what we call here "Glands Fever" (I don't know correct name); but I understand that your problems are caused by all the stress you are under. Trying to relax is most important now! A long nature walk sounds super!
Kirsten do you have the possibility to take some time off? A few days away from work would do wonders for you! In fact, if you are interested, you are most welcome at my place!! We don't live that far apart, and you have a good airport nearby . We are not here next week, but you are welcome any other period!
Take care, okay!! Thanks for telling this story, I was wondering where you were for quite some time already!

[sirrahbed]

Oh dear ((((KIRSTEN)))) - I am also happy to hear from you even though your news is not the happiest right now - but yes we are your friends and family so you are right to post to us!!

Sorry to hear about the job stress and the *cough cough* intern I also have thyroid disease and that could well be one of the things making you feel bad.

Worst of all, in my opinion - is the loss of contact and friends. I understand that - many of us do! Also the loneliness that follows. I feel that way, too. Unfortunately, I even stay away from HERE sometimes when I feel I can't post happy things. Please get yourself rested and healthy OK?? WE miss you and your girls but mostly want you healthy!!

More (((HUGS)))) - we love you Kirsten.

[Corinna]

Hey I got a good releif for you check out Kay ann"s thread in dog general about being too tired. You will love it.
I know about temp help what a joke help my fanny. I start back on the 28th and I get to see how many of our seniors are returning. (snow birds)
Rest up and cuddle those lovely girls. put on a good movie and just tune out the world for the weekend.

[Barbara]

Kirsten, I am so sorry!
This sounds like more than just too much work. Namely like a thyroid problem and/or a depression. You definitely need to have your glands checked.

And get yourself to Pet Talk! We are here and there is always something going on

I think writing to us about it is like a first step. Take care of yourself. And kisses to the girls

[carole]

Kirsten I am so sorry to hear that you are feeling so unwell and totally burned out, gosh if only you lived closer, many of us would be around to see you and have a cuppa.

Kirsten we are all here for you anytime, always feel free to pm if you need, it is a possibility your thyroid is playing up, my mother has had both the underactive and over-active, and it sure played havoc with her well =being.

CFS, is something I understand, I donot have it, but a similar illness that gives me chronic fatigue, and sometimes it is just hard to even go on, so I can well relate to your feelings of exhaustion and depression, it is a vicious cycle unfortunately that comes with the symptons you are feeling.

The good part if you can call it that, is that you are very busy, so that could be all that is causing you to feel so tired, whereas I can simply feel that way and have no real cause, in other words I am not terribly busy and still feel exhausted., it really does sound like your work load is far too much.

Kirsten go have a general check-up so you can rule out the above , and if a holiday is possible, sounds like now would be an excellent time to take one.

If you can start to feel not so tired, then in general you will start feeling better about your life, and maybe beable to socialise more again and make new friendships or re-gain old ones, give those beautiful kitties a big cuddle and I also want to give you a big virtual HUG as well, please take care and come by more often if you can muster up the energy, please take care of yourself, thinking of you.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Kirsten, I'm so sorry to hear that you're feeling poorly. I agree with the others in that you need to go to your doctor for a physical exam. I sure hope that you'll be able to start feeling better soon. Hopefully things will change for the better at work too so it will be less stressful. We're all here for you when you need us. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent your way. Please take care. {{{HUGS}}}

[catfamily]

Kirsten I hope things get better quick for you.It's a tough time but it can't stay like this forever.Get checked out and eventually it will change.Either they'll hire someone else or you might get lucky and find something else.Even though I know you like it where you are.But you can't do the work of more than1 person too long.I hope the best for you.Your a great friend for all of us and we want you feeling better.We love you here on Pettalk