[spygirl05]

When I was 19 years old I had several jobs that were very intense and I was moving around all during my shift. Back then I weighed about 125 lbs. Once I went to college and got a mostly desk job I packed on the pounds very quickly. One unhealthy meal threw me off completely, sometimes gaining 2lbs, although oddly enough I don't think my meal even weighed 2 lbs.

Anyway, after struggling to find a job and having applied to 40 different places I finally got a job last week. It's in housekeeping, this is not what I'd hoped for at this point in my life but it's definitely better than nothing. I sweat like no other on this job. Sounds gross, but I have to bring an extra pair of clothes to change into on my lunch. And I'm normally not a sweaty person. So I know I'm working my butt off. My co-workers say that they've all lost some weight when the started, one even lost 50 lbs.

It sounds all great right? My only problem is I experience A LOT of pain. The pain is in my feet and back. It's so bad I've considered just telling them I'm going home and not come back. My feet swell up and my toes have even gone numb. My back has always been trouble for me. But when I work a lot at this job it feels like my back is a rubber band, being streched so much that I'm afraid something will snap. I plan on going to the doctor. I have in the past and there was no lifelong plan for dealing with my back pain. OTC meds do nothing for me. I need this job, and I continue getting calls telling me "We've filled that position" a reminder of how I cannot just leave this job.

My goal is to get onto a helpful medication to relieve my pain so I can function well, like my other co-workers, otherwise every hour will be another hour of accumulated pain.

My fear is the doctor will just say "lose weight and you'll feel better", which I know is not true. Even at 120 lbs I would come home and crash because my feet and back were throbbing with pain.

Anyone experience the same thing? What do you think is wrong with me? Any advice would be appreciated.

[JayEll]

I suspect your shoes. I used to work in housekeeping, btw, so I know just how hard it is! But check out your shoes. You should have high-quality, supportive, roomy shoes for this kind of job. Sometimes just a new pair of athletic walking shoes, if they are the right fit, will help.

If just getting new shoes doesn't help, I'd suggest you visit a foot specialists (who may or may not be a doctor) to have your feet evaluated and see whether you need any special inserts or supports in your shoes for doing your work.

The next thing I'd suggest is that you do some exercises to (a) strengthen your legs, and (b) strengthen your abdominals and core muscles. If legs are weak, the back has to take more stress than it's comfortably made for. If the abs are weak, then the same thing happens.

Also, make sure that you know the proper way to lift, and that you don't bend over more than you have to. When cleaning a tub, for example, it's better to have a knee pad and get down on your knees than it is to bend over the tub from a standing position.

It might also help to wear a lumbar support belt on the job, depending on your tasks. You can get one at most drugstores. But, you might want to check with your doctor or a good chiropractor as well. Sometimes there is a structural reason.

I'm not a doctor or a health professional, so this is not medical advice. It's just things I would suggest based on my own experience.

Good luck! And when you get home after work, elevate those feet!

Jay

[canadianwoman]

If you are sweating that much are you drinking enough water to compensate? That might be the problem.

[srmb60]

I'm hoping that it's just because you are new to the job and that the activities are unfamiliar to your body.

I second the shoes thing. Get a good pair that fit well and have a nice contoured insole.

I also second finding comfortable ways to reach and bend.

Be gentle with yourself during you off hours. Soak in the tub, stretch, get plenty of sleep.

Cal, mag and vitamin D ...

These, too, are just what I've found helpful 35 years in nursing

[Vladadog]

I second the shoes! Finding the right shoes is essential. I over pronate so I had to spend a lot of time finding good solid walking shoes that correct for over pronation. I love zappos because they have such a HUGE selection including wide widths and the shoes that aren't right you can ship back for free (if you've only worn them to try them on). Once I found shoes that really helped my knees and back I ordered a second pair which is still new in the box. When the current pair wears out I have my next pair waiting and I'll order a new pair right then. I do not ever again want to be without good shoes even for a day - they make THAT much of a difference.

And a lumbar support belt wouldn't hurt either. If you are tired and sore it's harder to stand up straight which only makes you more sore and you get in to a downward spiral that way. The belt will give you support when you can do it for yourself.

Good luck!

[JayEll]

Bumping up to say--spygirl05? You still there?

Jay