Hi, I’m Lauren, long time browser, first time poster.
I work in archaeology and I have MS. It doesn’t sound likely I know, but so far I have been lucky. Fatigue being my worst symptom. I can manage this on site with my daily can of Coke and an added energy drink if necessary. My GP won’t diagnose Modafinil, he said the energy drinks are safer. Amantadine doesn’t do the trick either. I have had to tell the managers about my condition recently because since I passed my driving test they expect me to drive long distances. This is where I struggle. When you have been out in the sun all day excavating, the last thing I am capable of is a long drive back to the accommodation. I have to rely on away work so I never know where I will be from one week to the next. I love the job though, and I am good at it. I have worked for the same company on and off since I graduated 7 years ago. I was diagnosed at 17, right in the middle of my A Levels which I managed to mess up quite spectacularly. (I went from an A in History at AS to an E for my final paper! Shocking I know but I’m over it now, mostly.) Anyway, how do you deal with long drives is my question. Energy drinks are okay, and when I’m truly shattered I am happy to drive behind a lorry, stopping regularly, that sort of thing. I just wondered if anyone has any tips.
My contract gets renewed every month providing there’s work. It will be interesting to see if they keep me on into September now they know this. I have asked them to accommodate me as close to whichever site I’m on as possible, not an unreasonable request. I have a good reputation for excavating skeletons, nice and easy for someone in my position. Hopefully they’ll take this into consideration too. I know I probably wont be able to do this forever, but I also can’t imagine doing anything else.
Thanks for reading. 
Wow! What a different and totally fascinating job you have!
Although you were diagnosed at a very young age, I`m so pleased to read you are managing to do your dream job.
Re the driving…if there are digs all around the country (world) I guess getting everyone there will be difficulties. But if you are in touch with other diggers (!), can you car share?
The best advice I can offer re fatigue is, rest when you can and pace yourself.
Hope you continue to enjoy your work, skellies and all!
pollx
Lauren,
Make sure you are taking plenty of vitd3 and of course all the b vits - especially b12. You can get this in liquid form 5,000mcg - this will certainly boost your energy and concentration levels. l follow the Biotin for PPMS - facebook group- and take biotin [ b7] -
l find carbs - especially bread/grain etc zap my energy levels.
Hi, can’t really give you any advice. I am so glad you can still do your job. I have a degree in Archaeology. Unfortunately, I have never been well enough to work though. I miss it sooooo much. Will never forget excavating my first skeleton, was awsome. The only thing that helps my fatigue a tiny bit is coffee, other than that, I don’t know to suggest, love Bex xxx
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Hi,
Thank you for the suggestions. I spent last week staying in a B and B just outside Witham, and they don’t have wifi. It’s a rare thing but it was lovely to be honest. No distractions or pressure to do anything. I’m back there next week and really looking forward to it. The site is a bit dull, some Roman archaeology but only in the form of what we know are Roman field boundaries, the occasional piece of samian pottery coming up but not much else. I think Im going to try drinking coffee more. I tried some recently and it was okay, not as bad as I remembered it. Just for driving perhaps. And I shall do some more research into the vitamins. I know I can’t do the job forever, and now with Brexit it’s even more likely that my job will disappear. The government have already looked at abolishing the law requiring all developments to have an archaeological survey carried out before construction begins. We shall see I guess.
Oh yea and my next car will be an automatic I’ve decided. That should take the pressure off a bit.
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Toastrackjazz,
If you are not a fan of coffee try tea… I found this on Google (not always to be believed but … Tea leaves have more caffeine than coffee beans before they are brewed. Prepared, however, tea is diluted quite a bit more
Good luck
Mick
Before I gave up driving I used to have to make sure I had enough breaks - very annoying on what I had before thought of a quite short journey.
Getting an automatic seems a good I idea - anything to reduce fatigue.
Good fortune!