Tough decision about my seasonal job.

[Coffeedrew]

So I applied for a job in retail about a week into HRT.I got the job and have been working for a month.I am at about 2 and 1/2 months into HRT now.I didn't tell them I was on HRT or transitioning because it was really early and I was unsure of HRT effects.The position is a multi purpose thing.I only work weekends and on Saturday I work with customers and restock shelves and cashier or janitor work. Well on Sundays I have to  job duties mentioned above until a truck comes in then go to unload a truck and unload pallets till closing.I have another guy who helps unload the truck and I do not want to sound lazy.Between the medication  spiro and unloading the truck. The rest of the week I feel like I got hit by a freight train with muscle soreness. I am the type a worker that tells my boss I can do it then try not to complain about anything at all. I am a bigger guy and a lower management employee made a comment it's good to have a big strong guy back around.So I realized why I was hired and that was to help move furniture and heavy stock.I feel embarrassed talking about this issue to my boss because I have lost a lot of strength but still have a big frame  . HRT has been the best choice in my transition so far.I needed a extra job for income to save money for transition and get through college.
My tough decision is I am unsure weather or not to respectfully say the job is not for me.I really do not want to put my boss through the whole mess with HR if  I will only be there for a few months until mid January. I like the job and I like working with customers and see them smile when I leave. If I had the correct strength  I would not complain about stocking and unloading the truck because it's easy.The problem is my body cannot keep up with the workout like it used to.My other boss at my job m-f says he notices a difference in performance when I work. I needed an extra job because right now my main job has low hours.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks, Coffeedrew.

[Alice (nym)]

That's a tough one. Hopefully someone can give better advice than me based on personal experience.

From where I am sat, you are on the verge of quitting any way because of the physical demands of the job. So you have little to lose by coming out to the HR department and your boss. I would try and do it in the same day so that you've got HR to back you up if your boss is funny about it but at the same time your boss doesn't feel undermined by going above him. If they push you out of the door then depending on the employment rights in your country, you might have a case against them for a leaving bonus.

Sorry that's the best I can come up with. I wish you luck and hope everything turns out good for you.

[Coffeedrew]

I am considering quitting but after the season. As far as HR goes I have never done that before.I am guessing I should be honest with them like I have on this post and see what they can do?

[Breeze 57]

Okay, here is my experience.  I had a very physically demanding job when I started HRT.  I also experienced the tiredness you describe and sometimes I felt like I was going to faint after exerting myself.  What I determined was my blood pressure was getting too low.  At the time I was taking my regular blood pressure medication I had been taking for years and now I added in Spironolatone, which will also lower your blood pressure along with being an anti-androgen.  I discontinued my old blood pressure medication and just used the spironolatone as an anti-androgen and blood pressure medication.  Result:  No more tiredness or fainting feeling and blood pressure is fine.  Your strength will diminish over time, but it takes awhile.  I would suspect the blood pressure first.  I just quit my job a week ago (been on HRT 9 months now) not because it was too hard, but because I am having FFS in a week.  It sounds like you are younger and maybe this is your first experience with the effects of a blood pressure lowering medication.  Hope this helps.  Good luck.

[Coffeedrew]

Is that why they say people on Spiro need salt ?
I have always heard salt rasies blood pressure?

[Dena]

Spiro causes the body to lose sodium and retain potassium. If you sodium levels drop to low you will feel faint and high potassium levels are dangerous. In any case, the process of losing the sodium takes water with it causing dehydration which can make you feel faint. If you crave salt, feel free to eat what you want and make sure you drink enough water.

[Coffeedrew]

I will try increasing my salt intake on those work days.
It sounds simple enough to give another week or two to get more info then make a choice.
I hope that solves my issue.
Thanks to all who replied.

[sarah1972]

I have felt extremely tired in the first 6 weeks of Spiro. It went on for another 6 weeks due to a dosage change. It slowly got better afterward.
I have to admit I also lost a lot of body strength, now I am actually having a personal trainer who shows me how to rebuild some of my body strength and it is working. I have regained about half of it. So if you want to maintain your body strength, training is what you will need. This can be your job moving heavy stuff or you can start lifting weights.

~Sarah

[Maid Marion]

I found that as I get older, I either have to maintain my level of activity, or plan on easing back into highly physical work.     If you aren't as strong you may be able to compensate by paying more attention to proper technique.