Newbie in pain

CC22 · Post by **CC22** » 10 Aug 2018, 16:46

Hi all....

I need advice please. I've been in the job 4 weeks and I'm struggling. My feet are still sore, I keep getting really bad blisters...to a point where I can barley walk. I want to throw in the towel, but all my co workers keep saying it gets better, it gets easier. When? When does it get better and easier. I'm literally maxing out on pain killers every day. I'm limping my loops because I can't walk.
I took two days off in week two because I couldn't walk....I couldn't even get my shoes on....and my lino made such a stink of it. The bullying and intimidation techniques they use are appalling. All it made me want to do was throw my badge at him, kick him in the balls and tell him to shove his job. I need advice please. Do I quit before I actually keel over, or stick with it. Does it really get any easier?

supertouring · Post by **supertouring** » 15 Aug 2018, 02:16

I started last week and have found the physical side much more gruelling than I anticipated. I cycle a lot (off road up to 100 miles a week) so considered myself "physically fit" but I was totally unprepared for the last two weeks.
Last Sat afternoon I could hardly move my legs and my feet were killing me, but no blisters as such. This week my back is giving me grief, just glad tomorrow is my day off.
As you say, everyone says it gets easier, but I have not seen that yet, but I think the route I am on is very hilly and one of the toughest. I think it is used as a starting route for a reason.
I also heard that some ex-army guy quit last week aftrr only a few months as it was too physically demanding. What hope for the rest of us?
My personal advice is to stick at it. Maybe change your foot ware if they still cause problems or maybe try insoles?
Whatever, good luck I hope you are eventually able to break through to the other side.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 15 Aug 2018, 15:12

I try to speak to new starters at my gaff, to give them encouragement and guidance, and on average most hit the wall around 4 to 6 weeks and then after that everything kicks in, the systems and procedures make sense and flow together, the body finally adjusts and the memory for where the delivery points are finally starting to sink in.

Get past this 2 weeks and you should start enjoying it.

supertouring · Post by **supertouring** » 15 Aug 2018, 20:32

TrueBlueTerrier wrote:I try to speak to new starters at my gaff, to give them encouragement and guidance, and on average most hit the wall around 4 to 6 weeks and then after that everything kicks in, the systems and procedures make sense and flow together, the body finally adjusts and the memory for where the delivery points are finally starting to sink in.

Get past this 2 weeks and you should start enjoying it.

Thanks for the positive response.

supertouring · Post by **supertouring** » 01 Sep 2018, 20:49

supertouring wrote:
TrueBlueTerrier wrote:I try to speak to new starters at my gaff, to give them encouragement and guidance, and on average most hit the wall around 4 to 6 weeks and then after that everything kicks in, the systems and procedures make sense and flow together, the body finally adjusts and the memory for where the delivery points are finally starting to sink in.

Get past this 2 weeks and you should start enjoying it.
Thanks for the positive response.

So 4 weeks in and after a week where I thought I would not be able to continue, things have started to get better. Feet/legs now last even the harder days and my back pain is manageable.
I have my first 5 day week next week, which I am worried about, but at least I have 3 days after to recover.
So 4-6 weeks does appear to be the transition time, but it's been much tougher than I expected.

Wolf91 · Post by **Wolf91** » 06 Sep 2018, 17:36

I was the same. Been in the job 6-7 months now and find it hard pretty easy now. It gets better, easier believe me

Tomolo208 · Post by **Tomolo208** » 10 Sep 2018, 19:21

You dont remember the pain when it goes... if that helps?

I remember dragging myself around a hilly job when I started and not being able to put much pressure on my knee for 3 weeks of it. Was torture, but no sick pay kept me going in.

Now i love the job, can't see me leaving before my legs pack up for good.

stevejm · Post by **stevejm** » 10 Sep 2018, 20:01

CC22 wrote:Hi all....

I need advice please. I've been in the job 4 weeks and I'm struggling. My feet are still sore, I keep getting really bad blisters...to a point where I can barley walk. I want to throw in the towel, but all my co workers keep saying it gets better, it gets easier. When? When does it get better and easier. I'm literally maxing out on pain killers every day. I'm limping my loops because I can't walk.
I took two days off in week two because I couldn't walk....I couldn't even get my shoes on....and my lino made such a stink of it. The bullying and intimidation techniques they use are appalling. All it made me want to do was throw my badge at him, kick him in the balls and tell him to shove his job. I need advice please. Do I quit before I actually keel over, or stick with it. Does it really get any easier?

Hey Newbie in Pain. I hear ya. I'm into my nineth month now but the first week was difficult. But my experience is it's a case of finding out how to stay comfortable and then try to maintain that.

Are you using the regulation issue shoes? I have two pairs, 2 different models too, and I can't get on with them. The one pair is too narrow for my feet and has no cushioning for the heel. The other pair leaves my feet wet after the walk as the shoes don't breathe. So I wear my own trainers and will continue to do so. I'll get a doctor's note to support that if I have to. So make sure your shoes are comfortable. Being comfortable in outside work is a major componet to feeling good about what you are doing so you must get your feet comfortable.

I tried regular trainers for a while but they didn't have enough cushioning leaving me with bruised heels which are most painful in the mornings when the bruising has come out. I then splashed out on a pair of Merrells. £75. I can't really afford that but I'll forego drinks, a couple of meals out a month to make sure that I'm not damaging my feet. They've lasted 5 months so that works out as a £15/month investment.

I've also bought ibruprofen gel - this is a life saver - put it on your knees, muscles and heels - it helps. I also tried a hot bath with epsom salts. That kind of took away sore muscles just a little but did nothing for bruising and knee pains.
So, it does get easier - as long as you take the steps to get comfortable - invest in decent footwear and buy a couple tubes of that anti-inflammatory gel - £4 a tube in Boots. Hope it gets easier for you.

Janeybubs · Post by **Janeybubs** » 21 Sep 2018, 15:52

Hi..I'm in my 7th week and have suffered to the point I was walking awkwardly and it put pressure on my knee..giving me another issue. It does get better. Keep the blisters covered in layers of plasters (I couldn't find blister plasters big enough) when working and get those plasters off when you get home. I used baby nappy cream and witchazel on them. I did pop them after googling and deciding it didnt seem to matter either way as i had blister on blister. I still have massive patches on the sides of my feet that are a little tender and after a day walking my feet are a little sore. I do wear the RM trainers and find with the insole they are comfy. The blisters started using my own shoes at the start. I think everyone has gone through this along with leg and feet ache that you never imagined you'd feel but hopefully you'll start recovering soon.

Fedup2 · Post by **Fedup2** » 01 Oct 2018, 17:06

Hi.

Three weeks in today.
Was told today I need to speed up with the route does it comes easier or do some people just don't get it

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 02 Oct 2018, 15:44

Fedup2 wrote:Hi.

Three weeks in today.
Was told today I need to speed up with the route does it comes easier or do some people just don't get it

Yes, as long as you are doing your best ignore the idiot who thinks pissing people off is a good form of encouragement, there is a collective noun for this sort of person - RM Managers.

Joking aside, most people hit the wall around week 3 or 4, but by week 6 everything usually clicks and you'll pick up speed without even realising it. Stick with it, without arsey managers this would be the best job in the world.

Raggedy Man · Post by **Raggedy Man** » 04 Oct 2018, 21:40

I’ve struggled to get shoes that suit me for years. A combination of wide feet and having arches that curve to much. So I struck gold when I started Royal Mail by following a suggestion on here to get a pair of Karrimor boots. About £45 quid. I then invested in some decent walking socks from Go Outdoors. Both of them from day one on the job meant I never got blisters or experienced any pains in my feet or knees.

Postiemummy · Post by **Postiemummy** » 14 Oct 2018, 22:32

I’ve worked for Royal Mail 4 years:

The first few weeks are tough. I started at Christmas & was thrown in the deep end. I was given an XL storm jacket which covered me to my knees being a 5ft 8”, size 8 female. I had hail, snow, sleet, ice, you name it & hadn’t got any RM issue shoes. My hands hurt so bad from the cold I was often in tears & I was sent out on my own, in unfamiliar territory.

If I got through that, you can get through anything

Seriously though, it gets easier. It’s mainly a mental battle, along with the physical ailments. If you’ve never done a demanding job like this, it’s a system shock. The new RM trainers in black & red are the best ones I’ve had so far & i’ve worn my way through several pairs of Nike’s Freeruns as none of the other RM shoes suited. I gave up caring about wet feet. Carry plasters, knock the painkillers on the head - don’t want to damage your liver! - eat healthy (it helps your muscles recover, especially bananas) & give yourself some slack. Rest on your day off & look after your feet. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!!!!!
Chapped lips, dry hands & sore feet are no fun. Lip balm, hand/foot cream are your lifesavers. You’ll toughen up to it all soon, just get through the first 3 months, there’s a reason some people have been there 40+ years, it’s a great job.