I know that daily work and family stresses greatly intensify my pain level and brain fogginess. Does this happen to anyone else? Have you in addition to the Reumy decided to go into therapy to learn to cope better/ has it helped?

Hi Newby,

Stress is a huge factor. I started going to a hypnotherapist for pain management when I was still working (over two years ago) and it helped a lot. I think he allowed me to keep working long past my body's ability. And he taught me self hypnosis and relaxation which helps me with the pain and anxiety I deal with now.

Just having someone to talk to helps as well. Make sure you find someone who believes fibro is real. Flat out ask them that. Some doctors don't nad if you start going for counseling for pain management and they tell you you're a hypchondriac it can be devastating.

I had multiple physical traumas that made my fibro go acute which is why I can't work anymore but the counseling was still very beneficial and I still call him now and then and have a phone visit. We can't afford for me to go right now. But I plan on returning to counseling at some point just for my own sanity.

- Andy

Hi!
Stress is my biggest factor for pain. My stress comes mainly from by boss. She is not a nice person. I know, I know, I should be out of there, but it isn't that easy.

How do I help with this to alleviate the pain? When I go home....

Wishn,

Beat her up, you'll feel better LOL just kidding. I had one of those bosses and instead of putting myself through all of that junk when this flare-up started 2 months ago, I just quit. I know easier said then done, I didn't have to work anyway so it's easy for me to say. Dealing with someone that makes you feel crummy everyday can't possibly help your body heal though.

When I'm really stressed I take a hot bath, light some candles and either listen to meditation tapes or just play music and sing my heart out. It works everytime.

Good Luck
Chris

I definitely believe that stess has a major impact. It has only been 2 weeks since I've been back to work and my pain and depression seems to be coming back. Somedays I just cry all the way home. My boss is insentive to anything. She just a B. and I can't stand her. I have no respect for her because she has no respect for any one else. I personally thing she is stupid. What is even worse is I'm having a REAL hard time with the "fog". I can't consentrate on anything. I forget in the middle of sentences, I loose my words, I can't even remember family members phone numbers (who I call every day), I run into everything, I trip over my own feet, and I just feel like I'm staring at people when they talk, nothing is registering. The point of this is I am making mistakes on simple reports and when I go into my manager she points them out and I feel stupid then I feel worse because I think she's stupid. It's a vicious cylce. I am trying real hard to make everything perfect and having someone else logice check my work and that helps. Most of the time they find something but I am glad it is them instead of my boss.

My cousin brought up a good point today. What if my company is building a case against me to fire me for not doing a good job. Essentially not performing up to standards. I just started crying. One of the other managers that is my friend says that the other managers are holding my attendance against me. Including my 3 month disability. I also missed about 30 days last year due to migraines and now that I think about it, probably depression as well. I guess if they fire me, I will just burn bridges so to speak. I will definitely speak my mind to my current manager. I am giving 150 % to my job but, it hasn't been easy since I've been back.

I am also building a case against my manager for things I won't go into, it's too long. I hope I get some resolution from that. It will help tremendously.

If you have any advice let me know what I should do. Should I be documenting? What should I document?

Molly :eek:

IceFire- Trust me I have thought a time or two about swelling the out of control mouth of hers...he he he. Not so he he, when she is a wee wee head. My son who is not 25 use to say that about mean people, just came back to me. :eek: She doesn't admit it, nor could I imagine her too, but I am quite sure she is bipolar and just plain mean. Everyone has a difficult time with her. Unfortunately I am her EA/Office Mgr and I have the lovely task of trying to keep her under control for everyone. I am 48 and single mom, so quiting unfortuantely not an option for me. :rolleyes: I wish this was the period of my life when I was a stay at home mom. Oh those were the good ole days.

MollyMadison: I feel for ya. Last year when I first came on board I was in terrible pain and missed quite a bit of work. Actually the new stress coming into this "insane" job brought it on. A friend I used to work with was the VP of the company and talked me into it. She never said anything about the bosses problem. Eventually the VP was forced out. Big, long story... Anyway, she once told me that when I missed the two weeks of work they may use that "against me." At first I told them I was ill with other problems being concerned about the truth of fibro and most not understanding it. I finally gave in and was honest. Thats when the VP said she overheard them saying that I was a liablility. Now I force myself to come in everyday no matter how bad I feel and trust me many mornings I can barely get up, but I do. Like none of you understand that one. Because of the way she is it worries me being 48, having fibro and being a single mom to pick up and look elsewhere. Could it be worse? So trust me, I do understand, everyday. Hang in there. Hugs, Annie :wave: ( I will be watching for the advice you recieve and follow through with the same. :rolleyes:

Hi Molly,

No wonder you've been gone. I'm sorry going back to work is such a struggle. The thought of doing that some day terrifies me at the moment. I would keep a notepad and jot down anything that happens. If you're late from illness, when you have trouble concentrating, when your boss is a big giant B and when you beat her up...lol.

You're medical problems are well documented to even if they are trying to build a case to fire you, they won't win in the long run. You could sue the pants off of them.

Hang in there and if you get to the point where you just can't do it, let your doctor know. My doctor was the one who helped me see that work was making me way worse.

- Andy