I'm not sure how much longer I can do my job.

Hey Dizzyguy,
whats your history and whats the diagnosis? I had labyrinthitis almost a year ago and it has been a hell of a year, trying to keep going to work even though I felt so awful and hardly able to do my job. But over time it has got easier and I am glad that I managed to stick at it. Of course that is easier if you are getting better. What are your symptoms and have you seen any improvement?
Best wishes
Tesss

im just about to lose my job. The nightmare was that i began having 24/7 dizziness about 4 months ago, just when i was due to start my new job. I then couldnt go in at the start so they put a condition in my contract that i had to attend. Now, i have failed to do that and they are going to chop me. My symptons have not improved at all and i just havent been well enough to go in ( and its only an office job!). Its been awful but at the same time i just need to get better then i can do anything but being dizzy 24/7 i cant acheive anything. Im actually taking prozac, walking, doing eye exercises and trying to do running but still no improvement. Its not through lack of trying. so, i empathise with you, for sure.

I was recovering nicely then had a huge relapse after a steroid injection into my ear.....I have to start all over....I can't drive....I have worked off and on for two weeks now. I took a leave of absence under FMLA starting Monday(to avoid getting whacked).


I have vertigo, some numbness on my left side and the top of my head from time to time......I have body aches all over really. I get progressively worse as the day goes on. I cannot sleep well..........either sigh

I was told today by my ENT, "he believes" its nueroitis not meniere's.........I have been sent back to therapy starting wednesday.....

I was told I could be eligible for Disability.....but I do not want to live my life that way......

I have alot of pressure to perform on my job, they fire people for performance issues daily, so a LOA while I get atleast 50-75% back is a must.

Hi both
You both sound in awful situations. Like you dizzyguy I am unable to drive - but I have managed to get lifts all summer and now I have an understanding boss - I have also been at my job for 4 years so they are more keen to work with me through this. This doesn't help you though. I can't imagine how much stress you both face which is also not going to help you to recover if you have that pressure on you. Dizzyguy I think you are wise to take a LOA - its something I seriously considered and I might do it yet. This will give you time to concentrate on your recovery and you won't have the stress of also trying to perform at your job while you feel so bad. Hopefully the effect of the steroid shot will start to help rather than hinder - I understand they take about three weeks to work and so hopefully you will start to feel better soon. Have they said that the numbness is to do with an inflamed nerve - I read that with this illness sometimes the nerve (a particular one) can get inflamed which would cause those symptoms.

RickAstley (great name!). Sounds like you are doing all the right things which is really frustrating that you haven't seen improvement yet. Don't get disheartened -it may be that all the work you are doing will start to see an effect soon. It does take time to see changes from the vrt and all. Have you seen any improvement since this started, and have you a diagnosis? It must be horrible to lose a job before you have even started but it isn't your fault at the end of the day. This illness seems to strike randomly and causes massive life disruption. Can you go on disability, is money a worry?

Best wishes
Tesss

Hi dizzyguy I work part time a couple of times a week (all I can manage right now) but I am also on disability allowance now as well and housing benefit. I just finished Uni which was SUCH A STRUGGLE the last couple of years with this thing. Now of course I don't have a student loan and a couple of shifts aren't enough to support me. I too don't drive anymore and get lifts/taxis to and from work.

Of course don't just give up but there is no shame in admitting you need some help or a bit of a break/time to recouperate. Of course you don't want to live your life that way...none of us do. But it is ok to look after yourself :)

There are people out there to help us, don't feel bad about asking for help. I felt very very bad but kind people that worked in the places pointed out to me "well can you manage a full time job right now?" and I said "no definately not" and they said "well there you go then".
The people that send out the disability allowance seem very sweet and caring.

Don't worry there are ways to manage even if you're feeling like poop. :)

You both sound very stressed (DG and RA) in your jobs. Please remember that you cannot help being ill at the moment though, it isn't your fault. Hmm perhaps that kind of so stressful job isn't what you need right now. It is good to keep getting out and doing things though.

Try and find a little time each day to de-stress. Easier said than done I know. I get very frustrated and stressed and anxious and down and upset because of this thing but it is important to find time to relax every day.

Sorry I think I'm waffling on but basically...don't feel stuck about money...there is support there if you need it :)

Get well soon everyone
Katkin xxx

they are not very good when you have a mortgage and need help ;)
Of course, if i was an aslyluim seeker i would be well catered for but as a tax payer who has duitfully paid tax over the years now i need the help it isnt very forthcoming........

I collected NYS disability for a while. You are entitled to this from your employer. It gives you about 1/2 of what you were making. It's not great but it helps. I don't think you would ever get approved for permanent disability with this. I remember thinking this would be my way of life for ever but little by little you get better. I did change jobs as I was able to handle a slower pace. The restaurant business was no longer a possibility for me. It was the best change I ever made.

Good luck to you.

Kathy

I don't know what state you are in but you can do a search.

im in the UK. Its rubbish here. Worst thing is i cant even do a simple office job.

thanks tessy

thanks for the injection info

RickAstley and Dizzyguy (not sure you saw my original post dizzyguy? Hope it was helpful anyway as it was directed mainly at you).

I am in the UK too. You can get a form from the Department for Work and Pensions then you fill it in telling how your illness affects your life at present and they assess you and what support you need money wise. I was totally honest about my illness and they decided that it is enough to qualify for the amount I get (which is far more than I was expecting and a real relief). The same with my housing benefit. I know the system can be pretty bad to some but it seems that it can work and can be caring to some people. Perhaps if you're feeling stuck you could look into the Disability Allowance? Even if you don't want to at least you know it's there if you need it!

Hope you're all feeling well
Kk

ty appreciate the the thoughts