stac8454
12-05-2007, 10:09 PM
Just wondering how many of you work, either full time or part time.
I am having a really hard time working. WOndering if the majority of you have had to quit your jobs or change jobs due to fibro.
I am having a really hard time working. WOndering if the majority of you have had to quit your jobs or change jobs due to fibro.
Sponsor
hippydave
12-06-2007, 04:48 PM
no, i haven't worked since i relapsed two years ago. my pain isn't debilitating any more but the fatigue (physical & mental), sleepiness, concentration problems etc would still prevent me from holding down a job.
Ishla
12-06-2007, 06:24 PM
I havn't worked in over two years now.. I can't find a job around here that would let me a) sit for the duration b) allow for having to get up to keep from getting stiff, and not hold it against me and c) allow me unscheduled days off when I'm hurting too bad, or feeling too weak to drive in. I can't stand or walk on these awful feet for more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time without excruciating burning pain and utter exhaustion. Otherwise, I would love to work.. just to get out of the house and have a social life again. :(
rosebuddy
12-06-2007, 06:50 PM
nope, on ssdi for 3 years.
mckesscl
12-06-2007, 11:45 PM
Due to a flare starting in September I have had to take a leave of absence and cant imagine having to go back to work. Right now it is a day by day occurance and I know that if I kept up with the level of activity my job requires me I would be in pain 24/7 as I have enough difficulties just completing basic tasks around the house. I am applying for Long Term Disability soon and hope it will get approved. I also have been diagnosed with major depression and anxiety as well.
sunny47
12-07-2007, 07:13 AM
I work full time. Fortunately my FM is mild most of the time and I actually feel better if I keep active and moving. Not to say I do not have aches, pains and tiredness but it is worse if I just sit around. At work I am up and down from my desk (computer work) every 15 minutes or so getting one thing or another so do not have to just sit in one spot all day.
sunny47
sunny47
bluelakelady
12-07-2007, 09:53 AM
morning fellow fibro buds,
i went off working in 95 and on social security. i do have a little thing i do on the side. it is not much yet the stress is there. deadlines freak me out still. i worry about my client. i used to be really good, now i am monumentally great for moments and barely hanging on by my toes the rest of the time. this wee gig is my way of getting out in the world meeting people who are not at the doctors. healthy people.
talk with your doctors. only you can decide when it is time to stop. most of us come to the place you are in and we alone know our limits, as do you.
peace,
bluelakelady
i went off working in 95 and on social security. i do have a little thing i do on the side. it is not much yet the stress is there. deadlines freak me out still. i worry about my client. i used to be really good, now i am monumentally great for moments and barely hanging on by my toes the rest of the time. this wee gig is my way of getting out in the world meeting people who are not at the doctors. healthy people.
talk with your doctors. only you can decide when it is time to stop. most of us come to the place you are in and we alone know our limits, as do you.
peace,
bluelakelady
jojim
12-07-2007, 08:02 PM
hi i work my husband and i have our own business and some days i sack myself, when the fog sets in i,m hopeless forget orders ect, not everyone one has the choice to come and go from work as i do. But it makes me feel really bad when i stuff everyone around when i forget things hubby wants to employ someone else to do my job, but i wont let him as i feel like ive failed and this thing has won, if he takes that away i,d just freak.things would run better if i gave up, but stubbon, its all i have left of my old life.
:mad:
:mad:
bluelakelady
12-08-2007, 10:40 AM
hi jojim,
perhaps your dh will hire you an assistant? not a replacement, just someone to help you look great, cause you are. i know there are times i wish i could have one, and i don't do near as much as you do!
my dad used to say it is not about sucess, it is about effort. if you try your best that is what matters most. he said sucess is fleeting, effort is not.
peace,
bluelakelady
perhaps your dh will hire you an assistant? not a replacement, just someone to help you look great, cause you are. i know there are times i wish i could have one, and i don't do near as much as you do!
my dad used to say it is not about sucess, it is about effort. if you try your best that is what matters most. he said sucess is fleeting, effort is not.
peace,
bluelakelady
carolinagal65
12-08-2007, 11:15 AM
I worked 5yrs after diag 1990 SSDI since then. I would like to for the social part. When I feel good I walk at a local mall just to be with people.
carolinagal65
carolinagal65
goldyfm
12-08-2007, 12:20 PM
No, I did work full time up until 2002, I had to take 2 leaves of absence at my last 2 full time jobs and finally resigned from both as my position was critical. I would like to say I felt optimistic about being able to return one day, but I think that is highly unlikely as I am a difficult patient to treat. I am pending disability at this time. Most days I am not on top of the game when it comes to memory and everyday I deal with fatigue and pain. I would give anything to be able to be out in the workforce, but my body just won't let me.
stac8454
12-10-2007, 01:16 AM
I'm struggling with hanging on to my job. I love it. I want to do my job. I love my co-workers. I'm only 31 and no kids. I don't even do housework or go to the store during the week. I work an 8 hour shift in an office everyday. I can get up from my desk as often as I need to stretch or take a short break. I drive an hour to work and an hour home. I get worn out just getting ready for work in the morning and driving in. By the time I actually get TO my job and sit at my desk I'm already exhausted. Then I have to concentrate on work. I am a sales assistant for an insurance company, so attention to detail is a must. I make mistakes, have to re-do things many times.. I have daily migraines and most of my fibro pain is in my head, neck, and shoulders.
I miss at least one day a month..which doesn't really sound like much, but it is noticed. I would miss more, but I really drag myself in looking and feeling terrible and don't get much done. I watch the clock and count the hours down until it's time to go home. I drive home and I'm exhausted! I can't do anything else when I get home..no cooking, no cleaning. maybe I'll wash a load of clothes. I must admit though, later in the evenings, I spend a lot of time on the internet reading about fibromyalgia. I was just diagnosed with this in July. I go to the doctor once a week for ATP/Glutathione injections and have to bring a doctors note back to work every time. I also get sick a lot..infections that require a doc appointment at least once or twice a month..so I miss a lot of work just going to the doctor.
I have a follow up appt the week before Christmas and I know my doc is going to ask if I want to go on disability. I need to, but I wnt to keep my job. I'm proud of my job. I make good money. I'm scared to go on disability.
I miss at least one day a month..which doesn't really sound like much, but it is noticed. I would miss more, but I really drag myself in looking and feeling terrible and don't get much done. I watch the clock and count the hours down until it's time to go home. I drive home and I'm exhausted! I can't do anything else when I get home..no cooking, no cleaning. maybe I'll wash a load of clothes. I must admit though, later in the evenings, I spend a lot of time on the internet reading about fibromyalgia. I was just diagnosed with this in July. I go to the doctor once a week for ATP/Glutathione injections and have to bring a doctors note back to work every time. I also get sick a lot..infections that require a doc appointment at least once or twice a month..so I miss a lot of work just going to the doctor.
I have a follow up appt the week before Christmas and I know my doc is going to ask if I want to go on disability. I need to, but I wnt to keep my job. I'm proud of my job. I make good money. I'm scared to go on disability.
bluemare1
12-10-2007, 04:23 AM
I'm struggling with hanging on to my job. I love it. I want to do my job. I love my co-workers. I'm only 31 and no kids. I don't even do housework or go to the store during the week. I work an 8 hour shift in an office everyday. I can get up from my desk as often as I need to stretch or take a short break. I drive an hour to work and an hour home. I get worn out just getting ready for work in the morning and driving in. By the time I actually get TO my job and sit at my desk I'm already exhausted. Then I have to concentrate on work. I am a sales assistant for an insurance company, so attention to detail is a must. I make mistakes, have to re-do things many times.. I have daily migraines and most of my fibro pain is in my head, neck, and shoulders.
I miss at least one day a month..which doesn't really sound like much, but it is noticed. I would miss more, but I really drag myself in looking and feeling terrible and don't get much done. I watch the clock and count the hours down until it's time to go home. I drive home and I'm exhausted! I can't do anything else when I get home..no cooking, no cleaning. maybe I'll wash a load of clothes. I must admit though, later in the evenings, I spend a lot of time on the internet reading about fibromyalgia. I was just diagnosed with this in July. I go to the doctor once a week for ATP/Glutathione injections and have to bring a doctors note back to work every time. I also get sick a lot..infections that require a doc appointment at least once or twice a month..so I miss a lot of work just going to the doctor.
I have a follow up appt the week before Christmas and I know my doc is going to ask if I want to go on disability. I need to, but I wnt to keep my job. I'm proud of my job. I make good money. I'm scared to go on disability.
I miss at least one day a month..which doesn't really sound like much, but it is noticed. I would miss more, but I really drag myself in looking and feeling terrible and don't get much done. I watch the clock and count the hours down until it's time to go home. I drive home and I'm exhausted! I can't do anything else when I get home..no cooking, no cleaning. maybe I'll wash a load of clothes. I must admit though, later in the evenings, I spend a lot of time on the internet reading about fibromyalgia. I was just diagnosed with this in July. I go to the doctor once a week for ATP/Glutathione injections and have to bring a doctors note back to work every time. I also get sick a lot..infections that require a doc appointment at least once or twice a month..so I miss a lot of work just going to the doctor.
I have a follow up appt the week before Christmas and I know my doc is going to ask if I want to go on disability. I need to, but I wnt to keep my job. I'm proud of my job. I make good money. I'm scared to go on disability.
bluemare1
12-10-2007, 04:23 AM
I'm struggling with hanging on to my job. I love it. I want to do my job. I love my co-workers. I'm only 31 and no kids. I don't even do housework or go to the store during the week. I work an 8 hour shift in an office everyday. I can get up from my desk as often as I need to stretch or take a short break. I drive an hour to work and an hour home. I get worn out just getting ready for work in the morning and driving in. By the time I actually get TO my job and sit at my desk I'm already exhausted. Then I have to concentrate on work. I am a sales assistant for an insurance company, so attention to detail is a must. I make mistakes, have to re-do things many times.. I have daily migraines and most of my fibro pain is in my head, neck, and shoulders.
I miss at least one day a month..which doesn't really sound like much, but it is noticed. I would miss more, but I really drag myself in looking and feeling terrible and don't get much done. I watch the clock and count the hours down until it's time to go home. I drive home and I'm exhausted! I can't do anything else when I get home..no cooking, no cleaning. maybe I'll wash a load of clothes. I must admit though, later in the evenings, I spend a lot of time on the internet reading about fibromyalgia. I was just diagnosed with this in July. I go to the doctor once a week for ATP/Glutathione injections and have to bring a doctors note back to work every time. I also get sick a lot..infections that require a doc appointment at least once or twice a month..so I miss a lot of work just going to the doctor.
I have a follow up appt the week before Christmas and I know my doc is going to ask if I want to go on disability. I need to, but I wnt to keep my job. I'm proud of my job. I make good money. I'm scared to go on disability.
I miss at least one day a month..which doesn't really sound like much, but it is noticed. I would miss more, but I really drag myself in looking and feeling terrible and don't get much done. I watch the clock and count the hours down until it's time to go home. I drive home and I'm exhausted! I can't do anything else when I get home..no cooking, no cleaning. maybe I'll wash a load of clothes. I must admit though, later in the evenings, I spend a lot of time on the internet reading about fibromyalgia. I was just diagnosed with this in July. I go to the doctor once a week for ATP/Glutathione injections and have to bring a doctors note back to work every time. I also get sick a lot..infections that require a doc appointment at least once or twice a month..so I miss a lot of work just going to the doctor.
I have a follow up appt the week before Christmas and I know my doc is going to ask if I want to go on disability. I need to, but I wnt to keep my job. I'm proud of my job. I make good money. I'm scared to go on disability.
bluemare1
12-10-2007, 04:33 AM
I am a registered nurse and I find it hard to get through the day sometimes. I get home and go to the couch, although since I have been put on Lyrica I do feel better. I have to work because I have so many bills that have piled up due to lost time from work. There was a time when I could not work and took a year off. For me now it is abot getting enough rest and eating right and light exercies. I have terrible pain somjetimes but do take narcotic medicine when I need it. I have a wonderful internist who is helping me get through this, I also wear a duragesic patch which has saved my life and enabled me to go to work. I think without it I would not be able to work. I have had Fibro for 20 years and have a moderate case of it but my flares are terrible. I really suffer from hip and knee pain. Also back and neck pain. Trazadone helps me get a good nights sleep. This is not a death sentenance it is a disease that needs to be taken seriously by our medical professionals and our family and friends. So working is actually a must. I would like to work less but don't have a choice right now. I find that the more I move the better I feel. people don't lose hope there is help ut there you just need a good doctor and good support of friends who understand when you are" not feeling well" whioch is often. Working is hard for me I just do it.
Angie10
12-10-2007, 05:11 PM
I was out for six months because of an aweful, abusive job situation that I had to leave. I ended up having to have my gallbladder out during that time and had become very sick. I've been back to work in a new job since June and it takes everything I have to get into work.
I love what I do, though, and have to work. I need the money and health benefits to get by. I'm also on Plaquenil because I have some kind of connective tissue disease along with the fibro.
It can be very frustrating because all I want to do is sleep and often do sleep more on the weekends. When I'm asleep I don't feel the pain. Best of luck to you and I hope you can find some relief!
I love what I do, though, and have to work. I need the money and health benefits to get by. I'm also on Plaquenil because I have some kind of connective tissue disease along with the fibro.
It can be very frustrating because all I want to do is sleep and often do sleep more on the weekends. When I'm asleep I don't feel the pain. Best of luck to you and I hope you can find some relief!
Grapedy
12-10-2007, 05:18 PM
Stacy, I bet it's the hour long commute one way that's doing you in. Driving is exhausting for me. That's one thing I'm really looking forward to NOT having to do every day in another 3 weeks.
Is there any way you can look for the same type of job closer to home? Just cutting out that commute would probably do worlds of good for your health.
Is there any way you can look for the same type of job closer to home? Just cutting out that commute would probably do worlds of good for your health.
Glojer
12-10-2007, 08:32 PM
I worked for years with fibro, I just didn't know what was wrong. As a matter of fact, I thought everyone felt like I did, since I had felt that way so long I thought it was normal. However, no matter what the experts say fibro does progress and as mine progressed I started cutting back my work hours. I finally was down to two shifts a week and telling the supervisor when business was slow to give my hours to the people who needed them to keep their benefits active. I spent approximately two months off one December and January and I resigned that February . Life has never been sweeter! I was in pretty bad shape then and it has taken me several years to get a schedule and med protocol that has helped.
I think when you are working you don't realize how bad you can get sometimes and a lot of people around you don't realize how bad off you are because you just keep going.....you have too! After all that is what everyone has seen for years. I like my lifestyle now, I am old enough to be retired. I just turned 59 a week ago, I exercise and do things that are necessary but if I want to just have a sit around day I do that too.
Glojer
I think when you are working you don't realize how bad you can get sometimes and a lot of people around you don't realize how bad off you are because you just keep going.....you have too! After all that is what everyone has seen for years. I like my lifestyle now, I am old enough to be retired. I just turned 59 a week ago, I exercise and do things that are necessary but if I want to just have a sit around day I do that too.
Glojer
mscutie
12-10-2007, 08:55 PM
Hi Stac,
I worked up until August of 2006 at a job I held for 20 years. I have had fibromyalgia for as long as well. The last few years everything seem to affect me mentally and physcally. Although most Dr. seem to think fibo is not progressive I do not agree. I have had numerous illnesses over the last few years which I think was triggered by having this monster.
Anyway, I quit my job August 18,2006, applied for SSDI on August 20, 2006 and was denied twice by June 2007. I retain an attorney in June and was given an on the record decision by September 28, 2007.
If you are planning on quiting your job, make sure you go to your dr.
MsCutie
I worked up until August of 2006 at a job I held for 20 years. I have had fibromyalgia for as long as well. The last few years everything seem to affect me mentally and physcally. Although most Dr. seem to think fibo is not progressive I do not agree. I have had numerous illnesses over the last few years which I think was triggered by having this monster.
Anyway, I quit my job August 18,2006, applied for SSDI on August 20, 2006 and was denied twice by June 2007. I retain an attorney in June and was given an on the record decision by September 28, 2007.
If you are planning on quiting your job, make sure you go to your dr.
MsCutie