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Posted 7/24/2008 1:33 AM (GMT 0)
Good evening to all!

I need to come and vent and solicit a few prayers my way. I have about 2 and 1/2 more weeks until I am supposed to go back to work. I have been out on FMLA for a while because the pain and fatigue was so out of control I didn't recognize myself or my life anymore. During this time, I have been able to pace myself and learn a little more about fibro and how different activities affect me. I am scared. eyes

Along with the neck and shoulder pain, my hands and feet are a major source of my pain. My job is in a fast paced clinic(as a RN) which requires me being on my feet and, of course, the use of my hands. I am not sure what I am going to do. My DH has been on LTD for about 2 years due to health concerns of his own. He has been so wonderful and supportive during the problems that I have been having. Along with additional income, my job is the source of our family's health insurance. If I go back to work, I am probably going to wind up in the same condition as when I left. I am not trying to be negative, just realistic. We are short staffed and overworked due to budget cuts. I tend to push myself(like we all do). If I don't go back to work, I will probably feel guilty. There is still a part of me that thinks I should be able to keep pushing forward no matter what.  

I have been looking for a different job but I haven't come across any prospects yet. I need something that would be a good fit with my limitations. I also know that a new job has stresses of its own. Anyway, thanks to all for letting me vent this. I would appreciate any prayers that you can send my way. I have seen the power of your prayers here and it is awesome! I am trying not to worry. As my hubby says- Worry is like rocking in a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but it doesn't get you anywhere(or something like that) tongue

Thanks guys and take care!!

(((HUGS)))

Cyndi

 

Posted 7/24/2008 2:58 AM (GMT 0)

I know all about how ones career can be overly painful for some of us. I was a hair designer for over 20 years when I finally realized that standing behind the chair day in and day out was killing me.

I needed to work not only for the income but for the movement. I can't sit still for very long since doing so leads to it's own physical problems plus I am a little on the antsy side. Hubby calls me "idget the fidget".

I decided to cut the hair down to two days a week, no longer than 6 hours at any one stretch.... (when I HAVE to) and started my own pet sitting company. It is plenty physical but in a different way. With hair I was suffering all day long to the point that I wasn't able to stay upbeat and pleasant for my clients. All I could do was focus on the intense pain while working.

I work twice as many hours now and rarely get a day off (last day off was April 28th!!!) but the work involved now is at an easier pace. My arms are not constantly raised like they used to be. It's been three years now with a "dual" career but it is working for me. I just decided this past week that I would eliminate Saturday's as one of my days of doing hair since pet sitting is so busy on Saturdays and trying to get them both done on that day was turing into PAIN. We have to do what is best for our bodies since they never let us forget that "IT" (fibro), is in charge.

I still suffer when I do hair but now it is easier to recover since I always make sure to have days of not doing it in between.

Is there any possible way that having you return to nursing can be done on a part-time basis? Are benefits available for those that work less than full-time if they have been full-time in the past? This might allow for you to find something else to suplement the income without causing your body so much distress.

Just a thought.

Posted 7/24/2008 3:24 AM (GMT 0)
Cyndi, my prayers are with you.  I have been thinking about giving up my job after this school year.  I teach an autistic child one on one and though it is a very rewarding job, I get so tired before the day is out.  I can imagine how hard it is to stand on your feet all day.  Even though I'm sure you have a lot of paper work to do too.  I know it is a hard decision to make about your future, but everything will work out. Try not to worry so much and leave it in the hands of someone higher up.  I will be praying for you.

 

God Bless!

Shannon

Posted 7/24/2008 12:28 PM (GMT 0)
Morning Cyndie

I will be thinking of you when you return to work.  I wouldnt be able to do it for sure!!  I find standing and walking will seize me right up.  I look at people at the mall and cant hardly believe that I was once like them, walking, standing, shopping, working, etc

Maybe it's because of my R/A plus the fibro, and you wont have that trouble at all.

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers

Diane  

Posted 7/24/2008 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
Cindy, In our area RN's are in short supply and much demand. I am praying for a new open door for you. A better job with more benifits and less stress.
Posted 7/24/2008 1:53 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Cyndi-

I relate to you on a couple of things. One is being a nurse. I did geriatric nursing for 16 yrs. and I would have 32 patients to take of! Sounds like things have not changed a bit. I burned out needless to say, it just got to be too much. Being short staffed was a given, on your feet the whole time till the end of the shift to do mounds of charting and paperwork, etc., etc. I could not do it anymore and that was "before" fibro!

It was suggested, maybe part-time? My company offered medical ins. if you worked a certain number of hours per pay period. And I would keep looking for something else. Yes, there is stress with a new job but that would be short term.

I'm also out on the FMLA right now and the thought of going back makes me a little apprehensive. Thinking, will I be able to do this? And will it get all the "bad" pain and fatigue going again? Because I'm just starting to feel better since this fibro hit.

So, my thoughts and prayers are with you all the way!! All you can do is "try", that is what I am going to do and if it doesn't work out, it's on to Plan B. I wish you the best. GamJill

Posted 7/24/2008 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
You guys are the best!!
Thank you so much for your encouragement and prayers. The part time idea is something that I have thought of. But I think that you all are right-I may be able to keep some benefits if I work a certain number of hours.
Luvmyboxer-I like the way you are adjusting your work schedule. I have learned a lot about pacing myself and I think that will be the way I have to go. I have actually thought about pet sitting:)

ericsmom- I went to the rheumy on Tuesday and he has not totally ruled out RA. I lack 1 of the criteria for a RA dx and that is that my blood work is normal. It is something that we will have to keep an eye on. I, too, look around and think of all that I once was able to do. A day of shopping(like I used to do) would put me in bed the next day! thanks for your thoughts and prayers:)

Chuzzle- I appreciate you taking time out to pray for me and please know that you & your family are in my prayers as well!

GamJill- Sounds like we are in the same boat. I have the same feelings that you have and I will keep you in my prayers as well:)

Shannon- Thank you for your prayers. The work that you do takes a lot of patience-I admire that. As, a nurse I have a different kind of patience(patients)-I couldn't resist, hehe.

Thanks to all and have a great day!!

Cyndi
Posted 7/24/2008 2:34 PM (GMT 0)
My heart goes out to all of you that have to work and deal with fibro. Cyndi, I really can't imagine doing your job. I pray that something else comes along that is not as demanding. I know we all can do more than we think we can when we have to but not everyday five days a week at that pace.

 

The sad thing is you probably feel as bad as some of your patience.

 

Susi, I think it is great that you have found something that you do enjoy and can handle. We can get creative when it comes to making money. I've actually thought of dog sitting myself since losing our baby girl just for the puppy fix I need. I wouldn't do it as much as you do. I haven't been able to bring myself to go for a walk since she has been gone.

 

So I hope a lot of new doors open for all of you.

 

luv and hugs

Marlee

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