new to all this need some advise

I've suffered from fibromyalgia and ibs for 4 years, and am pretty sure I have chronic fatigue, restless leg and sjogrens also. I've changed jobs three times endured steroid shots and multiple changes in medication. I've reached the point where I am in constant pain. I wake up (from what little sleep I manage to get) in pain, push myself thru pain all day at work(I manage the deli at walmart,meaning I work a lot of freight, and use a slicer. Both of which absolutley kills my shoulders,neck,and back),after sitting for my hour lunch break my feet hurt so bad I can barely walk. I'm so exhausted by the time I get off I'm afraid I'm going to fall asleep while driving home. Upon arriving home I'm too tired to do any cleaning or even cook dinner. I am to exhausted to shower and must force myself to do so. My sex drive has hit rock bottom. I am seriously considering quitting my job. Has anyone else had to voluntarily become unemployed and if so how have you survived financially and did it allow you to become more productive at home.

Hi, Sovereigngoddess. Glad you found us, but sorry for the reason.

Have you read any of "Fibro101," our first thread? It's a really good one, full of useful info.

I've had Fibro for so long that I never really had a career....I do substitute teaching, but very part-time. If I had to support myself, I'd starve - literally. That said, we do feel the financial crunch, and I lament the fact of my disability (or inability?) every single day.

Can't be very productive at home, either, but I do what I can. As for sex drive - well, when you can barely muster the energy to shower, it's not surprising that would suffer too (and I know exactly what you mean - showering used to be a pleasure, now it's something I dread...) Oh, how I can relate to both!

Hope you stick around so we can get to know you.

Debbie

I first started having symptoms during my last job, the pain was getting worse and worse, and then I got laid off. Physically it was the best thing that happened to me financially not so much.

I was talking to my dad yesterday and he is trying to understand fibro and how it effects me, but he can't remember what it's called so he asks me how my touchy feely thing is lol. Anyway he asked me when the last time I felt good was and it was after I was laid off from my last job. I didn't have the stress from work, I was able to get out and ride my bike around the lake during the day a lot ore often, and I had energy to go out with my friends and stay out later. But I had no income other than unemployment checks and the money in my accounts from student loans, that's all I had to live off of until I found a new job, which didn't happen for almost 2 years.

I would suggest finding a new job that might be better suited to you before quitting. Just so you don't have to worry about money.

welcome Sovereigngoddness to the forum. I think you will have several response that can relate to what you are going through. Many of us have been there are in the middle of trying to decide what to do. I had to stop work about 4 years ago. I attempted so many times and at different jobs too. I finally was on my death bed when things came to a halt. I could no longer go on anymore. I had several health problems including fibro. It seem like the more I worked the more pain I got in and then the depression got worse. It seem like a viscious cycle and a losing battle. I was working at a nurse and I even found a job working 8 hrs, but still couldn't do it. My job was extremely stressful.

If your in a position to pick up long term disability I would do it before you quit work. My long term disability is what saved my house and provided for me while waiting for disability. The only thing is that just because you pay into long term disability doesn't mean you will recieve it. I was blessed with this company and I still get it after 4 years with my social security. I am not sure if your married or have financial help from others, but it can be very stressful even with a partner. Most people rely on two incomes these days and when one is amost cut out it does become a problem. I was very scared and didn't know what was going to happen without me working. I was very blessed that I lost nothing and gained so much more.

It took about a year to get my health back. I feel so much better now and my pain is under controlled. I have almost all my medical bills paid off. I use to be swamp in medical bills because I was staying so sick. Now that I am so much healthier I dont have to see so many dr's anymore. I have had no hospitllizations either in the last 4 years. So not working has been very beneficial to me.

If your thinking about applying for disability it's a long haul. It has been worth it for me. I still have chronic fatigue syndrom and it can stop me in my tracks still. The good thing is that I can rest when I need to and this is why I am staying in healthier state. I do know some people couln't stay home because it's too much time on their hands. I have a daily schedule and it keeps me busy. It might be appointments, taking care of my needs and maybe doing something fun. I didn't take off work to keep the house going or etc. I took off work to care for my medical needs.

I am sorry your having to go through this. I know it's a difficult situation your in. I hope you can find a job that meets your healh needs. I know some have tried to take short term disability, but it really doesn't work. Yes, you feel great while your off, but then when you return back to work the same fatigue appears with the pain.

Post Edited (ak angel) : 1/26/2013 7:15:08 PM (GMT-7)

Well, I hope it all works out. It will give you the chance to try something different - maybe it's for the best.

Debbie

Hi, Sovereigngoddess, and welcome!  I'm so sorry you are going through all of this but I do think you came up with a very good solution to your problem and finances.  Just be sure to pace yourself when doing things or you will burn out fast.  Plan ahead for what you need to do and that will help you pace yourself so everything gets done in a timely manner. 

 

Be sure to check out Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum.  There are good links about fibro and you can learn a lot there.  You will find helpful tips there too to help you live a full and enjoyable life in spite of this illness. 

 

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.  Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you.  Hope to hear more from you soon.

 

Sherrine