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Working Full Time with Fibro??

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Posted 4/26/2013 7:26 PM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone! My name is Cheryl and I'm new here. Well... I've been reading posts, but my first time posting. I was just wondering if any of you work full time? I used to work full time, but an injury at work made my fibro worse, and in turn, I had to drop to part time. I had to see an Independent Medical Examiner for long term disability, and basically she says yes I do have fibro, but that it shouldn't stop me from working full time. I dropped to 8 hour shifts, when I was working 10 hours. I work as an outpatient pharmacy technician at the hospital where I live, and I'm constantly standing, walking, pushing carts... and this doctor said I'm fine to do it. When in reality, I can barely move and I'm so exhausted all the time. I'm just not sure what to do. Thank you for letting me vent.  :-)                                                                       

Posted 4/26/2013 11:15 PM (GMT 0)
I know what you mean. SSDI says I can work but I can't work at a full-time job and a part-time job is just as hard on me.
I've got other illnesses below*

Try to find another doctor who will listen to you and okay you for LTD.
Posted 4/27/2013 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
I work full time, but it is difficult. I work in the retail setting, but where I work, I can sit when necessary, stand when necessary, etc. The only major downside is the fact that it is "highly preferred" that I wear high heels. I can't seem to find any dressy enough flats that are comfortable. I work 40 hours a week, but have been trying to figure out how to cut my work week down but stay f/t to keep benefits. It's hard being the breadwinner.

I don't know what would be worse, working less hours and trying to make ends meet, or working the full 40 hours but only 4 days a week instead of 5.
Posted 4/27/2013 6:03 AM (GMT 0)
Blueyes- I don't work anymore, but I do know all about long term insurance. What people don't realize is just because you pay into it, you don't always get it approved. You can be very sick and you still have to fight for it. I think some are better long term insurance companies then others. First time I applied, it was a fighting battle and I lost out. Then I moved on to a different company and I was real sick frequently, so I made sure I had long term with this new company. After 3 years of hard sick working I couldn't work anymore. I applied for long term insurance and they have been great to me. I don't work for the company anymore, but after 4 years I still receive it and disability.

I am not sure if your ready to go on disability, but don't let long term disability scare you from applying. My Dr's tell me the long term are known to try not to pay you. They worked hard at it. Lol

Sorry your having to go through this. I remember how frustrating it was. There are many full time workers on the forum. They do keep to a strict schedule to make it happen. I wish I could help you more, but I do understand.
Posted 4/27/2013 2:05 PM (GMT 0)
First time posting. I am recently diagnosed with FM and learning to deal with symptoms. Have good days and bad. This is the first Saturday that I am home and out of bed, as dr told me this week, staying in bed is the worse thing. Don"t think I will be able to stay up long. I work a 35-40 hr week - do ok Mon & Tues, but go down hill as week progresses. Cant do anything else - errands, shopping, housework, etc. Dr suggested this week trying tumeric for 2 months and then adding co-q 10. Any luck with either? Currently using Savella, GABA mornings, and amatriptilyne to help with sleep. Stretching and walking daily.
Posted 4/27/2013 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
I understand where you are at.  I work full time up to 50 hours a week and from home on the weekends.  I finally pushed for FMLA but on a as needed basis.  My doctor is awesome.  He asked me if I felt I could work.  I told him my biggest problem was the mornings.  He suggested that I come in an hour or two later and work later but can leave if too fatigued. He also mentioned that due to flares I may have to take off the full day.  My boss and HR were fighting me at first. They thought I was just looking to stop working.  They now understand that I want to keep working but have limitations.  They have changed their view and have worked with me.  I now work 10-7 instead of 8-5.  If I have to take a day off due to pain it is not a big dea.  I am one of their top employees inspite of my fibro.  It takes time but you can change people's opinions when they see that you are trying but your fibro dictates your limitations. eyes

As for your doctor I personally suggest you find a new doctor.  If they don't beleive in Fibro they are against Fibro.  Their isn't much middle ground with doctors on the fibro issue. Because of my doctors dedication to my fibro care I can work and still manage my fibro. The pressure is off that alone helps with the stress that makes my pain worse. This past year I only had 3 days where I didn't get paid for the day off.  That was after using up my sick and vacation time.  yeah

Posted 4/27/2013 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
I was also working F/T and had an hour commute home. I did it for one year. Eventually due to the exhaustion, pain and my lower legs and ankles swelling (and mental stress) I decided to go FMLA. I have been going to PT and having massages however the pain is still there, everyday is different. I cannot work F/T anymore, I am too exhausted. I was thinking about P/T but honestly I don't even know if I could do that. I called out alot and of course bosses don't want to hear or don't care if you don't feel well. Of course, your co-workers then get upset because they have to pick up the slack if you call out.
I use to pop my pain pills at work and then be woozy and my work was less than adequate. I felt I was at the point of being terminated. It was a no win situation for me.
Posted 4/27/2013 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
As a single parent, I can't work fulltime while raising a child. I am currently doing some casual work to help with the income side of things. I find that at most I can do 10 hours a week of work, anything more than that is a bit of a hard ask especially when I've a school age child to take care for.

Casual job is the best available option, over here, it's very hard to find part time job with my profession, they usually look for full time engineers.
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