Working......how do you cope?

I was wondering how you guys cope with working? I have not worked in 5 years due to being sick all the time and fatigue. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (march 08) and Mixed Connective Tissue (Sept 08). It has been a rough ride these past 10 years for me. I had a parathryoid tumor which causes severe osteporosis in my hips (I am 31!) and have fractured both of them one after another last year and had to use a cane with physical therapy. I was misdiagnosed with Crohn's 10 years ago taking Immunosuppresants only to find out I  do no have crohns.  I started Plaquenil in July and it has helped me with the fatigue and some pain.  I take only 2-3 naps a week instead of everyday. I take muscle relaxers for the fibromyalgia. I think I am ready to start work Part-Time but am scared. I have an interview coming up Thursday at a Retail store but am hesitant to actually go. I would hate to start working and then have to quit. I would like to work for a number of different reasons. I miss working and being part of a team, I need a break from my 3 kids :) and of course who couldn't use the extra money now a days. I used to waitress a lot but have decided not to do that with all my pain.

Today I feel crappy and am dealing with a migraine...which I get 3-4 x a week. I know the days I do too much I am paying for it for days and have to limp. Then there are days I feel so good and wish I was working. If I had to go to work tonight I know I would have a hard time. Some days I can't even unload the dishwasher or do laundry.

Any Ideas????

I also have inflammatory arthritis, hypothyroid, anxiety, and Gerd

Thanks!
Kitkat3

Hi Kitkat, I'm new to this chatroom and Lupus all together. I was diagnosed July 2006 with lupus Nephritis, RA, and acute UTI's. I still work a 40 week for a non-profit. I haven't had a flare since I've been diagnosed. I take my meds everyday (Predinose 10mg daily, prenatal vitamins(I'm anemic); Cyclosporin 75mg twice daily, plaqenil, and ampicillin 500mg every 8 hrs (for my current infection).

I want to let you know that you're not alone, I'm 29 and I take naps like a 2-year-old. I travel with my job on occassion and the best advice I would give is to REST as much as possible. I take the prenatal vitamins because I still felt fatigued with the regular over the counter vitamins. I have a lot more energy now. I eat fruit constantly and lots of green leafy veggies. I have a VERY ACTIVE 11 year old, he keeps me on my toes. I try to take naps when I can and if I can't close my eyes at that very moment I will prop my feet up in a minute! I find that getting a pedicure at least once a month helped with my ankle swelling the massages help the blood flow in my legs. I stay under my doctors care, but you have to know your limit, I do have work from home days where I can sleep until 9 or 10 then I'll get on the computer and work. Its a nice quiet day working at home in my jammies.

LaChelle;o)

Hi Kitkat,

 

Wow, you have been through a lot. Holy smokes.  I can completely understand how the work situation is so hard for you. 

 

I also have fibro.  Makes working 1 million time harder when you have it plus lupus.  It sucks.  I'm right there with ya....

 

I had to become my own boss.  I am a self employed photographer!  I can make my own schedule, and take on as much or as little work as I can manage. Of course, being a business owner isn't easy.  Has its stresses.  But I wouldn't be able to work if I wasn't self employed.  Helps when I'm the only employee too:)

 

Do you have a hobby or past time that you can make money at?  That's how I went into photography.  I loved it as a hobby, had all the gear, so it worked great!  I've been at it for over 7 years now.  Try some brainstorming and see what you can come up with!!

 

Ginny