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Posted 12/1/2018 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

I should be starting treatment after Christmas. I just want to know is it harder to go to work during treatment?

I understand that we all have different symptoms. I can still be active now - commute to work, walk, go to gym. My symptoms are more neurological and also digestive.

Should I be thinking about taking time off work in the beginning?
I was considering going abroad on a relaxing holiday before treatment in case I can't go anywhere for a while. Should I be going during treatment instead?

Don't know what to expect so appreciate tips smile

Thanks
Posted 12/1/2018 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
What kind of treatments will you be doing? are they aggressive? it's hard to know how one will respond to treatment until we try it. I think that those with more disabling symptoms and more severe situations tend to have a harder time with treatment. If you have a relatively strong baseline, you may find it challenging but not disabling. I also think it's important to start off slowly and conservatively with treatment as a way to hedge against burning out or tanking one's body. Ease one's way into it. Some doctors like to blast away right out of the gate, imo that's a risky tactic especially for patients who have strong reactions.
Posted 12/1/2018 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
I made it three years into my illness before I was unable to work full time. In my case my body seemed to become worn down over time.

But to answer your question I worked throughout my initial treatment. It was tough because the herxes were severe but, as Sebreg mentioned, my baseline was pretty good back then. I was struggling but my body was still resilient.

Post Edited (Lymie24) : 12/1/2018 10:36:14 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/2/2018 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
This could take some time and having money can be the key to getting better-I know if I didn't keep my job I would be gone by now
Posted 12/2/2018 5:16 AM (GMT 0)
Very common topic.

It really depends what your work is, and how much you need income.

Many lymies, especially single people, continue to work or changed jobs in order to have continuous income.

Cant stand?- get a sitting job.

Communication/brain issues?- work with stuff instead of people or customers

Dont like being watched over?- get a job with minimal management hounding/micromanaging(this is a big one)

Hard to stick with the hours?- get a flex time job

Ive done/had both sides of all the above, changing symptoms made this necessary , having income is better than no income. I hid lyme from all my employers in the last 25 years. They knew I had some aches and pains, but its not their business to know why.

All people have some limitations- working within them is the key.

As many people age they need to look at the above examples too, not much different than lyme sometimes.

If there are very limited jobs in your area (if you live way out in the boonies) this would obviously be more difficult.
Posted 12/2/2018 5:55 AM (GMT 0)
It's so true that money is the key to getting better. I have been wanting to go on short term disability ever since September. I was about to but then my doc changed my meds and now I can function again. It really depends on each individual person. If money is not a problem for you then I would take some time for a vacation/ time off. Relaxation can help the body greatly. For me, the stress of my job was just adding on to my severe herx.
Posted 12/2/2018 6:04 AM (GMT 0)
I took 6 weeks off before I found out I had lyme because I was so sick. Then once I started treatment, i worked part time for a bit and then had the summer off (I'm a teacher). Depending upon what kind of job you have, it might be doable.
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