Endo, work/income, depression.

[Cma89]

Hi ladies,

I just need some help and advice. I was recently made redundant from work, after being signed off from work for 5 months i wasn’t surprised.

However I’m getting anxious about my situation and income and I’m not to sure what to do. I would love to go back to work but the last year of working has been a nightmare for me. I have not worked since September as I’ve been in pain literally everyday since. I’m worried that I’ll never be hired for anything as i cannot imagine people wanting to work with me.

I do not feel like a good employee anymore, I’m anti-social; i don’t even want to speak some days since the pain is overwhelming, or perhaps I’m just having one of my many awful mood swings. I struggle to focus and to care about what I’m doing some days. And obviously the constant time off work when i cannot get out of bed. No pain killers I’ve received have actually worked so dealing with the pain daily is a given. Why would anyone hire me whilst I’m like this? I m far too exhausted to pretend I’m ok anymore.

I’m awaiting my second lap but i don’t have a date yet so that’s months away but I’m losing my mind just being at home all the time. Im also suffering with anxiety and panic attacks worrying about how I’ll pay for my bills and how I’ll ever afford to move out of my family home (which is a must as we are overcrowded). I’ve never been so miserable in all my life and I’m struggling to cope. I've been seeing a counselor for my depression for 4 months but i feel no better.

I just wanted to know what some of you ladies do for work or income. I need some ideas on what i can actually do with this disease.

I sound incredibly negative and pessimistic but i cannot see any hope for my future. Not with this disease, not with the way it has changed me as a person. I feel so isolated and no one around me understands or can even help me. Any suggestion or ideas would be great.

Thanks

[Deb1511]

Didn't want to read and run, know exactly what you saying and how you feeling? How about an income based work from home job, my pal sells products so she can stay at home with the kids and on days bad episode she can have customers come to her for collecting there items xx

[Cma89 in reply to Deb1511]

Yes I've been thinking about working from home, just seeing what it is i can do that actually brings in enough income. Does she sell independently or work for someone?

[NW248]

I had to give up work as my health got so bad but that was before I was diagnosed. I have now had a hysterectomy and both ovaries removed, I also came off the HRT as that was just continuing the symptoms. I am still not well enough for paid work but am catching up on DIY stuff as I rehabilitate.

What is essential for you to know is that the endo creates more oestrogen and also there's a chemical called IL-6 that appears in abundance. It seems to be created by your body to fight the endo, it does exist in none endo people with other inflammatory conditions. Both these mess with your head, they will make you less able to think clearly and basically function mentally, but also mess with emotions.

Have you been put on Zoladex or similar to deal with the symptoms? If not then demand it. Some people have side affects others don't. It made a huge difference to me, gave me my life back.

[Cma89 in reply to NW248]

I have the coil fitted & I'm taking the pill so i definitely feel like those have affected my mood. But I'm concerned about returning to work and my moods. I think I'm going on zoladex after my next surgery

[Bethleah]

I can empathise as I lost my job a couple of years ago although it was due to other symptoms then pain. You can claim esa but will get assessed. Maybe look into working from home proof reading, exam paper marking something you can do online if you have internet etc it won't help socially but it's a start and may help your confidence. Good luck

[perlidae]

Upwork (upwork.com/) is a good site to find freelance work that you can do from home. There are usually a bunch of writing and editing gigs on there, as well as data entry type projects. For more permanent remote work positions, try signing up at Flexjobs (flexjobs.com/).