Working with fibro

[chattielady]

do people manage to go to work when suffering with fibro.

[crissy]

Some do some dnt i worked till two years ago but i couldnt manage it so took redundency when it was offered x

[Flips in reply to crissy]

I also worked in a nursery, well two infact. But fibro took over although I didn't know at the time what was wrong with me. I kept thinking id picked something up from the kids (some of the children were very unkempt poor things) My boss politely asked me to resign as she didn't want to sack me, so I did with a letter from my doctor. Looking back now, im amazed how I myself managed it too, but then again it was 2 and a 1/2 year ago now and im half the woman I was then

[Hidden]

I worked for 10 years with it then it just got too much with a toddler and I was having so much time off ... I think they were glad when I resigned ... It was a bit of a shock at first we had to sell our house and buy a cheaper one ... But it was worth it looking back

VG x

[chattielady in reply to Hidden]

I have had fibro for ten years now and it never seems to go away, you also have had it a long time, do you feel any better with it at all.

[chattielady]

oh thanks for reply I am new to this site, I have been a carer for years but had to stop as it is to much for me now.

[Hidden]

I was diagnosed at 25 for the first year it was bad then I had 7 good years ... By good I mean I could have a relatively normal life on painkillers by the time I got to 35 it was very bad that's when I gave up work.... Over the last 5 years since I somehow managed to invite arthritis to join fibro it has got worse because my mobility isn't so good... I certainly didnt expect to have a mobility scooter at 47 but I have a great family so its not all bad

Welcome to the site ... It's a great site although we all wish we didnt have to be here hope to see you blogging and please ask any questions

VG x

[chattielady]

oh thanks I wished I had joined before now it is nice to talk as I have felt very alone with it all for years, do you think it is the arthritis more than the fibro that effects the mobility, as I have them both as well.

[Hidden]

Most Definately I could do gentle stretching and basic yoga before the arthritis and that Definately helped with the fibro.... My fibro has Definately gotten worse since the arthritis crept in ... Sorry if that sounds rather negative

VG x

[chattielady in reply to Hidden]

No its ok I think you probably right the way I feeling, I have been in a lot of pain with arthritis I cannot kneel or get down to floor without a lot of pain, sorry should not moan.X

[janlou]

I gave up work last yr due to fibro, worked in a very busy day nursery full-time, and I really dont know how I did it....very difficult.

[chattielady]

Crikey I don't no how you did it either you must of been worn out with the very noisy and active little ones, I don't no if I can get any money help need to go to jobcentre and find out, but that makes me feel ashamed.

[Hidden]

HI, I am off sick from work ( or rather signed off from looking for work, for the moment) I worked as a childcare worker for the last five years first full time and then part-time (as in five half days). I don't know how I did it the last two years it was a real struggle. I worked with pre school children in a creche but then changed jobs to look after older children in an after school club thought it would be easier, BIG mistake. There was a lot of standing playing football and various games, baking washing up loads of dishes by hand everyday! I pulled a muscle moving shelves in Nov and had a note from my gp stating I couldn't do heavy lifting for 7 days after one day off sick. Surprise Surprise the next week I was fired, they said they had overstaffed in Sept and were very sorry! Things had been slack but they used my inability to do my work fully that week as an excuse I am sure. I couldn't do anything as I was on a three month trial. BUT up to then they had been very happy with my work and told me so.

Anyway I was looking for work when I got a massive fibro flare and was signed off sick by my gp for a while. Seen a rheumatologist recently who confirmed my gp's diagnosis of Fibro and nerve damage he said full-time work is off the cards, especially not childcare, maybe not at all and in the future maybe some light part time work a few days a week. I am back to gp for review in July and rheumy in Sept so will know then if I can be signed off sick leave and back on job seekers. At the moment I don't feel like I would be able to work, but I live in Ireland and have to pay for doctors and medications, unless I was on long term sick, and I might qualify for free gp or meds or both, so it is a struggle to be out of work. Also like all you folk in the UK things are getting tough here and many people are being passed capable for work at the welfare assessments, when they are clearly not and everyhave day I expect the dreaded letter calling me for assessment....

Like many here I have had fibro for years but as it came and went it went undiagnosed until it wouldn't go away, still hasn't but I live in hope I admire anyone who manages to hold down a job while having a fibro flare...xx

[phlebo123]

Hi .... I manage to work part time ( 4 X 3 hours a week) ... I enjoy my job and try not to get "stressed out" by it .... like everything else in life when living with fibromyalgia, it is all about pacing yourself and not overdoing things.. maybe try something for a few hours a week and gradually increase when you feel happy with it. Having a small job helps me to feel "useful" and "motivated".... improves my confidence and my mood. ... take care xxx

[chattielady in reply to phlebo123]

hi there you have made me feel more confident about getting a part time job, I have been concerned if I could do it I need the confidence boost and if I can get just a few hours like yourself would be good but really don't no what kind of job, thanks for making me feel I can do it. xx

[oobs]

I have been off sick from work for last couple of months with 'stress related probs' and had the odd few days off here and for the past 6 months, due to fibro problems and others but this time before I return work my employers want to see me. Also, they asked for permission for medical report from GP which I've given consent to. They have been really supportive up until now but it's like they have done an about turn on everything that has been agreed in the past. As well as fibro I suffer from depression and anxiety so of course I'm paranoid that they are tring to squeeze me out I know about my rights and the law etc but can't help worrying what if I do get the sack what then? Is there a job out there that is suitable for me? On upbeat note the two months has done me the world of good and I'm a lot calmer and fibro isn't as bad as it was.

Thanks for taking the time to read

[honey25]

i am currently working full time + and most of the time my fibro is managed however i too have the uninvited guest at the party and that is causing me major problems at work i initially had it in my knees but im fairly certain i have it other places my gp thinks i also have it in my neck which worries me because i love driving and i love my job i am a carer for the elderly although some days i think they are fitter lol

[tabithaboots]

I work voluntary for the PDSA,that's the line of work i've trained for to work with animals,but recently i'm finding it hard,which upsets me.Jobcentre still won't have it i'm struggling though.xx

[suffolklass]

Hello. I worked part-time after having kids but used to sleep most of the weekends and my OH cared for the kids and the house. It wasn't easy. He died 4 1/2 years ago and I kept working but it was too much; the housework built up and my oldest quite often had to look after and feed him and my wee one as I was so washed out. I consider myself very fortunate to have gotten retirement on health grounds (after a long fight), it was the best thing I have done. I'm slowly getting the housework done but the best thing is having time with the kids and not chasing us all round to get to school, work, clubs.

I loved my job but it, me and fibro didn't go well together.

Good luck on what you do.

x

[shazzap12]

I do Admin, Accounts and Data Entry work from home, and do volunteer work 1 day a week as a peer mentor. I love working from home as I can manage the work how I want to and have learned to work around my illness and not the other way round.

[Hidden]

I do know people who work full time with fibro but I don't know how they do it. Well, one works all day then goes to bed as soon as she comes home AND sleeps/rests all weekend. Has no social life. She's only young and that is an awful situation to be in. Another paces herself really well AND works in a nursery but she's had fibro for years and says she has learned how to cope. I think her work are pretty supportive though.

I personally would have asked this same question six months ago! I fortunately have a supportive husband so I reduced my hours to just two mornings per week which is as much as I feel I can cope with. Also have a very supportive employer!

For many people though I would think working with fibro would be IMPOSSIBLE. When I was in flare up it was impossible for me and I was off work for four months. I guess it just depends on your circumstances. The big thing is though that stressing out over getting signed off, seeing docs, explaining absences to employers etc definitely makes you worse and less able to work. I decided I had to take control and went straight to my boss and begged them to reduce my hours. I'm glad I did. I really am. I can rest and relax more and I have more time and energy for my family.

My full time teacher friend is on her own and can't afford to do that so I do understand how difficult it is.....

Best wishes

Win

[webby]

Hi i am so lucky as i work as anurse in a general practice so most of my work is sitting, its not all good i have really bad days, had three months off last year as my fibro was so bad, but i keep plodding on as i am scared to leave work because of finances, i work full time but am cutting my hours soon as i feel so ill all the time, i guess if you want to work you need to find a job that suits you and have a very supportive team