Working full time with fibro

[RrrrevampSue]

Hi there, I'm new to here 😊 so please forgive me if this has been asked. I was diagnosed with Fibro a year ago and I work full time in a quite physical job. I've always been quite active at work and most of it has been a job in the community/voluntary sector. I constantly take pain killers and wondered how other people who work full time go on. I love my job and wouldn't consider changing it......any tips or ideas to help my work life balance less aggravated x

[Hidden]

Hi fibro buddie and a warm welcome welcome to you.

I certainly understand where your coming from, the same has recently happened to me.

Unfortunately I had to leave my job which I truly loved but something had to give, If not my mentally and physically job then It was me that was going to end up on the scrap heep(ha ha) fogive the expression. I do now have another part time job.

You have to be honest with yourself, the body tells us to slow down. Don't try and do everything thing, It will be expected all the time of you.

One thing you can do Is speak to management and ask for lighter duties, hopefully they are understanding enough. Some companies will support you while other's will not. You'v only go one shot in life so make the most of it, otherwise you will make yourself ill.

Pls do let us know how you get on and the very best of luck

Soft hugs,

Elizabeth xxx

[Furry]

Hi some good advice there from Ryanbone, I used to work full time but can't manage that now. If you have an occupational health department use them to help you get some lighter duties, I have dropped one day so now work four Tuesday to Friday. I cope by planning ahead, making meals in batches at the weekend so I don't have to cook during the week, I don't do heavy housework etc during the week, I don't socialise either until the weekend. I go to bed early and stick to a routine, this all sounds boring but it's the only way I can manage. Maybe you could work a shorter day if you can manage moneywise. I used to work in pharmacy production which was very physical and very heavy going at times but now work in a medical laboratory and the work is much lighter. I've also unfortunately had to increase my medication, but has helped. Hope you work something out. Take care. X

[Hidden]

I used to work full time but with the pain from osteoarthritis and I was finding it increasingly difficult to focus on my work and started making mistakes. So I saw occ health at work and it was agreed that I cut my hours first from 5 day week to 4 and then down to 3 days a week. I didnt work Mondays or wednesdays so I was getting a break between days. I found this easier but when I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia I also had a diagnosis of RD and ruptured achilles and unfortunately could no longer work. I miss my colleagues a great deal but I am slowly adapting which is hard because I have worked since I was 15. I hope you find the right solution for you. Gentle hugs Joolz.x

[Tracy45]

Hi I think most of us are in the same boat with having to cut our hours down and occupational health departments are good if you have one. I am currently going through this myself and I'm about to go back to work with there help. I was told to always have something to look forward to, but that is very difficult when you are reducing your hours.

Apparently is all about balance! Myself like you I have not found it yet, but with determination I'm sure we will get there.

Good luck

Tracy

[Keeleybee]

I'm the same as furry, nice calm routine in the week and I work 27.5 hours a week as 40 hours was impossible for me and I work office based but my arm's could not take it

careful and listen to your body. Work to live not live to work and a'll that x

[TheAuthor]

Welcome to the forum and it is wonderful to make your acquaintance. I am so sorry to read that you are suffering and struggling in this way and I sincerely hope that you can find some resolution and relief to this issue.

I think that there is a genuine consensus in your replies that it is difficult to balance the Fibro books so to speak and and it is desirable to try and pace yourself with work. I want to genuinely wish you all the best of luck.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[RrrrevampSue]

Thank you for your replies folks 😊 What I didn't mention is I'm the 'boss'. I run a non for profit organisation and manage things on a daily basis. I started the organisation and have come a long way in 3 years, but being struck down with fibro has certainly been on of the most difficult challenges. I absolutely love doing things in the community, I think it's what kept my mental health on an even keel 😕

Really appreciate your comments and support, hopefully I can create some sort of work life/fibro balance and hope the 'illness' doesn't get progressively worse xx