Work

As the title says:

Are you able to work either part time/full time ?

Have you seen a rheumatologist / pain clinic and did they help?

Do you find it harder to find a partner?

[TheAuthor]

1. I work both as a volunteer here, and I am also a self employed author. My working hours are whatever I feel I can do?

2. I have seen neither a Rheumatologist nor pain clinic as I was diagnosed by a private consultant prior to being referred back to my GP.

3. I am married and have been for nearly 30 years.

[Java_girl]

I work part time from home for a not for profit a land babysit my grandchildren part time. This is better than at an office or fultime when I tried that I missed work do to the Fibromyalgia flaring up.

I have seen many doctors, Rheumatologists, Neurologists, and Endocrinologists some have helped most not. But 12 years in I feel better more than not. It was the other way for the first 4 years.

I have been married for almost 34 years. My illness has taken a toll on my marriage but I hope we'll make it another 30.

Best wishes,

J

[Scouser58]

Hello john9878, No I am not able to work either time,,,,and I will not push my body to the point of distress,,,,even though the dwp/esa,,wrag would like me too, I just put their letters away when they arrive.

I have not seen a rheumatologist or pain clinic,,as I can use co-codamol to work on my pain,,,,I have heard people say they have been helped at a pain clinic,,

I do not even look for a partner,,,as I cannot be bothered with all the stuff that it takes,,, nor could I say that I would be fit enough to go out anywhere,,,, I chose to give up that side of life long ago,,, ttfn from Karen.

[determined56]

Good point...after over30 years in the legal profession gave up the rat race when my brain did!! So unable to work anymore.

My body screaming with pain!

Now have less stress on my body (even though had spine ops)

Brain sets its own level of stress which I work too. & don't push my body .well not all the time..

Since hubby died 1998 don't want to get tied up in all that goes with it ...I love my own time selfish ? But love my paintings and art lovemy dogs .would be a burden on someone else and would not be able to care for someone if it came to that how I would like.

Hugs to all

[Scottish-piglet]

I gave up work a year ago as I was always tired and fell asleep at my desk, I was also in pain and couldn't make it in every day.

I've not seen a Neurologist or pain clinic, just try to tolerate pain as best I can which is never easy.

I found my partner 2 years ago, he also has Fibro and has helped me through some bad times, having a physical relationship is extremely difficult. We don't go out on dates we go for a drive if up to it but not much else xx

[gracesgrandma]

Hi John I have been unable to work for the last 12 years.

I was suffering from a young age but finally diagnosed in 2006. I have problems with my Doctors so have only been 3 times in the past 5 years. Due to a huge medical fear I am unable to cope with the usual blood tests and routine things and I find my Doctor has no time for me.

I turn 50 next year and have not been in a relationship for several years now. I would not like to burden myself with someone who would not understand what I have to do each day just to exist and more than likely not be able to offer the life that they would want. I find that people say they understand but when push comes to shove they generally shove off :o)

Very thought provoking question.

Take care x

[Riedenise]

I've only been diagnosed since June, but also have Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, secondary Sjogrens, Rosacea, mild asthma( thank goodness something is) . I am still working now part time but the time to give up is very near. Because my pain especially in my joints is hard to know what is causing I as 2 or 3 of them overlap. It was my Rheumatologist who diagnosed my fibro. Apart from painkillers and amitryptiline I haven't been to a pain clinic.

I'm going through a flare at the moment with ? I know the pain in my arms (muscles etc) is down to fibro. Saw my GP this morning he has given me a steroid injection to tied me over, I see my Rheumy next week. So hopefully they will help me.

I have an amazing husband who understands and helps me. He is disabled himself having broke his back twice, long story. So we help each other as best we can.

The problem I have is trying to get someone to take the OA in my knees seriously, yes they agree OA , had xrays which show a lot of wear and tear, full stop. No referral to Orthopaedic .

[Mad_scientist_]

I work full time and I will do until they make me stop - it's more of a vocation than a job, but my commute is killing me.

I haven't been to a rheumatologist but I was offered the referral. My GP is very up to date and I didn't want to go through switching meds about again.

If I wasn't in a relationship I don't think I'd be up to starting a new one.

[Tessica]

I work 4 days a week and have a 2 hr daily commute. I am worried about retiring because I find that my pain is less at work because I am distracted. When at home I am aware of the pain all the time. I do find the fatigue very difficult and sometimes when driving home I am exhausted. I have tried gabapentin, amytrip and hydroxychloroqine but they make me feel too drowsy so I would not be able to get up for work. So I have to manage with paracetamol only.

[Tessica]

Forgot to say I have been to a Rheumy. I get a ten minute chat and then told will see me again in 6 months time. So the years go by but no improvement or hope really. I was diagnosed about 20 years ago but prob had fibromyalgia for 35 years. Cannot believe that they have not found better treatment in all that time. I also have thyroid problems and the 2 illnesses mimic each other in symptoms.

[SarahConnor]

I do not work and I am single. I see a doctor for my depression and other illnesses x

[pochola1]

Hi, I worked for ten years full time with the fibro. I was lucky to be diagnosed by a specialist, after insisting to my GP that something was wrong with me. 2 years ago my fibro got much worse and I asked to be referred to occupational physician at University. That took a year to be achieved. Then I was given partial incapacity retirement. I appealed and after another year, and just recently, I was granted total incapacity. And I am still waiting for my pension, after 2 years out of work!!!! It was had work, but I would encourage anyone to fight if they think they have been badly treated.

Luckily I am married and my husband supports me. We met through internet, and we had a few good years before the outset of my illness. Even now, he thinks that I am still the same person, with a lot less energy and many troubles.

I am a lucky person, as my daughters are grown up and my husband supports me. At least, that is what I try to think. Often I remember that I studied long years in various universities and at 49 my career ended because of the fibro and I cry, but I tried to look at the good things that I am still able to enjoy sometimes... The fact that I have recently become a grandmother helps, even if holding the baby hurts so much!!!

All the best

[ukmsmi4]

Hi John

I haven't worked for almost five years now. But to be honest for me that has more to do with the fatigue of ME than the pain of fibro. I suspect (and so does my GP) I have had ME for nearly 20 years (which involves an awful lot of pain too) but was only diagnosed when I had a big ME crash at work five years ago. We also suspect I have had fibro for quite a few years, but that was only diagnosed about six months ago by my GP.

Because of my recent diagnosis I have been referred to a pain clinic but my appointment is not until 2nd Feb so I can't comment further at the minute.

My husband and I have been married for 29 years next month so my conditions have materialised after marriage.

Margaret.

[achydunlin]

I did work and study part-time at a uni but recently had to give that up as I've felt so ill and the commute wiped me out.

I saw a rheumy last year after a 6 month wait, after a year of symptoms, for about 15 minutes and had then a 2 month chase up for a 'probable diagnosis of fibro'.

No pain clinic or anything like that has been offered, only prescription painkillers/NSAIDs.

I'm not married, but have a long-distance relationship with somebody I met before I got ill. I would imagine having this illness would make it harder to find someone (for me anyway) as I have so little energy.