exhaustion

[vickky]

struggling with work now dont know how much longer i can work. i work in a home as a carer and with the pain in my knees going up and downstairs and stiff fingers and seem to have pins and needles at night. feel like im losing some of my independence.

[Janet28]

Hi vickky I see you have recently joined. So firstly I'd like to welcome you to our wonderful forum ☺ I'm sure you will come to find the forum invaluable in chatting to others who are going through the same experience as you, talking to others at different stages of their lives with Fibro and learning from their experiences.

I'm sorry you are struggling at work at the moment, it's a very demanding job you have, I done it for many years, in many capacities, so i know what it's like. I remember one big house I worked in had 3 flights of stairs up one side of house., along 2 corridors 4 doors, then back down 3 flights of stairs. This alone was like doing an army assault course & that was before working all day lol.

Maybe you could reduce your hours at work or do lighter chores downstairs. You should look into all your options. The major thing with Fibro is having the ability to pace yourself to lessen the flares and the fatigue, so it's not ideal to be doing such a physical job for 8 hrs a day because you will suffer for it & that could mean 3 days work, 2 days in bed, I know that sounds crazy but I managed like that for a long time until I finally had to admit defeat. So if you just worked 4 hrs 3 days a wk. This would be easier for you to manage. You have to feel your own way & make up your own rules to suit you. I am just trying to give you an idea of what could help if you don't want to finish work for good, as it is a big step to take.

LUV JAN XX

[Hidden]

Hi I gave up work just over a year ago I struggled on for years limping with pains all over matchsticks to keep eyes open just a constant internal battle with myself counting the minutes from monday and doing a lap of honour when I made it to friday. I was worried about the loss of fulltime earnings even although my husband has a good job. Things got worse the pain got more intense lying in bed at night with stabbing in arms and legs ul know what I mean the brain fog was crazy. I finally admitted my defeat and handed in my notice with the what have I done feeling. But I have to say the day I left my job on the last day I felt like someone had lifted a house of my shoulders. I do miss making my own money but my husband says you look after the house bit I'll look after the money earning bit. Its been so much easier even the money bit I think sometimes the more youve got the more you spend. If youve had a rough night your not having to get up at a certain time and things get done at your own pace. Sometimes I do things in the house sit down for a wee bit then back to it, it gets done in the end. Don't get my wrong sometimes I miss working but I think its mabye just the companionship I miss but then when I ve had a flare I think thank goodness I dont t work anymore youve got to take your own health and put it to the front off the que sometimes, be good to yourself. Hope this helps. Take care👍

[vickky in reply to Hidden]

l think thats the main worry of giving up work the loss of earning as im a single parent ( both kids are grown up over 18s) id have to claim benefit and if im entitled to much.

[Hidden]

Hi sorry that was one hurdle I didn't have as my kids still live at home and they contribute too. Maybe you could work less hours and claim benifits to cover the shortfall I'm sure someone here will be able to point you in the right direction with who to phone or website to visit if you ask. Keep us posted how you get on. Take care. X

[bluebell99]

Hello vickky and welcome to our friendly fibro forum where you can get advice, help, support and understanding.

You are doing such a physical and demanding job, it is no wonder you are exhausted and in pain. Is there any chance of reducing your hours or changing jobs altogether?

It may be difficult to get used to the reduced income at first but is doable with good budgeting.

I suggest you find out all you can about benefits before you make a decision, the Citizens Advice is good for that. Are you able to go off sick for a week or two to recharge your batteries?

I do hope you find a suitable solution soon.

Kay

[TheAuthor]

Hi vickky

I really am so genuinely sorry to read this my friend, and I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck, and please take care of yourself.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Aelin]

Hi and welcome. I know where your coming from I worked as a carer in nursing and dementia. I kept going feeling myself get slower and slower till eventually I collapsed I couldn't even do my own personal care.

If your in the U.K. There is financial help available, slightly different between Scotland and England though x

Blessings x