Fighting fibromyalgia and work

[Hayley95]

Hello. As some of you are aware I am 22 years old and I suffer form...

Fibromyalgia

Chronic fatigue

Hyperthyroidism

Back problems

Migraine

And I want to work I really do and I've just been offered a job and I have

Took it and I am contracted on 8 hour a week but the manger said I will most likely do more than 8 hour a week he said between 16-26 hour a week could be more. But the hours are ok I'm just so scared of having breakdown as i am starting to work with these young girls my age and I am suffering from all of this and I'm scared I will crumble and end up a mess and not being able to handle it like the rest of them because

I'm different. I haven't told my

Manger yet my health condition as I want to work but I know my health is going to let me down. Pleases anyone I'm in tears here as I'm so scared of what to do next. I have applied for PIP just want to know what to do next or how to Deal with it, any idea or any tips please. Anything at all. B

[Dinkie]

Hi Hayley

I'm nowhere near as young as you but have had fibro since 1987. Up until 6 years ago worked fulltime, had a family, horse, dogs and fostered teenagers. I now work part time 25 hours per week. Can't say it's easy but I manage. I too have other health issues and have recently had a reasonable adjustments meeting and things have been put in place to make my life easier. Having fibro and a job is possible but it needs careful management. I am still learning about pacing myself Fibro is different for all of us and some cannot work at all - it's all about managing your fibro to get the best out of your life and what is important to you. For me no processed foods, no refined sugars and gluten free works but it's not the answer for everyone. I use hynotherapy and chiropractor and epsom salt baths and various supplements. Trial and error but please remember you are not alone. There are folk on here ready and able to listen and offer advice - no question too silly to ask as you can bet someone on here has been thinking the same thing!

[cbraffe]

Hi

You must disclose your health condition in order to get support. Take it one day at a time. You will be ok. Good luck. The equality Act 2011 is in place to ensure reasonable adjustments are made to ensure you are treated sensitively at work.

[Aishah50]

Hi Hayley,

You could apply for :

gov.uk/government/publicati...

It’s worth applying. They can supply assistive technology and things like taxis too and from work to help with the fatigue/ pain caused by Fibro.

Good luck

[YASMINTINA FMA UK Volunteer]

Morning Hayley so I'm really glad Hun I can see you are really making an effort to work , take each day as I comes try not to look too far ahead, I'm sure as you relax alittle each day you might find a lovely friend , I think it's good that the manager has contracted you 8 hours so you can go at your pace to start with healthunlocked.com/api/redi... have a read up on the link you are not alone we are here for support Xxxx

[Mdaisy]

Good Morning Hayley95

I see you've received many helpful replies and as above I would consider disclosing your disability to receive reasonable adjustments to make it easier for you fulfil the job description. You do have rights and I think it may be worth speaking to the FMAUK Benefits Advisor as she can also advise on work related issues. Here is the link which has all the information you need;

healthunlocked.com/fibromya...

I notice YASMINTINA has mentioned about locking your posts to the community, if you get a chance can I ask you to look at the link so you can read how do this should you wish to. See below;

healthunlocked.com/fibromya...

I hope you get the information you need to make a decision regarding your working life going forward

All the best

Emma

[ginger1991]

Dear Hayley, I too suffer from fibo along with all the other symptoms you have. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia over 30 years ago probably when they first recognized it as a disorder. It has not been easy living with all these problems. I have had 4 failed back surgeries, been on pain killers for 18 years, ever since my first surgery. I am now going through the painful nerve blocks. I just worry that they will take my pain meds away due to all the people who abuse them. I am 63 years old. I had a happy career as a registered nurse until ii had my first back surgery. They disabled me and i too would very much like to work. Not only because i loved my job but for financial reasons. I am allowed to work part time and make only so much money per month. If i thought i could do it, i would try and work some. I just dont want to try anf fail. I know where you are coming from. I will keep you in my prayers dear.