Struggling to cope

[Lulu1708]

i have Fibromyalgia, Arthritis and Crohn’s disease. I’m a single mother to a toddler and a teenager and I work full time in a very stressful job. I don’t have a support network and My bad days seem to be increasing. I feel like I can’t go on like this for much longer, I’m pushing myself beyond my limits. How do other people manager their chronic disorders and life commitments? I’m struggling to be positive in all the pain and illness 😷

[Lulu1708]

Thank you for replying. I find it hard to give up on anything, especially as I work so that my kids don’t go without - although I think that’s what my body is telling me to do. I wasn’t even sure I would be eligible to claim benefits for being sick. Do you know if it’s difficult to do?

[alfie19]

Stress is not good for Crohns I really don't know how you manage you are stressing yourself out can you ask if you could reduce your hours you need some time to yourself and rest have you got family and friends to help you if so ask them it is so easy to push yourself over the limit then you won't be fit for anything please take care of yourself you have achieved so much so now be kind to yourself

[Dinkie]

Hi Lulu

After many years working and struggling to cope with kids, foster kids, work and fibro, osteoarthritis and other problems I had to take a step back. I now do not foster and work instigated a "reasonable adjustments procedure". I was very hurt by them demanding I see their occy health person as I had never been off ill due to fibro. Now months later it was the best thing ever. Yes I struggle with the reduction in salary but I am nowhere near as tired and worn out. I now can't imagine how on earth I coped before. Don't push yourself beyond your limits please as you will find you are totally burned out and need a prolonged period off work which will bring further problems. Look at the government site to see if you are eligible for any help or seek advice from our benefits person Janet or your local CAB.

Take care.

[Midori]

How old is your teen? Perhaps old enough to help around the house a little? Small stuff like washing up, tidying, maybe some simple cooking? There are children as young as 8 and 9 acting as carers to their parents, and they can get support from Young Carers.

Your Local Social Services may be able to point you in the direction of organisations in your area who can offer support without taking over. My son is my carer, although he is outside the remit of Young Carers now.

There is also the Benefits section on this site, and a website called Turn 2 Us. I think you may need to discuss going part time with your employer also, but be careful, as there are many pitfalls in this one, as can be seen quite often on this page.

[Fibrolife]

Lulu1708

Hello! I just want to let you know you are a STRONG WOMAN, and I hope you find some relief soon. I will keep you in my prayers.

Take care.