Returning to work and being okay.

[fibrogirl41]

Hi I was wondering, I know many people work with fibromyalgia and I had a meeting with HR and work on Thursday and it went better than I expected. I told them that I was improving and my walking was better, but I still have anxiety and some fatigue bouts sometimes. I am hoping to return to work as soon as I am able to, and I will be having a phased return building up to the hours I used to do but I am worried about going back and having pain flares and I don't want to get exhausted again or have anxiety. Do any of you do housekeeping jobs or do you do other things. I hope I can do my job again.

[Gigiruth]

Hi Fibrogirl41 I did not do housekeeping but did an active role with customers,when I wore a fitbit about 16000-20000 steps most days.

I had an amazing manager who gave me reasonable adjustments that really worked.

I could go home as soon as I felt exhaustion sneaking up on me. This allowed me to use my car to get home while still safe.

She also extended my trigger days to have action for sick leave by 2 days a year.

The adjustments reduced my stress and I only went home early twice in a year.

We changed my work pattern to.part time every other day.(not always possible if you work full time)

We looked at my sick leave and identified patterns. I would look after family at.Christmas,get over tired but keep going. 1st or 2nd week in Feb I would be off sick or in hospital. Prevented by week off on leave after New Year.

I kept my busy job for more than 10 years after that.

My whole attitude to self care changed and I developed a commitment to things that help.

Wishing you well with management of your well-being

Take care

Gigi

[Blondie78]

Hi x

I’m a nurse and also looking to go back to work soon. I’ll have a phased return and have some holidays to use to ease me in gently. I’m really worried about the exhaustion as I need to concentrate 💯 at work. Occ health are involved and said they will support any reasonable adjustments I may need.

I wish you well on your return x Let us know how it goes x

[New_diagnosis]

I work 3 days a week just 5 hours a day. Some days I literally drag myself out of bed. And I'm exhausted when I get in. BUT it really helps with the depression. As I get out of the house and I enjoy my job. Good luck.

[Princess61]

I have had to reduce my hours to 2 days a week doing 2, 5 hour shifts, a day apart, which I can just about manage especially because I suffer mostly with middle back,muscle pain, and knee pain. I am a cook in a cafe which can get very busy, but work are quite understanding if I keep needing to reduce my hours. Like new diagnosis said, I'd rather work and drag myself in than get depressed sitting at home. Good luck to youxx