whole body Pain

[POPC]

hi. I am 54 years old and I have suffered with fibromyalgia for over 15 years now it’s very hard I have a full-time job and three older kids. I just tried to get on with it and suddenly the pain comes back when I’m not doing much so it’s hard to relax.

[PAULINE15]

I sympathise with you I’ve retired now but working full time got harder and harder the lockdown helped me to get to the end, you are only 54 and got a good way to go, there are benefits but we all worked for the money, be kind to yourself xx

[smilingjane]

Hello POPC, I am very sorry to hear that you are suffering. It sounds like you have a lot going on, working full time with chronic pain.

I wonder if you are getting all the help you can get from your GP? Also most GP surgeries have social prescribing staff that can help emotionally and suggest things outside of usual medical treatments such as support groups in the area.

Do you need to work full time? You say it's hard to relax; I am wondering if your stress level could be reduced with more time to actually relax.

There are benefits available for those that need them to enable part time working. Such as Universal Credit.

That has an added amount on top for those with a disability. Personal Independent Payment is a non mean-tested benefit that can be applied for if you are finding full- time work difficult.

I didn't know about these benefits, (mainly PIP), when I was working. If I had realised I wouldn't have run myself into the ground. In the end I was unable to work at all.

If you read about PIP online and think it may be a benefit you can apply for, I would advise getting help to fill the form in from perhaps the CAB?

Filling the firm in properly at the outset saves the frustration that some people suffer from having to appeal negative 'decisions'.

Relieving yourself of financial worries can make a big difference.

And don't forget to treat yourself sometimes

I wish you all the best going forward

Jane

[1whitestar]

I'm sorry to here this. I to have the same pain and I work about 27 hours . I will work till as long as I can then drop down the hours. For me I find work helps mentally for me.

[Field007]

I can totally sympathise. I am in the same position. I work full time as a head of two schools, and have very much had the attitude of putting on my work face on and just getting on with it. Started to struggle big time at the end of last year with pain and exhaustion but resisted taking sick leave that was advised by gp as was just too busy at work. Was struck down with a virus mid Dec ,which just laid me out for the whole of Christmas, new year and beyond. Still on sick leave for another week as really struggling to get back to “normal”. Has made me realise that I need to make some changes and put me first, as keeping going at work has had such a huge impact on everything else including my happiness and ability to enjoy life. Starting to look into some options including reducing hours, getting some help. Have referred myself via work to occupational health to see what they advise. Agree with 1whitestar though, I need to do something for my mental health - just what and how much

[Ayla69 in reply to Field007]

I had a virus through December as well, I've done nothing but sleep, it's also emphasised the fibromyalgia, my sick note ends on Wednesday, but I'll be needing another. I've also just applied for the PIP, CAB assisted they were excellent, I've not had a "good day" on over 2 months.

[CheetieCat]

Same for me, same age too. It's like groundhog day - go to work - totally wiped out, rest up - go to work 😫 Agree with comments though, I need to have something that pushes me, makes me focus, puts me into work mode so to speak. Keep saying I need to drop some hours but partner has been unable to work for years so it's all on me. 67 before we can retire 😂😭😭

Will never make it!

[Ayla69]

Hi, I'm 54 same, 4 adult kids, 5 grandchildren, approx 4-5 years I've had this, but only diagnosed last November. I. A full time community carer, and I've been off sick for over 6 weeks, my GP thinks I'm a faking it and jeeos telling me to push through, I don't even like calling them anymore. I've given up, I ache so much its difficult to drive, and I wouldn't trust me as a carer right now. I'm just reading everyone's comments for hints on how to be me again, it's soul destroying.

[CheetieCat in reply to Ayla69]

That's really hard work, I'm a support worker in social care (one2one) so it's a much lighter load but even that's getting too much now so no wonder you're struggling! I know what you mean about GP's though I tend to stay away from them as much as possible too but it really shouldn't be this way! They should know by now we spend most of our time pretending we're well rather than faking being ill 😫 Take Care x

[Ayla69 in reply to CheetieCat]

I can't remember my own medications, never mind administering it to my elderly clients, and the thought of trying to mobilise someone to the bathroom etc, frightens me! But I'm fighting the guilt of knowing there isn't enough carers about in any social care setting, or the fact that I can't really afford to be off, I'm on a zero hour contract, while at the same time truly not caring because I ache and am fatigued. Thank you

[CheetieCat in reply to Ayla69]

Zero Hour Contracts 🤬🤬🤬🤬 Then they wonder Why they can't fill these posts ?? Honestly 😫😫

[KimiJay]

I was not diagnosed until retired so reading all these posts about working, I just want to say to you POPC, and all the Fibro warriors contributing to this post, you're all heroic in my estimation, in what is a horrible, mostly unfair and barely unworkable system of care at a nationally/internationally bad time. You all have all my deep respect and admiration for what you do and still achieve, for the wisdom you share and for battling on despite feeling so much pain and stress and I hope that everything can heal and change for the better within the soul of this world, as soon as, and in as many ways as possible. Love and gentle hugs. KJ