A difficult day, came my way today. 🙃😐😏🙄

Today was a really difficult day for me at work. I work at a laundrette and only have a four-hour shift from 10 to 2, but I always try to give my best. I started the day with a positive attitude, as always, because I enjoy what I do; it helps me keep my mind busy and feel productive. However, just about an hour into my shift, I felt a strong energy drop—what I call a "short circuit." This time, I couldn’t hide it. One of the owners noticed, and I had to sit down because I didn’t feel well.

They called me into the office, and while I understand they were concerned, they asked me to go home for my safety and theirs. It was a very busy day, with a lot of work to do, and I feel guilty for not being able to give 100%. But at the same time, I can’t help but feel that one of the owners no longer trusts me, as if they’re looking for a reason to let me go.

Three months ago, I explained my health condition to them. It wasn’t easy for me to do because I didn’t want to be seen as weak or unreliable, but I felt it was important to be honest. Since I started taking the medication prescribed by my rheumatologist, these episodes have become more frequent. There have been several occasions when I’ve had to miss work, either because I wasn’t feeling well or because I was in hospital. This worries me a lot because I feel like my position in the team is at risk.

What concerns me even more is that, even though this happened in the morning, I still feel as if electricity is flowing through my body, accompanied by constant muscle spasms. It’s a very uncomfortable feeling that won’t let me relax. All of this has made me extremely unsettled, and the anxiety I’m feeling is only making things worse—it’s even affecting my sleep.

On top of that, there’s the issue with UC, which has become another major headache. I recently completed the UC50 form, and I’m now in that critical period where they have to decide whether to call me for a face-to-face assessment or declare me fit to work. One of my bosses mentioned wanting to send them a letter, and I’m not sure what the intention behind it is. I decided to contact UC directly to clarify things, but the response I received was quite blunt and unfriendly: "They don't need to send us a letter but I have created you a link for you to upload it if you would like me to see it. Thank you."

With everything going on, I don’t know what to expect when I return to work tomorrow. I’m trying to stay calm and hope that things will resolve in the best way possible, but the anxiety isn’t letting me rest. At this point, I just hope this situation comes to an end soon and that things get better. 👍🙏💪

[minimart]

Hiya omg this is the first reply I have written lol . I have many health problems and bed ridden on and off for over 3 years yrs, due to having operations and other stuff so my gps are amazing and always come to me as does the nurse. I am now classed as disabled and housebound the after fibromyalgia started to get so bad. I'm now on crutches in the house and a wheelchair for going to hospital. Have you been to the gp and asked if you could have now got Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? I have it and some days even walking from my bedroom to my bathroom absolutely shatters me out. I now have a family friend who is my carer 5 days a week but he has to stay overnight sometimes in my spare room as I'm so ill but again that's because of my other health issues.

As for your problem with UC if they have given you a link take pictures of test results, any gp letter no matter how minor and also get your bosses to write a letter but before you send it make sure you read everything in it. If there's anything there that you don't think will help don't send it but tbh you sound like you're struggling way to much to be working.

I can't type anymore as my hands and back are bad hopefully I can tell you some hints that my Adult OT gave me im (55).

I really hope it goes well for you .

Best wishes martine x🙂

[Hidden in reply to minimart]

Hi Martine,Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to reply, especially given everything you're dealing with. I really appreciate your thoughtful advice and kind words; they mean a lot to me. I will definitely take your suggestions into account, especially about gathering all the relevant documents, like GP letters and test results, and making sure to review everything carefully before submitting it.

Regarding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I have already spoken to my GP and have been diagnosed with it. I completely understand what you mean about how even simple activities can be exhausting. Knowing that others understand this situation makes it a bit more manageable, and I truly appreciate your advice and support.

Take care of yourself, and thank you again for sharing your experience and encouragement. It’s comforting to have someone as kind and understanding as you. Wishing you all the best.

Warm regards, 👍🙏💪

[CheetieCat]

Hi, as I'm sure you're already aware the Equality Act 2010 does apply to fibromyalgia so you do have a certain amount of protection.

Occupational Health might be more difficult to access within your job if it's a smaller company, not too sure on that but reasonable adjustments might be possible.

Is there anything you feel yourself that could assist you, additional breaks perhaps? Would that be enough when you "short circuit" or would you need longer?

Could you work flexible hours etc ... maybe later in the day when you're struggling? Rest days between work days? that's how I do mine.

Try not to stress too much, difficult I know! But if you can think of anything that would help you to continue working, write it down now. Just being prepared can alleviate some anxiety.

If your employer does want to speak to you then you are ready for it.

Knowing your rights and any reasonable adjustments you may want them to consider to help keep you as the valued, capable employee you are.

[Sarahvit]

Hello ftorres18, when I read the terms “short circuit” to describe how you feel at work when you feel weak and need to sit down. That is the same way that I have been feeling and the best way I know how to describe it. If I send this message through in mid sentence is because I’m at the doctors office and the doctor walked in. Has there been a change in your diet or weight loss when this all started? I still don’t know what is causing it. I work part time too but fortunately mine hits me near the end of my shift. I work 3 1/2hrs 4 days a week. I have questioned my ability to continue to work. But making that extra money goes to savings, food, Christmas, and big bills. So I understand needing to work. Sometimes we tend to think that people are questioning or judging us when in reality they aren’t or they are worrying about something in their own lives. T

[Hidden in reply to Sarahvit]

Hi,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write to me and share your experience. It’s incredibly valuable to receive advice from someone who understands how challenging this situation can be.

Your words have made me reflect, especially on the importance of finding balance to keep moving forward despite the difficulties. I truly appreciate your ideas and suggestions, and I’ll keep them in mind as I work on improving my situation.

I haven’t noticed any changes in my weight or diet, but it’s a good point, and I’ll make sure to mention it during my next medical appointment. I also appreciate your reminder about how we sometimes overthink what others might be thinking of us, when in reality, they might not even notice or could be focused on their own concerns.

Thank you again for your support and for taking the time to offer me these recommendations.

Best regards, 👍🙏💪

[Al10]

So, you felt unwell, exhausted and thought to yourself, I should sit down quietly to let it pass? Did you maybe stick your fingers in a socket first? Or leave your machine in an unsafe condition before resting? You say your employer was there noticing and so could potentially have dealt with any emergencies arising after you checked out.

I'm at a loss otherwise why your employer suggested you were a liability? Do you sleepwalk maybe?

I don't want to fuel your paranoia but if I were you, I'd like to find out why they think you could pose a safety issue at work. Shame you were too zonked to question at the time.

Presumably reasonable adjustments don't apply if it's decided you pose a danger to yourself and others? I don't know. Eesh, I bet you are kicking yourself for letting that little doozy slide?

Ugh, I'm not sure mentioning drug side effects causing your exhaustion might make their worries worse? There are rules around operating machinery when under such influence, I think? They do have a duty of care around safety in the workplace. I can sort of sympathise... I suppose?

A word with your GP might be the way forward? See what he thinks? Tell him you like your job and worry it will be hard to keep, if you can't sort this out to their satisfaction.

The other thing to consider is, are the new drugs helping or just adding to your load?

The sooner you can put the employers minds at rest around your capability, the less fretting and ruminating they are likely to do. We don't want them thinking too long and seriously about how to replace you, do we?

I'm glad this isn't my issue to deal with. I would always end up fuelling anxiety further no matter what.

The other thing to consider is, do you also have chronic fatigue running along side your chronic pain condition? It's not unusual. Pain is pretty exhausting. CFS does feel like someone pulled the plug. It's very hard if not impossible to fight.

I'm probably not very helpful but I do sympathise. It's horrid when your job and livelihood feels threatened.

[Hidden in reply to Al10]

I truly appreciate the time you've taken to share your opinion and all the points you've raised. You've offered a very comprehensive perspective that gives me a lot to think about and consider.

I will follow your recommendation to speak with my GP to assess both my current condition and the effects of the medication. I believe that could be a good starting point to clarify some of the doubts I have and find alternatives that might help me manage the situation better.

I will also reflect on how to approach this matter with my employer, ensuring I do so in a way that reassures them about my ability to continue performing my job safely. I agree with you that it's crucial to find a balance that works for both parties.

Your comment about fatigue potentially being a relevant factor is also something I’ll explore, as it might be part of the reason for what I’ve been experiencing.

Thank you again for your time and your ideas. Your words have been incredibly helpful, and I’ll keep them in mind as I work towards finding solutions. If you think of anything else, I’d be more than happy to hear any additional suggestions. 👍🙏💪

[Al10 in reply to Hidden]

You are welcome. I'm not your gentle hugs type, more focused on what I decide to focus on if you get my meaning? Feel free to pick the bones out, I don't mind.

Currently, I've been looking at how Fibro relates with ADHD and ASD. If you're the sort to be a little alternate wired in a normie world, you can be at odds stressed and not know it? They can suffer pain with their condition and it made me wonder. Obviously, I'm normal 😇and not looking for another diagnosis🤯 to add to my list, but I did notice those diagnosed got to drop their annoying Anxiety and depression labels (esp women!) and add the ADHD and/or ASD ones instead. Interesting I thought? Of course there are different treatments and methods of dealing with these conditions which can actually help. Apparently getting a correct diagnosis for what ails, is quite useful?

One condition that goes with ADHD and ASD is the everso prickly, Rejection Sensitivity Disorder (another 3 letter condition), which apparently isn't normal like you might think. Normies, no matter what they may let you imagine, let slights etc run off like water off the proverbial. Rejection sensitivity gives the sufferer oodles of stress that others don't have. Stress equals tension equals pain - Hurrah! If you ever struggled managing teasing etc, find criticism difficult or upsetting, (ruminate on what's been said for hours, days ever?) it could mean you are this sort of sensitive?

There is being a decent sort, who dislikes injustice, cares too much, finds our world a little... Unkind? Cruel? Those sort suffer. Can't say no? Carers are prone to fibro. I expect there is a profile. Again being a woman is part of it because of gender roles but it's not exclusive. Men can be giving caring sensitive sorts too. Over giving isn't healthy.

And then if all that isn't floating your boat, and you still feel your fibro has no proper roots, you can always think about where your past lives fit in? Oh yes, I have delved that little rabbit hole. No-one is linking past lives with pain as such, of course, but I think it's in the pipeline. Obviously you have to jump the hurdle of general disbelief, and then there is accessing those memories which I suspect many of us have and therefore could do, somehow? I don't think it's that hard if you apply your noodle.

I think past lives are affecting both mental and physical health but to say it out loud would have me branded a nutter. And that is why when researchers go looking for their next project, they are careful what they choose. Don't want to ruin your reputation, do you? My suspicion is there will be one past life unresolved or there will be a theme to unravel.

You only have to look at our random fears and quirks that come out of nowhere. There has to be reasons for these, don't there? Yet we seem to accept they just happen. Science needs to put on it's big boy pants and stop pandering to their funders and those in positions of power and do what they were born to do. Push the boundaries of human understanding and knowledge for the sake of humanity.

You did ask🤭

[CheetieCat]

I'm glad you found it helpful, anything that reduces stress & anxiety is always welcome. Keep us updated on how you are getting on.

Take care x

(Translation of Hidden reply below)

Hi,Thank you so much for your thoughtful and supportive message. I really appreciate the time you took to share this advice, which has given me a lot to think about.

I will definitely follow up on your suggestion to write down ideas for reasonable adjustments that could help me at work. Flexible hours, extra breaks and days off between work shifts are all very good points, and I will reflect on how these could be adapted to my current situation. Being prepared, as you mentioned, is a very practical way to reduce stress, and I will keep that in mind.

I am reassured to know that the Equality Act 2010 offers some level of protection, and I will look further into what reasonable adjustments I could request. Thank you for reminding me to focus on solutions that can make my job more manageable while still valuing my capabilities as an employee.

Your encouragement means a lot and I will certainly keep your suggestions in mind as I face these challenges.

Kind regards, 👍🙏💪

[Cotswolds25121]

oh I’m so sorry I’ve only just read your post. How are you doing now and what has happened?