Are you still working?

[Jazymay]

I am concerned about maintaining my 9 hour working week since I was diagnosed about 5 weeks ago, and had 3 weeks off work for daily physio and hospital admission.

How do people maintain their ability to work?

Thanks

[Mic67]

I work part time. I luckily enjoy what I do and am an outreach worker so relatively autonomous. I can sit, stand and walk around if I need to. I would struggle to do anything seated in one position. The thought of having to go off sick or deal with the benefits system in this country is more stressful than working in my opinion.

[Leesaloo]

Hi, I’ve never been able to work since starting this journey with sciatica, it will be 4 years next March. I’m very envious of those of us who can work, just to be a part of society in any way is great for all of us, I’m still housebound to a degree, unable to drive, no buses where I live, unable to walk as far as the main road, totally reliant on others who can drive. I was hoping this year to be able to volunteer but when in busy or noisy environments I shut down, it’s overwhelming, movement,noise and I feel I’m on a boat, I have stuck at it but I’m unable to talk, watch, listen and respond. I’m happy to sit and watch but would not be ideal yet to volunteer this year, hopefully next year. The benefits system is overwhelming to deal with and you need help to navigate it. I do hope you can continue working, it’s great for your soul to have company and thrive as best you can.

[Jazymay in reply to Leesaloo]

That sounds really tough! I am sure there will be some voluntary work you can do. Here we have organisations to help you find volunteer roles. Maybe they have the same thing where you are? Good luck!

[Justdrea81]

I do work full time as a QA Engineer after initially taking 8 weeks off during my initial diagnosis. I am very, very, fortunate that my company allows me to work from home. So I am able to take breaks and adjust my work desk as needed. It takes me 10 or 13 hours to do what other people can do in 8. And I sometimes have to log in on the weekends just to stay on top of things. But hey, I'm employed. I still can't drive, and public transportation in Phoenix is basically non-existent. So my hubby still needs to drive me just about everywhere. But at least in my area I can order groceries and other items that I need online. Before this all happened, I used to be in charge of the meal planning/groceries and I really enjoyed it. I can still do that so I'm grateful.

[Jazymay]

Thank you for all your replies. There is a lot of info here.

I just met with my manager today, who is happy for me to continue my support work and will give me some admin to replace my active photography group.

I am very grateful to work for a very good organisation who look after staff as well as their clientelle.

Hopefully this, and having bought crutches for stability, I can continue and see how things go for a few months.

I am thinking of recording my activity and symptom levels to see what happens. Has anyone else tried this?

[Kittilyn]

Yes I have gone back to work after almost 6 months off. They allowed me to come back gradually over 2 months. I was determined to go back as I enjoy my work & missed it & my colleagues. I'm now at the 2 month point & basically still not quite up to full time. Luckily they've let me continue on less duties for a bit longer & I can work from home sometimes too (on admin). So, we'll see over the next weeks/months. I'm hopeful, but I guess who knows? Got to take it day by day. Good luck & hope it works out for you in a way you're happy with.