Haven't posted on here for a while. Today is my last official day of work as I'm retiring on ill health grounds from my job as a teaching assistant. It's sad because I have been at the same school for over 32 years, having been a PE teacher before becoming a TA. But having been off for a year as health problems became so bad, after having lupus and aps for over 20 years, I had to think of myself as I was continually picking up infections from school.
I've learnt to pace myself now and rest when I need to and this has made such a difference. It can be quite lonely at times when I'm on my own during the day but I make sure that I try and get out for a short walk even though it is a bit of a struggle on crutches! I've also just got a bus pass as I can't drive now so that helps too. Luckily I also have a very supportive family who help me.
So if any of you are thinking about early retirement, I would say definitely go for it if you can!
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janekins
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I had to take early retirement, I really didn't want to I realised I couldn't carry on. Sometimes I really have to push my self to go out and get things done. I must say it was the best thing as I am no longer stressed all the time. I am lucky to have a husband to support me. I don't know how people manage without someone else to bring the money in.
Hi daisy. Luckily my husband has been supporting me too. I've got two small pensions which will hopefully be kicking soon now I've retired. Friends have commented that I seem more relaxed now, I know that I was stressed when I went back in September on a phased return and wasn't coping at all well with my TA job.
Hi there, wishing you all the best with this.. and hoping some rather nice things can replace work if possible? I hope friends and family can make the most of having your around more and that with more rest you can feel a little better. Mary F x
Thanks for your good wishes. My biggest wish is to get off these wretched crutches and be able to walk rather than stumbling and falling. It doesn't help that I have osteoporosis too and have been told I am at a high risk of spine fracture so I'm worried about falling over!
So sorry to read all the continued problems your children are having, not only for them but also the added pressure and worry for you. I do hope things will be better for them soon. Also that your new treatment proves successful.
Thanks for your kind words - and I can tell from your attitude to life and determination that you will probably get more mobile! Have the given you vit d and calcium.. I guess so... I also take a good strong dose of omega fish oil supplements daily.. and also eat it twice a week. Mary F x
Hi Janekins. I understand your mixed emotions. I had to retire on the grounds of ill health at the age of 36, I'm now nearly 51. I found the secret was as you say to pace yourself. But also get into a routine. Even if it takes me an hour or two in the morning to get my body moving I'm always out of bed by 8.00am. In the mornings I do household things within my limitations. I then have an after lunch siesta to recharge my batteries and all my friends know that in the afternoons it is open house. I am unable to drive and don't have any local buses nearby. But I do go to the library each week and make an effort to go to the local market. I have a great network of friends and my husband is my official chauffeur too!!!! Make sure you spoil yourself and do things which interest you. Here there are classes in the afternoons where you can learn to do all sorts of things. And of course I go to hydrotherapy every day to keep my muscles on the move. I think that you're right to say go for it, retirement that is. In Spain the Spanish have a saying that is your health and family always come first - I don't think you can argue with that do you!? The best of luck in your retirement make it a time to remember and enjoy. Wishing you all the best from here InSpain xxx
You had to retire early didn't you!!!! Your daily routine sounds similar to mine as I always rest in the afternoon now which really helps. I agree that health and family must come first, though for some people financial pressure can make this difficult. Luckily I have been able to leave work and my husband is going to retire early from his teaching job in the summer to help me.
We came to your beautiful country in our motorhome a few years ago and hope now in our retirement, we will be able to have the opportunity to visit more countries, chasing the sun and generally just chilling out!!!
I have been through a return to work program post stroke 13 years ago returning to a highly technical job 4 days a week with Wednesdays off.
This has however changed over the last two years and I am finding it harder to keep up with the demands so I put my hand up again and as a result I am going through a second return to work program with a view of at least keeping a job but one that is not quite so demanding. I am lucky that the company is willing to assist. The process is involving an external OT (occupational therapist) my bosses, my GP, and myself.
If it doesn't work out it looks like retirement is on the horizon for me as I doubt any new company would want to take me on with my medical history.
For those that don't me my introduction to APS was post three major clotting episodes within a week. The first was an arterial clot complicated with a bleed at the back of the head. This resulted in a massive stroke. 5 day coma part of 10 days in intensive care, a month as a quadriplegic, then learning to walk again. whilst in intensive care I had a DVT ankle to knee and a PE. A full story can be found at tbihome.org/members/peter/
Sounds like you're still keeping pretty busy! My friends already say I'm looking more relaxed than I was a few months ago. Maybe it's the effect of the hydroxychloroquine kicking in as I started it in July and was told it would be 6 months before its effect would be noticed. But it also helps to be out of the school environment and away from the stress and worry of feeling I wasn't able to do the job properly.
Thanks for your support. Sending good wishes to you.
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