Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Group
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) describes a sense of exhaustion and post-exertion malaise, even when you have gotten enough rest and sleep. The disease is characterized by six months of incapacitating fatigue experienced as profound exhaustion and extremely poor stamina, and problems with concentration and short-term memory. The cause is unknown, but it is a...
Hello everyone,
I haven't posted very often but I read your comments everyday. I would appreciate your feedback.
I have been diagnosed with CFS last August. I was feeling well enough in November to attempt going back to work part time and with the support of my doctor and my family, i did go back 3 mornings a week. I felt very tired of course, but I wanted to "make it work" so much that I ignored the accumulating fatigue and increased to 4 mornings/week on Jan 2nd. I now find myself totally spent when I come back home at lunch time and by the end of the week, I am so totally drained that I spend my weekends sleeping/resting/ not doing much of anything and I feel more and more discouraged.
I consider myself an intelligent woman so it is no wonder that I realize my work schedule is not working! But how do I (how do YOU) make the final decision of leaving work for good? This is a HUGE decision and I haven't been able to make it.
On the one hand, there is the guilt; oh yes, lots and lots of it... Leaving work would mean putting all the financial burden on my husband. I know he would support me but still, I feel like that: a burden. Thers also my identity. We do, after all, right or wrong, identify to our profession. Leaving my work life would be such a blow to my self identity and self worth. When I think of leaving work I feel like a failure even if i rationaly know that it's not true.
On the other hand, working 4 mornings a week has left me with no life at all. I don't have any energy do anything else . The decision should be simple! When things don't add up anymore it's time to do something to correct the situation right? So why am i having such a hard and emotional time making yhe decision?
I feel like working is slowly killing me.
The tought of leaving work leaves me in tears.
Your toughts, expertiences and comments would be appreciated.
I haven't posted very often but I read your comments everyday. I would appreciate your feedback.
I have been diagnosed with CFS last August. I was feeling well enough in November to attempt going back to work part time and with the support of my doctor and my family, i did go back 3 mornings a week. I felt very tired of course, but I wanted to "make it work" so much that I ignored the accumulating fatigue and increased to 4 mornings/week on Jan 2nd. I now find myself totally spent when I come back home at lunch time and by the end of the week, I am so totally drained that I spend my weekends sleeping/resting/ not doing much of anything and I feel more and more discouraged.
I consider myself an intelligent woman so it is no wonder that I realize my work schedule is not working! But how do I (how do YOU) make the final decision of leaving work for good? This is a HUGE decision and I haven't been able to make it.
On the one hand, there is the guilt; oh yes, lots and lots of it... Leaving work would mean putting all the financial burden on my husband. I know he would support me but still, I feel like that: a burden. Thers also my identity. We do, after all, right or wrong, identify to our profession. Leaving my work life would be such a blow to my self identity and self worth. When I think of leaving work I feel like a failure even if i rationaly know that it's not true.
On the other hand, working 4 mornings a week has left me with no life at all. I don't have any energy do anything else . The decision should be simple! When things don't add up anymore it's time to do something to correct the situation right? So why am i having such a hard and emotional time making yhe decision?
I feel like working is slowly killing me.
The tought of leaving work leaves me in tears.
Your toughts, expertiences and comments would be appreciated.
m still working 4 mornings a week but things are very difficult. I've missed work, one or two shifts per week for the last 3 weeks and this is affecting my relashionship with my co-workers. I think they are annoyed by the amount of work they must do because of my work schedule and my frequent absences.
Of course, I have been thinking about stopping all together but I worry about my finances. You see, I am Canadian and ve been told repeatedly that getting covered by the Canada Pension Plan is nearly impossible when you have CFS. I haven't even been able to get dissability coverage from Sunlife insurance in spite of my clear diagnosis.
Are there any other Canadians here that I could speak to about this? Maybe I should start another discussion?
I've read that many of you are on American Social Insurance, is CFS more recognized in the US? As I mentionned, legal advocates and 2 lawyers have told me that CFS is a very hard sell with Canadian insurance companies and CPP.
Still unsure about my future...
Lue xx
So, long answer above and short answer, Yes, we can get disability here using CFS but it's much more likely if there are other diagnoses and there are several docs working with us... and anywhere you live it pays to keep really excellent records, of work missed and how you felt the day you missed it.. A pain journal, an emotions journal, anything you can come up with. You can even print out your posts and journals here.
It sounds bizarre to say but maybe if you have any other dx they might help. I know the UK/Canada system is much different but I am fairly certain there are folks here from at least the UK..and forgive my ignorance if the two systems are different. Many of us tend to think of the UK and Canada as one country but across the pond....
how I decided was pretty cut and dry... I went out for job interviews after being out of work for years taking care of my mother in law and the only jobs I would be considered for were very physical. My degree was outdated and school was impossible. I tried but the day I drove to an interview 20 miles from home and realized I didn't think I could drive back home again, never mind interview or work..I knew I was done. There will come a day you realize that you are just not able to do your work anymore and still take care of the basic necessities of life like showering and making food. That is the day you will know.
The key is not to push ourselves into a two year bed-bound stint like I did, from pushing SO HARD!! xo