Thank you for your words of praise. I personally don't know if I would be able to handle even a part time job in the real world. I mean outside of the home. I can't predict when I'm going to have a ad pain day. I have the luxury of working from the couch with my legs elevated on my bad pain days. If I was in a regular work environment and had to drive myself to work every day, it would be very hard on me. I also applaud anyone who is working and in chronic pain; especially those of you who hold jobs in the real world! It's tough! Hugs!

I meant to say bad pain day!

That is so nice of you to say....
I just took a few days off and I am already sitting here and getting nervous in anticipation of a 42 + hour week on my feet. Lol

What kind words. I have a chronic pain condition that stems from a muscle in my butt, and I sit on my butt all day.... no bueno. I have to stand up alot, I have a heating pad here, I use a stool to prop my leg up sometimes... It's not easy some days, I have a high pain threshold, or I just hide it well.... IDK. Just thankful I can contribute to my kids, husband & household!

I think it looks like it is a definite plus to be able to keep busy and distract the mind from the continual pain. I agree with 51percent that a job would be great but it is also hard to get when you are injured. I was let go from my trade and that is all I have really done for almost 30 years. They tried to do the typical retrain routine but it was a scam in the end. I was left with a phony piece of paper for a profession I was truely not capable of doing. It made all the large organizations ( employer, Comp., school ) look good but I was left with really nothing. The job market stinks right now and the competition with the young wizards of technology threw me into the fossil bin where I remain. I still think it is amazing how you guys can keep going even with the pain and limitations. That is excellent.

I would have no self-esteem at all if I couldn't still work a bit- it's the only good thing in my life I have left really I can rely on.

But it's very difficult when trying to manage a chronic illness.

Like the lady here who was taking care of seniors and caught the lady who fell- then found herself in chronic pain from simply helping someone...managing chronic pain means trying to control the environment and lessen stressors and potential injuries.

I am a very talented musician; I took what I thought was a gentle job- even then I wanted to work freelance- but they assured me it's just like three hours a week...won't impact your health, we'll make sure etc.
Well when they realized how talented I was they started to exploit it- bigger and bigger concerts, rehearsals going on for 5 hours at a time, extra rehearsals...I resigned and they couldn't find anyone to replace me. I am not surprised- it was extremely demanding by this point.
Then I was attacked by a drunk kid and knocked over- soft tissue damage. Told to rest. Explained it to the church people- please don't leave, we'll make it easy for you etc etc.
I would turn up at the church and be handed pages and pages of music, people there to rehearse I didn't even know were coming, and reharsals went on for hours with all this 'just one more thing...' crap.

I have always been raised as Christian and be helpful do your best work hard etc. Of course that was totally manipulated. My right arm started to fall apart, not only did the church refuse to help me in any way I was encouraged to leave when I started to stick up for myself and complain. Shunning I think it's called. The pastor even did a sermon about putting the needs of the church before our own needs and how we're all so self-obsessed these days.

I was by no means the only fallout by these obsessive religious nutjobs and it wasn't long before it became apparent why- they are now building a mega-church. Despite massive debt from previous projects. And a dwindling number of people to service the debt.

I had in staff meetings several times expressed criticism for servicing debt and laying burdens on the devoted...and the obsession with building huge churches rather than good ministries!

I am writing a book here- but what I am trying to say- I could not even look after my health properly in church until I broke away. What chance do people working in other jobs have to take care of themselves and be supported to manage disabilities and illness.

I still get booked by churches from time to time- I refuse job offers and charge $300 an hour freelance now. If it's good enough for the pastor- it's not a religion though. So I have lost that too.

And lost the idea that it's Christians who care. The ones I have met almost 100% don't.

Yes. I have been working full time during all of this. I was diagnosed so far with inflammatory arthritis & have been in pain for 5 months. I have been on methotrexate & humira for 2 of those months & steroids for I think 4 months. I have so many side effect of the meds.

I'm finally considerconsidering disability. The family and medical leave act doesn't apply to me because my job has 9 staff members and i think you need 50.

I'm so tired...

Another great discussion! I feel for everyone that responded here.

Thanks for listening to me VENT! :) now I need to try let it go.

NY