Just lots of support. Wish I had magic solutions.

Hey, Patty. I'm so sorry your fibro has gotten so bad. I understand. My symptoms got really bad, and I retired from teaching also. I was able to buy back some retirement years, long story, so I now get retirement pay. Have you worked long enough to draw retirement?

Also I highly recommend you apply for disability. I did, and I was approved on the first try. I put down fibro, OA, depression, and anxiety, and I had diagnoses for all those issues. I'd also seen many different kinds of doctors, so there was good proof. Plus my husband and I were brutally honest in describing how limited my activities were.

Since then, I've been diagnosed with RA, so the list continues. I wish you the best. I remember how hard it was teaching while feeling so bad. Teachers have to be " on," kind of like an actor all the time. Stress in the classroom nowadays is getting worse and worse. I don't regret it for a minute. The financial strain until I got my disability was ok, because I was just so happy I didn't have to work anymore.

Keep us posted, ok?

What fibrolizzy said.

Oh Patty, I'm so sorry. I'm very close to the same situation myself. Before you resign, do you have short term or long term disability insurance through work or otherwise? If so, this might be the place to start. It'll give you time to rest and do some recovering while you organize paperwork for permanent disability. It also keeps you hooked to your current employer while you are recovering. I don't know a whole lot about it, but I hope this helps a little.

Gentle hugs and prayers,

Jenna

Consider jobs you can do on your own schedule. For instance, tutoring, test prep, college essay assistance, etc.. The homeschool community is ripe for opportunity: specialized classes, portfolio review, test proctor, etc.. I am both a homeschooler and licensed teacher. I teach classes, do portfolio review, college essay assistance, and seminars. I know to limit how much I do and I find ways to prepare, like limiting activities beforehand and resting afterwards. You will get decide how much you can do and earn a little too. Of course, if you get disability that changes everything.
Regardless, good luck, I hope you find your way through all of this.

Consider other jobs you can do, because if you apply for disability that is what SSA will look at. The jobs don't have to be what you've done in the past.

Sorry to hear your news, you must be sad and frustrated to say the least. Take care, Kim x

Such a hard thing to have to go through - I feel so bad for you. Went through this also, and it was a tough adjustment because I loved my bookkeeping work as I'm sure you love teaching. It was a financial adjustment also but we did it and I applied for disability also, which helps - maybe that's something that you could think about. The most important thing is for you to take care of yourself, and then proceed. My thoughts are with you. Hugs.

I can't thank you all enough!! I will take each of your suggestions to heart. I just feel very overwhelmed and incredibly sad. It seems like these tears won't stop. Going to regroup and figure things out. Thank you so much!!

So sorry that you are having to go through what you are. I know what it is like to not be able to go on anymore in regards to working. I was totally struck down by fibro in 2008 at the age of 51. Surely didn't plan on retiring that soon. The money angle adds even more misery at least to start with. Talk to your husband and get his feedback. Get your doctor to support your not working. If you decide to put in for disability talk to Allsup which is a nationwide disability advocate. Several of us here were able to get our disability through them. They are excellent as the advocate I had only led to me being disapproved two times in a row. Last of all ask for God's help as you will get it. I am not a religious person yet am very spiritual. Hang in there and keep us updated. Gentle hugs:)