Fibromyalgia Support Group

You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.

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Maynard30 02/07/2018

I would like to know how everyone handles taking off work when things get too rough. A quick background is that I've been in pain due to my endometriosis (which of course flared the fibro) for several weeks now, to the hospital 3 times and am now looking at a complete hysterectomy when I can see the gynecological oncologist. I am stuck on meds for the pain just to be able to function but still in pain and have not slept well since I can remember.

My therapist has recommended that I take a few days off work to try and recharge my batteries to get through the rest of this. I told her that I have reached the point that I don't have anything left to give and am just done. I just don't care to continue on with life as mine has largely been a struggle (abuse illness etc.). I have fought to now have a degree, a home, my husband, my dog, and my job at a major health insurance company. She is concerned that if I don't take a couple days I am going to be committed or make a bad decision.

I am concerned about asking to take the 2 days off as I have only been here for 5 months, had to take time off when I was hospitalized in September and recently, and will have to take time for the hysterectomy. My boss has said that I do great work and don't need to worry about my job but I do. I also worry she will suggest I go out on short-term disability which is not feasable right now with all the med bills.

Has anyone else been in this situation? What did you do? Does anyone have any advice for me? I know the general "my health has to come first" but realistically I also have to pay the bills and can't loose my job.

fibrohyg 02/08/2018

I had to take off 2 months in 2008 for my hysterectomy. My boss was pretty understanding, as I gave him lots of notice. I used up my sick and vacation time, but money was tight. I also had to take off 2 months when I fell in 2012, and was on crutches, again after a car accident in 2013, and when I broke my foot in 2015. As my story goes, I eventually left my job and filed for disability. Hope this helps, Fibrohyg

twinmomab 02/09/2018

My boss is pretty understanding now, but it took her a while to get there. She will let me use my personal/sick/vacation time, and if I dont' have any available it's just no-pay. I think it sounds like your boss will let you take the time off, you just need to ask and let her know how hard it is right now. It wasn't until I opened up about everything to my boss in her office alone, that she became understanding about all of my appointments and time off for them. I hope you ask and take a few days to yourself.

fibrowarrior 02/10/2018

I am fortunate to not have to work outside the home more than two days a week- I am a full-time mom and also been carrying for my 1 year old grandson full-time since Dec- so not able to take days off , However, when your have an illness you will make it much worse if your don't take care of yourself- in 2007 I had been on my job as a 3 year old preschool teacher for just a couple of months when I got the news that I had precancerous cells and needed to have an immediate hysterectomy- so I was told to put in for family medical leave act and take the time I needed. That's what I did and ended up needing extra time for my hysterectomy but went back to work in March for about a month and realized I couldn't do it- so in April I began my own cleaning business (as I could set my own hours) . So if you could telecommute with your job- I'd suggest doing that before your surgery and recover two weeks at least before going back to telecommuting after your surgery. Then when you have recovered completely go back to full-time but maybe telecommute once or twice a week depending on your availability to do so. Hang in there and know that your health tops jobs and finances because if your don't care for yourself- you could end up in a much worse predicament. Prayers- I hope all goes well with your surgery- btw I feel so much better since having my hysterectomy (went total vaginal hysterectomy-best decision I ever made).

jannytheresa 02/10/2018

Not knowing you, I would have a tendency to listen to your therapist.
If you are feeling really bad it can affect everything.
Maybe you could ask for a doctor's note and just let your boss know that
you're sorry but you have no choice,
If it benefits you in the long run, it sounds like it's the right choice.
Good luck. I know this 'aint easy

Maynard30 02/12/2018

Thank you everyone for your stories and advice. I did take the 2 days off. My boss wants to go to HR with me to see what options we have. Since I haven't been here for a year I'm not supposed to work from home but it also is up to "manager's discretion." That would be a good thing but she was recently given crap for being too flexible by other people in the department (not even mangers) who had to put in the full year. So I guess we'll see.

Fibrowarrior and Fibrohyg did you have a total hysterectomy including ovaries? I have been told that at 31 it would be a horrible decision but the specialists I have seen thus far have said that a total is what would be needed in my case.

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