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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Muscles & Bones
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work or quality of life?

deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi,
I know I just joined this group a couple of weeks ago and have not lent support, only asked for it...I'm in a really bad place right now, so if you'll bear with me...
I've been on short term disabiliy for 5 weeks, have one week left. I feel worse than ever--after 4 years w/diagnosis. I work part time, 12hr night shifts as a labor nurse. I just can't envision going back and basically being able to function. I could probably drag myself through the shift, but, as in the past, I'd basically be completly disabled the next 3 days and then have to go back.
I don't qualify for FMLA, my boss is under no obligation and is unlikely to let me reduce my hrs. I LOVE my job. I've done it for 15 yrs!
I'm dying inside cause I don't know what to
do!! Its not fair!!
(sorry for the rant)
any advice?
michelle
deleted_user
deleted_user
have you thought about applying for disabilty? do you have a doctor/doctors that support your condition? if so and they deem you disabled to work i would get the ball rolling takes a while, but your "quality of life" is important...i as a nurse to, i know how you feel and the emotions you must be going through. if you decide to go this route get a SS lawyer right away. have you been dx with depression and on any type of meds for it, this helps your case as well. but really whoever has this horrid disease does have depression. no shame in it. keep your chin up hun, and good luck
hugs
deleted_user
deleted_user
Could you get by on part time or in a different setting or workplace? That's what I would do, in spite of loving my job. You can love other jobs, too. And you'll feel better.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I used to work in OB/GYN helping deliver babies so I know exactly how you feel. My fav area was labor and delivery.
Have you considered occupational therapy? I go to an fm support group and the OT there taught us how to manage our pain with two tennis balls in a sock to get rid of myofascial tension. She also taught us how to use a Thera Cane.
In your case also, what I think would work well, is a TENS unit given to you by a chiro. That type of work is highly demanding and you run around like a chicken with its head cut off which frankly, ticks fm off.
So there are two suggestions---occupational therapy which I am sure your insurance would cover I would think....and the TENS unit to stimulate your muscles and interrupt the pain signals to the brain.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thank you all for your kind replies. Sorry I've been away from the puter for several days. I haven't even begun to think about disability. We can't afford the years of me not working in order for me to qualify! I am thinking about talking to human resources and asking if they can help me find a less physically taxing job...but I don't expect to love it. I help women have babies!!!! How could I love anything else?
PS...do most people with fibro have all the tests (evoked response, MRI, lumbar puncture) done? I haven't
thanks,
me
deleted_user
deleted_user
Do you not qualify for FMLA because of part-time status?

The tests you mention are normally to rule out multiple sclerosis.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I did'nt work enuf hrs the previous year to qualify FMLA. I am thinking that I'd like to rule out MS, 'cause a lot of my symptoms fit MS. For instance, my right leg has recently become more like a decoration than a useful appendage. kinda freaky.
thanks for the reply...
michelle
WhiteDolphin
WhiteDolphin
Oh my goodness.. when I read this post I thought it was something I wrote! I'm in the same boat...
Just wanted to send you some support and big ((((hugs))))
WhiteDolphin
WhiteDolphin
Oh my goodness.. when I read this post I thought it was something I wrote! I'm in the same boat...
Just wanted to send you some support and big ((((hugs))))
WhiteDolphin
WhiteDolphin
Oh my goodness.. when I read this post I thought it was something I wrote! I'm in the same boat...
Just wanted to send you some support and big ((((hugs))))
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thanks for the support. I think I've kinda decided that I'll have my Dr write that 8 hr shifts twice a week are the limit and if my boss won't reduce my position, I'll go PRN (that is work very few hrs when I can with no benefits) Hope it works.... thanks for the support. me
deleted_user
deleted_user
What my ruemy said ....which is not very popular is to keep working as much as you can. he said that your symptoms just get worse if you lay around and rest. although it is tough to do... i think about it every morning when i am dragging my butt to work. i just tell myself i have to work and as i move throughout the day it improves some.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Changing or losing a job due to disability is very very difficult for all of us that have experienced it. Just the stress you are having over what to do could make your symptoms flare. Have you considdered working a four hour shift instead of eight and you might be able to work additonal shifts. I'm sure you will find a solution. We are all survivors here.
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