I have had a VERY stressful year at my job (I am not going back next year because of it) and I definitely think that stress makes me more easily confused and "out of it" and when I am really anxious all the time I screw up lots of things (like my meds). My therapist told me that is a normal reaction to stress. It is so hard, because as survivors, we don't really know how to take care of ourselves and for me, just figuring out what I need is hard sometimes-but with the help of my therapist, I am starting to learn that a stressful job is not worth it. I actually took a sick day today. Is there any way you can find to take care of yourself? It feels really weird because we are not used to it, but at the same time, it also feels much better than living in constant stress.

I am doing the best I can to take care of myself. They are trying to get me some help, but I just have more work than I can keep up with and not to many people can do my job. I can only work so many hours. My doctor doesn't want me to work any overtime and I do not have as much stamina as I had before the amputations and the massive blood loss.

I really know how you feel about having more work than you can possibly do. Plus, for us, it is so hard to set any kind of healthy boundary and say "No"-at least that is what happens to me-I end up saying yes to doing way too many things because I just get too scared to say no and I don't know how to. Plus I get into that who people pleasing mode of thinking that if I do more and more then everyone might like me-even though in reality that never seems to work either.I know how hard this is-I am in that place too. I hope you know you are not alone.

If there aren't many people who can do your job, I assume your work would be in an even worse situation if you went off sick or left - and this is what is going to happen if you don't cut down your work load.

I hope it goes well with the therapist - I know this is a big issue that will be adding a lot to your stress levels.

Take care of your wonderful self. You really don't need to get any sicker.

There is really enough work for more than one and they really need someone else beside me. My health is not good and every time I go in the hospital I end up working from my hospital bed. If I go on vacation I end up having to work from my hotel room. It's great that I can do my job from anywhere in the world, but they do need more than me.

Oh Ioum - personally I think holidays should be just that and you shouldn't be asked to work then - we all need breaks; and no one, absolutely no one, has the right to ask you to work from your hospital bed.

I think you are a really nice guy who finds it hard to say 'no' and they are taking advantage of it. How are you going to get better if you never have any peace?

((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))) sorry your having such a rough time of it right now Lou, you really need to put yourself first at this time and stuff the job mate in my humble opinion!!! LOL

god bless take care

love manda xxx

Thanks