I worked through the worst of my PM in 2008, but then moved in 2009 to be closer to family who could help me. A week after moving, I fell and broke my leg, which required surgery. The ortho told me that I couldn't put my foot on the floor for 6 months, so that kept me from applying for a job after the move. However, God was so good that He provided two at-home jobs---tutoring home-schoolers and virtual bookkeeping. It wasn't until last year (2015) that I took a part-time job outside my home (3 days a week). I am still doing the bookkeeping work, but have given up the tutoring. You can work, but it's wise to make adjustments accommodating how you're feeling and getting along at the time. You might want to look for a nursing position in a doctor's office, where the work wouldn't be as strenuous as in a hospital or skilled care facility. Or you might want to consider working part-time as a home health nurse. Best wishes for finding something to help you feel fulfilled, but that also accommodates your current limitations.

Thank you so much for the advice. I guess you could say that I'm not a very patient patient. I had a nurse friend tell me today that things really do happen for a reason, maybe that's why none of my job searching has worked out just yet. I think I need to rethink how I am seeing this time off. Maybe right now is my time to slow down and heal, before I can help others.

Hi Miranda. I could not have worked during the first year after diagnosis. It took eight months before I turned the corner. Wait and see what response you have to your Meds. It's great that you feel you can work, it's a good sign. Best wishes. Autumm

Hi Miranda, I can tell you love your nursing! It is true that we must think carefully about the job type and what is right for us and other people.
I had a long eighteen year career as a music educator. After getting DM, I taught elementary music for two years after my DM diagnosis. I had a lot of difficulty with stamina. My eight classes per day had 55+ children in each class. I also had a hand bell and show choir that went to contest. Naturally, I had to coordinate eight programs per year at the school too. I learned a lot about DM/PM. I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension that fortunately went away after several months. I decided that I did not want to have heart/lung issues in front of grades K-4. My jobs also requires teachers on top of their game, so I had no time to be sick. I have not formally retired, but I have not been in a classroom since 2012.

I am currently looking for a part-time job. I need work hours that allow for flexibility. I am in my fifth year with DM. I have good disease control at this point. I normally feel fairly well but there are days and moments when it is bad. I find the unpredictability of this disease to be most difficult and inconvenient.

Nanny mentioned fulfillment which is important. I find fulfillment in things other than a job like bible study, trumpet playing, sewing, painting, composing music or writing. Life is like a bell curve. It is important to be content at each level of the curve, and be flexible to new opportunities.

Rest up and take your time to evaluate and decide what is right for you. This disease requires a lot of careful thought and evaluation that is not rushed. Best Wishes on your choices too.

If your disease is active, I would not go back to work until it is under control. I had to take a year off from teaching when first diagnosed. I did go back but mornings are really hard. I had to take another leave recently after a bad reaction to a new med. If I could afford to retire, I would even though I love my job. The unpredictability of this disease makes it so difficult to make plans.

I have gone back to work but have only tried part time and very few hours. I can no longer do what I use to do but have a modified position in a different workplace. You may find that too much physical activity, as I imagine nursing could be, may not be the best for you. Is it possible to get a job with a lot of admin in it? It's quite a balancing act though as sitting at a desk for too long is not appropriate for me either.
I really need to work for my sanity and self worth. Good Luck.

Thank you for all the advise and replies. Just this week I accepted a position as an Inpatient Hospice RN, part-time and only when they need me. So I will only be working when I say and when I'm needed. I figure this may be my best option right now. If this inpatient setting is too hard on me, I have a plan to switch to a in home hospice case management RN position. With the in home position, I will be traveling to patient's homes, but it is mainly paper work and visiting with the families. I will start my new job on June 6 and I'm so excited!

Hi Miranda, Congratulations on your new position. Wise choice. I know you will like your new job too.

I am still looking for work at this point. I will be helping out with vacation bible school at my church, so that will be fun.

Enjoy the job! Best Wishes.

Good for you, Miranda819. I'm so glad for you and try you will enjoy your new position. Best wishes to you.

Well done Miranda. The job sounds just right. Best wishes. Autumm

Sounds like you have a answered prayer with that job. Congrats