Ability to Work

I was very fortunate that we could afford for me to finish work about 4 years ago. One of the reasons I finished work was because I felt useless - I worked for a Doctor at a practice, and I lost all my confidence because I couldn't remember anything, my head regularly felt like it was full of cotton wool, and I didn't feel competant any more. The Doctor I worked for was also our GP, and while he and his Doctor wife tried to help, they just put it down to the end of the menopause. They prescribed HRT for a while, and I felt much better whilst on it, but the HRT didn't suit me, so I had to stop having it. I was actually diagnosed with Fibro last month, but I'm not confident about the diagnosis - or the " syndrome ", because I know that HRT stopped all the symptoms for a while and I felt great. Being home now isn't a great thing, either - I now wish I'd kept my job because I have time to think about my symptoms now, and it makes things worse when you're alone all day. Hope you make the right decision for you and get some relief very soon.

Hi there. I had to give up work 5 years ago as I was in so much pain and couldn't concentrate. Some days were ok but there was more bad days.

I tried Gabapentin, pregabalin but didn't help

On the plus side I decided I wanted to achieve something I would never done before. I went to university and studied Sociology and Social Welfare.

I now spend my time volunteering for an organisation who works with people with disabilities. I run one of their peer support group in Bristol.

Although this condition is debilitating I try to be positive as possible and face each day as it comes.

Take heart things will get better when you find the right medication. Easier said than done but, stress also makes things worse. I use mindfulness meditation to help with relaxation.

Hi...I don't work, and have not for the last 10 years. I used to work as a Carer, I miss the elderly so much as I find them very interesting they enjoy telling you about their past lives. Due to the severe brain fog that I have these days, I would not be able to do the NVQ's that people are supposed to have to work in  Care Homes.. I have a job filling in, and understanding forms...The only med I take is Oramorph, as I have weaned myself off the rest...

Hi there, I had to give up work nearly two years ago because of the fibromyalgia. My fatigue is horrendous as I'm lucky if I get 2hrs deep sleep, I average around 40mins deep sleep. My son got me one of those tracker bands so I can keep track of my sleep patterns. I've now managed to get into the support group for esa so I now have the disability component, having another pip assessment next week so fingers crossed that will be good news. Hang in there I know it's hard but if you do have to give up work there is help out there.

Yep, over 25 years ago now, long befire I was officially diagnosed...22 yrs ago, had lots of other issues along with it...  But it was Fibro all the time...just couldn't keep working to a schedule..:-) xxx

I too have tried all the meds you listed w no luck either.

I am not working now because of it. I felt blessed that I was accepted on disability and that I was able to relax a little but it has caused more problems! I am more depressed now I feel like a loser I have less of a social life now and then you don't get as much exercise which makes you hurt more.my sleeping is all crazy as in I don't get much at all, and I'm barely getting by on the money I do receive. It seems like a no win situation!

I hear ya! I wish I had an answer....

I too no longer am able to work due to the pain from my arthritis and the fibro and brain fog I suffer. I can no longer concentrate and used to find myself falling asleep during meetings. The dibilitation from this illness is very hard to initially accept after being so in control and active during my earlier years. I was on sick leave from march and officially left in October 2014. I too am in the ESA support group and have a PIP home assessment this month. Life can be lonely and a financial struggle and I need to recover as best I can. As you all know, it's a hard fight xx

Hello I have recently joined this site and already its been helpful , I have fibro and silent migrains and recently been told the seizures I have are Non epileptic seizures. Keeping positive no option. I have been on various meds I was given Gabapentin worked for a few months then that was it, I have been put on duloxatine again worked for a while still had pain but not as bad now doctor has given me a top up of Amatriptaline to take at night only  been two nights and pain is still bad. Have to give it time. I have been sighned off work for another month , I miss it alot, I work in a busy cafe and If I am honest I have been finding it hard for a long time. I am not sure whats going to happen. Plus my memory is getting dodgy and when I talk I find I forget the most simplest words , things are on the tip of my tongue but come out wrong. I laugh it off but at the same time I am thinking " what the !!!!".