bad flare up

Hi Debbie,

So sorry you are having a bad time at the moment. I was diagnosed in May, after being off work for 4 months (GP said I was depressed!!)

I'm not an expert on fibro (yet - but this forum is helping get me there) I like you have taken many days off work for either pain, tiredness or IBS flare up and had to reduce my hours from 37 to 16, which helped for a couple of months, but I'm now signed off again because the travelling is still too much and I'm currently waiting to start homeworking to see how that goes.

I can only suggest you maybe try reducing your hours (I'm not going to lie, I am struggling slighty financially) or homeworking if your type of work allows it. Also if your employer has an Occupational Health service, it maybe worth having a word with them

I am not entirely sure (others will confirm) but I think fibro falls under the Equality Act 2010 and so you should be pretty protected. Also, if you have been working for the past two years and paid enough national inurance (and god forbid you did lose your job) you would be able to claim ESA CONT (Employment and Support Allowance - contribution based) which for the first year is not means tested, meaning your hubbys wages wouldn't be taken into account - although they would if you claimed housing benefit or council tax reduction 

You could also try claiming PIP which is also not means tested 

Hope you feel better soon, you have come to a wonderful site with loads of great advice and are in very good company

gentle hugs and take care x

Hi Debbie.  So sorry to hear you're in such discomfort and have the added worry of losing your job.  I really sympathise.  The stress of worrying about work and finances etc., is going to be a big factor in making your symptoms far worse.  I do understand job worries and stress and its hateful.  I cant help regarding entitlements etc., I'm still trying to work full time as I too cannot afford to lose my job, I have a mortgage to pay etc.  I do know that if you can try to de-stress, your symptoms will improve vastly.  Have a look into some relaxation methods in the meantime, for example meditation classes, tai chi or chi gung (gentle exercise plus meditation aspects), mindfulness classes, yoga (there are classes for people with reduced physical ability), even some exercise helps the brain switch off from the pain, like swimming.  The IBS is definitely aggravated greatly by worry and stress, unfortunately its a vicious circle, your existing pain etc., makes it hard to work and then you worry about being off work or losing your job and that makes the pain and the IBS even worse and so it goes round.  I know from my own experience its easier said than done to say 'stop worrying' but honestly if you can find a way to release the stress from your brain,  your symptoms will ease off a lot which may make it easier for you, even if long term you have to look at the things erykah has mentioned, ie reducing hours or claiming benefits of some kind.  My heart goes out to you, this vile condition is spiteful and relentless. xxxx

Thank you all for your caring kind words I am going to try meditation and I have made an appointment with my manager to discuss my situation with them and see if we can come to some agreement with regards to my work situation as in my job I don't have the option to work from home as I am a care/support worker I have now been put on different meds and hopefully they will help but thanks again for the help &for listening so glad I found this sight

Gentle hugs Debbie xxxxxx,

Hi erykah and loxie thank you for your advise I am now feeling a bit more positive and I have a meeting at work to discuss things and have a meditation cd to try it was great to b able 2 put down how I was feeling and have people understand my family are great but they can't understand fully how I feel but the people on here can I am more determined than ever that fibro will not rule my life thanks again x

Gentle hugs &take care Debbie xxx