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I will have to give up work

Posted , 6 users are following.

julie43903
julie43903

It looks as though i have to stop working. Just don't know how I will cope working and having this amount of pain. I rely on Coedine all the time. The pain wakes me up in the night. I never feel i get a restful slerp and just can't see myself managing 12 hour shifts anymore. I was told that they won't give me ill health retirement on the grounds of having Fibromylgia. I can't understand that. I have been in constant pain since last September with no break from it all.   Been investigated for other disorders but its all pointing towards a diagnosis of Fibro. Financially I'm going to be absolutely crippled :-( 

1 like, 16 replies

16 Replies

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  • clare90244
    clare90244 julie43903

    Posted

    Hi Julie, so so sorry...I fear your predicament for future also. How long have you had? Has GP given you something to help your sleep pattern? I am on Amitriptyline only 20mg at moment..have codine at night, but as I will drive during day will have to use Ibu and Paracetamol...don't want to be reliant on them. Can they reduce your hours? My consultant think I will not get any assistance from the insurers now as this (Fibro) is Chronic. I am sure there will be someone on this site who can help you. Understand your predicament with regards finances, I too could not be without my job- I will have to grin and bear this for a while longer. Hope you find what you need to help you xxx
    • julie43903
      julie43903 clare90244

      Posted

      Thanks Claire. I surely can't be without my job. I'm just wondering if i have to work will i be able to concentrate on the job being in this amount of pain . 
    • clare90244
      clare90244 julie43903

      Posted

      Hi Julie, looks like we are at the same point of returning to work shortly...Occupational Health are just waiting on my report and then I will be returning. Please see if you can go on Amitriptyline as its seems to have helped me - I spent many a morning feeling like I had morning sickness before taking it!. It meant to help you sleep , enjoy a deep sleep albeit not really for pain although I believe it relaxes the muscles. Hang on in there - me too in the UK and have reservations but this thing is not going to stop me if I can help it!!! Have enrolled in Pilates course for beginners and have just started swimming at the Gym I joined in December and haven't been since January!. . Give yourself a chance - I am with you all the way!! xxx
  • Maggers
    Maggers julie43903

    Posted

    Hi Julie

    It's just a vicious circle isn't it. Stress is not good for us but we can't avoid it when the dreaded fibro impacts on every aspect of our lives. I don't know whether you are UK based but if you are can you involve occupational health or access to work to see if there is any way your employers can accommodate some changes so that you do not have to leave.  I have reduced my hours but I appreciate it is not possible for everyone. If you have followed some of other posts you will know I  had my first hypnotherapy session today in the hope of easing the insomnia. I learned a lot today and lets hope when I try tonight I get some relief.  I really do feel for you.

    • julie43903
      julie43903 Maggers

      Posted

      Yes I'm here in the UK Maggers.  I've seen Occupational Health but they were waiting for a diagnosis at the time. I'm seeing them next week to tell them its  Fibro. Will wait to see what they say but I honestly can't see myself being able to work with this. I really take my hat off to those who can. Sometimes i can't even get out of bed in the morning.  I also tired hypnotherapy. It helped a little but i can no longer afford it :-( 
  • Bee70
    Bee70 julie43903

    Posted

    Hi Julie

    I feel for you. Like Maggers and Clare have already suggested about reducing your hours so at least you can still work and have occupational health assess your work station. Being stressed will not help your situation.

    Take a day at a time and do not give into work straight away. Stay calm and positive.

    Hope others will support you on this forum with other suggestions.  Take care and gentle hugs.....x

    • julie43903
      julie43903 Bee70

      Posted

      Thanks Bee. I know stress plays a huge part of it. Just can see myself being able to hold down a job with this.  Going to ask the GP to put me on Amytriptiline and see does that help x
    • Bee70
      Bee70 julie43903

      Posted

      Just don't make a drastic decision about giving up work.  I work 5hrs per day in an office 5 days a week.  Where I do find some days I need a break, I am grateful that I have the opportunity to work part-time than not at all.  Being totally off work would not personally be healthy for me as I would worry about paying my way through life and that would be added stress that I or anyone with Fibro needs.  We all need something to focus on.

      Have you tried or considered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)....this is useful therapy with mindful ways of living your life. All I am saying weigh your options before you decide to give up work. 

      Take care xx

  • Maggers
    Maggers julie43903

    Posted

    Hi Julie

    I know you feel the situation is impossible at the moment but please think very carefully before resigning.  To be honest reducing my hours was the best thing I could have done. It still gives me a focus and a reason to get out of the house and interact with other people. Without it I would probably just spend my time being lonely and would be inclined to concentrate on my pain rather than have the distraction which work provides for me.   Just because you feel exhausted and unable to cope now does not necessarily mean you will feel that way tomorrow/next week/next month. If you manage to get some relief with drugs/alternative therapies your whole outlook will be brighter.  Hang in there.

    • julie43903
      julie43903 Maggers

      Posted

      Thanks Maggers. I'm so glad I found this site. You are right about being lonely. It's a vicious circle as you say but it is good to get out and meet people. It tends to be a bit of a diversion. Will see how I manage perhaps with reduced hours. Just four more weeks off sick and crunch time then as regards whether I return or not xx
    • Maggers
      Maggers julie43903

      Posted

      Might help to ask for a phased return to work so that you do not overdo it  and it is not too much of a shock to the system.  do keep in touch and let us know how things go.
  • Mace223
    Mace223 julie43903

    Posted

    Hi Julie

    I am sorry for your situation.

    Last year when it started my doctor gave me a

    Note to say I needed to reduce my hours a little.

    I showed it to my employer and waited.

    I still have not changed my hours. I did say I might have to have some time off.

    I have just had two days off the pain and the

    Tiredness just took over.

    Because people can't see the pain and tiredness

    They can't imagine what it is like living with it.

    Take care and good luck.

    • julie43903
      julie43903 Mace223

      Posted

      Exactly. People say I look well. Mind you I have gained alot of weight lately. But the pain is awful. I think in time it will take its toll. And my joints just crack and creak every time I move x
  • Maggers
    Maggers julie43903

    Posted

    hi Julie

    Can you ask your GP to refer you to either pain clinic or for CBT. I know the waiting lists are long but the sooner you are referred the sooner they will be able to see you.

    • julie43903
      julie43903 Maggers

      Posted

      Will do Maggers. My consultant actually mentioned CBT. Will try to see if i can work for a few weeks on phased return and weigh up my options after that. Thanks so much for your advice x
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