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Working, career and illness. Need some advice please!

Posted , 12 users are following.

Elmo69
Elmo69

Hi,

This forum is beginning to feel like "famstresss I am still finding my feet in coping with new diagnosis but my husband isn't really understanding the seriousness of my problems!

I am in a complete dilemma (ongoing for at least past couple of yrs) about my work/career. I know it contributes hugely to my stress which makes my symptoms so much worse and it is more than likely that work was a big trigger to developing my CFS/me.

All I ever wanted to do was become a nurse and I did so. Now been in nursing for almost 29yrs, more recently (past 10+ yrs) as a nurse in a GP surgery. Now my role is excessively demanding (nursing not alone in this, I totally agree!) and I find myself struggling to deal with "patients" as well as the politics and educational update requirements of the job day to day.

I know in my heart that I need to leave for my own health, not least being aware of my professional code that I have a responsibility to my patients care if I am not fully healthy myself!

I am struggling to find an alternative occupation and in itself, this causes me additional stress because I love being a nurse and can't imagine doing anything else! Anything else will require some form of adapting to, which I worry will still cause me stress. I also feel incredibly guilty and as if I am abandoning my nursing profession, plus all the patients; especially those with illnesses such as CFS/me and mental health disorders because there are little enough health professionals championing these conditions anyway!!!

My gut feeling is that I need a career break but then this creates anxiety within my family relationships, especially with my husband as he has several concerns:-

a) I will become depressed again if not working regularly and my "work ethic" will reduce!

b) It will affect our family income and, with our daughter due to start a four yr degree at uni from September, this has impact on our financial plans!

c) His own plans around him retiring in 2-3yrs (he has worked already 42yrs in same company and will be 60 in 2yrs)!

I am having an Occupational Health Assessment this week and am worried a little about this. My manager is fairly supportive and it is very helpful having advice and information from my local specialist CFS/me service. I am awaiting start of CBT but just don't know whether I should extend sick leave until therapy is in progress!

I am on the verge of going onto half-pay due to my sickness absence in the last year and this again, causes me increased stress!

If anyone has any suggestions or experience I would love to hear it.

Many thanks for reading through!

Elmo x

1 like, 37 replies

37 Replies

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  • Bunnyhugger
    Bunnyhugger Elmo69

    Posted

    There are so many jobs for nurses that are administrative- doctor's office, working for an insurance company, case manager.
  • Elmo69
    Elmo69

    Posted

    UPDATE - had my Occ Health Assessment which went very well and was a positive experience. I feel so much more confident now about possibility of being able to continue working if my manager will agree to the amendments I am asking for.

    I have also had confirmation this week about a new part time specialist clinic role for which I applied in March.

    Best of all, I have had a good talk with my husband and know that he is supporting me and he listened to my worries.

    So, from having an awful return to work earlier in the week and feeling totally deflated about everything, the ending if the week has greatly improved and the future looks bright and positive!

    I am physically suffering more now, though and will have to ensure I have a quiet, restful weekend to recover from the ups and downs this week.

    Thank you for all your comments, advice and support.

    Wishing you all a restful, minimal-symptom, happy weekend :-)

    • Beverley_01
      Beverley_01 Elmo69

      Posted

      Hi Elmo,

      Great news that you are feeling less stressed about the work situation and there appears more support for you on all sides, fantastic what a difference a few days can make : ) 

      Hope you too have a restful weekend.

      Best wishes

      Beverley

  • Harriet72
    Harriet72 Elmo69

    Posted

    Good news that your obviously health appt went well what adjustments have they agreed too for your return to work please ? Reason for question is my Occi health appt resulted in them sending me open the ill health early retirement route I am 56 in June. I find it so difficult to explain in conversation how fibromyligia and chronic fatigue agent me do you have any advice please ? I have tried working reduced hours and have risk assessment in place for no lifting no pushing patients in wheelchairs etc I am so pleased things are working out for you, take care Harriet X 
  • Harriet72
    Harriet72 Elmo69

    Posted

    Should real good news your occupational health.....
  • Harriet72
    Harriet72 Elmo69

    Posted

    Should read how Fibromyligia and cf affect me, any advice on how to put this into words when conversing face to face ?
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