Fibromyalgia and Taking Time off Work?

I just read a very *hopeful* article about fibro.. and magnesium phosphate.....if you want the link let me know , I don't know how to attach it but will have my husband do it if you are interested

But time off sounds like what you need

Can you talk to your boss about finding a temp to fill in for you until you recieve all of your tests back and get your health on track?

I had this same thing happen, and unfortunately I was in a high-stress career and though I had a very understanding boss it wasn't the kind of job I felt I could let everyone in on about my illness bc I was afraid my position would be attacked. So that was stressful. I just used my lunches and breaks to see doctors nearby in the city. STRESS!! ahhh!! anyway: but if it were my employee, I'd suggest hiring a temp to fill their position temporarily until they can return with a good, full, clean bill of health.

Can you take some time off to do that? I think it would do your health WONDERS to be honest.

I vote yes take some time off. I have fibro, non-diabetic retinopathy and a host of other nasties including IC. This is why I say the following-have your dr send you to a gyno-uro. This is a specialty practice if ever there was one.
Continued ketones in non diabetics including some fibro patients can often be the signal that something is wrong in the urinary tract area. Anything from a constant low grade uti to IC. I am not saying you have either one, but from reading your post that just stuck out to me. If you have the time it is worth it to take it knowing that you may be able to return once you find all your answers and the right medications or remedies. I wish you luck, answers and at least one pain free night and day.
~J~

It felt like you read my mind when you wrote this. I am going through the exact same situation. I feel horrible about not being able to perform at work, as a mom, and a wife. I have zero leave balances at work and the Dr is only willing to give me 18 hours FMLA a month. I would love to take time off but can't afford it. Kaiser wants me to see numerous Doctors, a physical theripist, a psychiatrist, plus take classes that are 4 hours long twice a week but are not willing to take me off work part time to do all this. I can't try any medications because I don't know how they will affect me and can't afford to miss more work as a result. If you can afford to take the time off I say do it. Get your Fibromyalgia under control so you can go back and function at a level you can be proud of. I hope this helps you.

Hi, I keep seeing your post and also have Fibro. I am 32, divorced mom with a 9 year old daughter. So I definitely feel and understand your pain. A Fibro diagnosis is one that is a process of elimination. Your doctor will send you to many other specialists to rule out other illnesses/diseases before finally setlling on fibro.

You need to understand that Fibro is an illness that has ups and downs. Someone else fibro might be worse than yours, and vice versa, you might hurt on one side more than the other. And yes it can be become so debilitating that it's hard to do simple things like dress and walk (I've been there unfortunately and still have problems with it). Some people get "attacks" where they might be fine for a while, and then it hits them hard, each person is different. You need to learn to listen to your body, and what to do and what not to do to make your symptoms worse. You'll want to have your family help you out when you need it.

As for the meds, there are many meds that can be used for fibro...unfortunately all of them have side affects...like fibro fog, and feeling like a "space cadet" as I call it. I ended up coming off the meds because I didn't like feeling like a "space cadet". But again everyone's situation is different.

Lastly, it is important to remain calm and handle your stress. Being stressed out can make your symptoms a lot worse. I have since learned to say no, and take more breaks than I used to. For me, I have a standing FMLA leave at work. I can take up to 2 days off from work (does not affect my vacation time) per month for my fibro when I need it. Hope this helps.

I have to say when I went to the Dr. and I was diagnosed after years of mysterious pain and reflux and a hand full of other things. I felt guilty also when I could not work any longer. I felt that no one understands me at all not my family, My best friend is calling a hypochondriac and I was really hurt over this. The pain is REAL, its hard to prove. I have a huge hiatus hernia also and sometimes I cannot even move side to side, any movement in the morning is horrible. Now I have gone back to my Rheumatoid arthritis Dr. several times ...he is the type of Dr. that diagnoses this. We have tried several medications, no luck....we are now on my 4th medication. Its horrible to feel the we feel without anyone really believing me. I was thinking of filing for SSI because I cannot work. But the Dr. feels different....he is one that does not help in this area. I am also feeling guilty now that I am not helping with the finances in my home. If he only he would believe how I feel with fibromyalgia he would know how hard it is to live with this and function like a normal human. I give you a huge hug and know that i understand you completely !!

The stress you are encountering is accelerating your fibromyalgia. You may know that already. So S. what will help with your stress? Simple things like, getting fresh fruits and veggies in your diet, limit your carbs, drink clean water, stay away from caffeine, alcohol, white sugar and white flour. This is alot so if any of these are in your diet, pick the one that is most in your diet and eliminate it.

Also supplements. All B vitamins reduce the affects of stress and help calm the body. Calcium/magnesium/vitamin D supplement will help your bones and muscles. There are other things you can do, and if you would like to find out more, email me and we can set up a time to talk.

Take time for YOU. Being a parent is like a game of Follow the Leader. Our kids will do what we do. We need to take of ourselves first.

I wish you well.

My sympathy goes out to you. What a hard thing to deal with. My mother has Fibromyalgia as well and it is very hard for her to work. I feel so bad watching her deal with all the doctors visits and problems she's going through. Your lucky you have a boss that is sympathetic. I would suggest that maybe to keep the relationship good with your boss that you may suggest getting some temp help while you sort things through. Hopefully things will get to a point that you'll feel good enough to work. Good luck.

If you take time off to get better there is no guarantee your job will be waiting for you. Even if they love you to death they are going to hire someone to work for you and that person has the right to expect to keep the job after they get it.

If your health is that bad then consider trying to do disability. Your doc can help you but a Neurologist is better for the paperwork saying you are disabled. It's not the end of the world to live on a lower income, we actually have more free money due to no clothing/suit/dry cleaning bills every month since my hubby had to retire due to health.