CFIDS making FT employment impossible - anyone else?

[NonnieWa]

I've had CFIDS/Fibro for a few years - I'm 29, working full-time, and trying to go back to nursing school (illness got in the way the first time).  I manage the Fibro with yoga, walking, and Ibuprofen.  It's the CFIDS that is ruining my life, I think.  I get laid out by it off and on - in bed, dizzy, can't move 'cause I feel like I'm dying from the flu.  

I have missed an abnormal amount of work from this and had to leave school.  I have school loan debt, so I must work full-time, but I'm going to lose my job.  AND I'm going to have the same problem in the next job that I manage to get.  AND if I ever do get through school, I realize I'll have to be a part-time nurse at best.

Anyone have a miracle cure to get through the practical side of life - or has anyone gone on disability to keep an income?
Thanks - NonnieWa  

[NonnieWa]

Thank you for your response.  It sounds like you know the struggle all too well!  I'm so glad to hear that you are in a good position now.  I realize I need to try to get creative with my work choices.  It's maddening to have my body get in the way of my will and to feel so alone in that situation.  Just hearing from someone who understands is a relief.  
Thanks!
NonnieWa

[NonnieWa]

Thank you for the advice.  I agree that disability is not what I want now - but sometimes I've wondered if it's financially necessary.  I'd rather work to make more and keep active.  Sometimes it just feels impossible, though, and I feel a little dejected.  I realize that what I need to do is get creative about the jobs that I take and ways to lower costs at home.  It's a constant battle when your body battles you along the way, though, isn't it?
Thanks again for your response.
NonnieWa

[heart2heart2]

Hi, I've had fibro and chronic migraines for over 30 years (I'm 56) ) I do not recommend quitting permenently at age 29 - your SSDI payment would be pretty low and you would really feel depressed sitting home for 40 to 50 some years.

If you can afford it, take some time off or get a job with reduced hours or flex hours. I did quit my job but I waited till I was 53 to retire. My body simply gave up and I developed more and more illnesses. I am now trying to figure out how to do some pt work now because we could use some extra cash.

[PlateletGal]

I have worked in healthcare for years. I remember before I got mono, we had a patient with some weird virus. At the same time, my parent's were also having work done to their house and I remember being exposed to some chemicals. So I'm not sure which played a part... perhaps both ?

[patsy10]

I wonder if we get "exposed" to something or if the stress damages our bodies.  Did you work in healthcare too?

[PlateletGal]

"I have heard of many nurses with FMS/CFS."

Patsy,

You are right. I worked with 3 RN's who had fibromyalgia and here I had CFIDS (undiagnosed at the time).

[patsy10]

I work part-time as a nurse.  I could not work full time at this point.  Nursing is very hard and stressful.  The one good thing is that you can work part-time and get benefits.  I often wonder if the many of years of intense stress working as  a nurse is what got me in this situation.  I have heard of many nurses with FMS/CFS.  It makes me wonder....Also, have you been tested for the rheumatologic diseases and lyme disease to make sure you don't have a treatable illness?

[PlateletGal]

Check your inbox... I sent you a long message.

[chelbeay]

I have had the problem as well.  The first job I lost due to the illness I work at for 11 yrs and managed to get approved for FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act)  which covered me for 12 weeks out of the year as long as it was due to my Fibro/CFS but unfortuantely if a company want to get rid of you bad enough they will find other ways around it.  My second job I lost was almost a year ago.  I was working full time, a single mother of two children and living paycheck to paycheck.  The bad thing was, I was so worried about losing my job that it put more and more stress on me which in turn made my condition worse.  I have not gone on disability but that might be my next option.  I was lucky enough to find someone who made it possible for me to stay home for now.  I dont know what I would have done without him.  Honey, I dont know what to tell you except you are not alone with this problem.  We are here if you ever need to talk about any of it.