Question about working

I posted when I was first diagnosed, or rather was told I had Fibromyalgia.  Since then I got caught up in the holiday, being a new mother, and going back to work.  However I wanted to touch base here and find out how everyone else with this handles the average work day.  I move a little slower and getting up and down and bending and so forth hurts a lot (my boss is rather annoyed that I take longer than other people).  I stand 8 hours a day and get nasty messages from my boss about leaning on a counter while doing paperwork or writing things out.  Any suggestions on how to make things better or more tolerable?  I'd write more but I'm typing around my 4 month old..

[heart2heart]

Hi, congrats on your new addition to the family!  Working and raising a family with fibro is really tough. I commend you for trying to do it, I worked for many years with fibro but finally when I was 50 I threw in the towel and applied for disability - but by then I had other medical issues also -made working too difficult.  Do you have to stand for 8 hours a day?? That seems really difficult for anyone with fibro. Remember you are protected under the ADA, your boss cannot fire you if you have a disability. Fibromyalgia can be considered a disability if it interferes with your job.  You can have your doctor write out a script such as - "break every 2 hours" or "no prolonged standing"  "must have chair with armrests" . Your employer must accomodate you - but it depends on the size of your company. It used to be 50 or more employees. I had a headset and ergonomic chair I requested when I worked as a receptionist. (Nonetheless, I still developed shoulder problems from filing!)  There may come a time, especially if your boss is uncoperative,  that you may have to search for a more suitable job for yourself.

[LLWB]

Heart2heart is right in her response to you. You are protected under the federal right to work laws. But I know how much a boss can make it unpleasant for you. My boss makes me feel like a criminal if I try to take a sick day. I have many other medical problems, and have had to take time off for surgeries several times over the years, the most recent for a neck fusion.  But Federal Family medical leave is available up to 12 weeks a year. And with a dr's written  paperwork, you can take leave with 1 day's notice, and your job is guaranteed when you return. That was the only way to get the time off for my neck surgery, and your boss can't deny it or harass you about it. Other than surgerys I have only taken 1 sick day in 11 years. If I could afford health insurance my dr would support my going on disability, but even with a disability determination, you don't qualify for medicare for 2 years. But I'm 60 years old. Maybe while you are young, you should think about a different job, one that doesn't put so much stress on you. Standing so long isn't good for you with fibro, and in the long term probably won't be possible. I hope this makes sense to you, having a little "fibro fog" at the moment.

[ImmortalOne]

"Fibro Fog"  been hearing about this, finding it slightly amusing because I constantly seem to have it.  As far as my job...yeah 8 hours a day of straight standing.  Its hard work with that, it was worse while pregnant.  I haven't seen a Rheumatoid doctor yet, mostly because of working all the time and a car accident that put my personal vehicle out of commission.  I've considered the disability route, but figure that I am still young and working is supporting my family.

[LLWB]

Working may be helpint to support your family, but disability should be considered, expecially is you are on your husband's insurance policy. That is the only reason I don't go on disability. Even when you get a disability determination, it is 2 years before you qualify for medicare. Doesn't make sense does it. But even with disability you can work part time, with some income restrictions. You should look into it more. Good luck, and enjoy the new little one.

[ImmortalOne]

Thank you for the information.  Right now I am the only one working, I carry the household soley with my income, insurance, and benefits.  My husband is a stay at home dad for the time being (but I am re-evaluating that).