Working while on tx?

[AMAZED]

Hey guys,
     As I draw closer to my start date of tx, I know that many of you have posted on this topic before, but would you guys mind posting if any of you have work all the time through tx?  Maybe some of you have not work while on tx or might it be that many of you have taken only a few days off.  I live by myself and as we all know bills don't go away.  Would any of you share your experiences with me so far on work?  When I begin tx, I have two weeks off so as to aclimate to a routine and any sx's.  Any input here would be greatly appreciated.  As I have heard so many times before but just I guess a little reassurance from you guys that this is over-all..........doable.   Thanks... you guys are the best!

In Him,
Rick

[ex-city-slicker]

Hi,

Good Luck with starting treatment.  I started in Nov. and so far have not missed any work.  I have had to adjust my work style so I can work around feeling sick and memory problems.  I have a pretty intense job.  Keeping a positive attitude is key.

[hep62pj]

i worked the entire 6 months i was on tx, 40 hours a week, i might have called out sick once

[GrandmaA]

One patient said it's better to work. Keeps your mind off yourself. But the nurse said most people can work unless they have a very physical job. If you fill out the FEMLA form then they can't fire you if you can't work.

[FlGuy]

I missed a day of work during tx 1, none yet in tx 2.   Using Deb's phrase - it's doable. But, I think getting to know your limits while on the meds is important.  Starting up with time off is a good idea.  Do I remember correctly, you're on a flight crew?

[turtle 2]

I have just finished 6 months of treatment.  I never missed a day of work but it was always a struggle to get that first foot out the door.  I work in the oilfield and travel to remote places for a month at a time.  My HGB was always 10.7 - 10.8.  That's anemic.  What bothered me most regarding work was the anxiety. "Will I be able to do the next job that comes up". My advice to you is to stay calm.  You may not think so, but you can do it.  Forget about how many days of treatment you have left and take it one day at a time.  Like they say in AA just make through the next 24 hours.  I made it through everything that was put before me and you can too.

[Shanaenae]

I am now on week 36/48 and i have missed one full day so far and that is it. I had very little sides though, so there was no reason for me to miss work very much. I might come in late like once or twice a month, but besides that, i have been at work everyday :)
Just gotta see how you feel day to day really.

[FL_Gal]

You can do it.  I'm in my 11th week, and since I started tx I've been working 7 days a week, and then coming home from work most nights to take care of my two year old grand-daughter.

My hgb is down to 10, so I move a lot slower than I did before, but it seems like I'm getting used to it.  The hardest part is just getting out of the house in the morning, but once that's done, getting through the rest of the day is OK.  I always want those 5 more minutes in bed in the morning, ya know?

[AMAZED]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your responses!  Thank you for letting me lean on you guys!

NYGIRL- For whatever the reason you were on my mind and heart today.  May today God cover you and richly bless you in your extended tx.  You and everyone here may He abundantly bless each and everyone of you!!!!  

He's my reason for this season!!!

In Him,
Rick

[NYgirl]

Single mom of two with no other income at all (no child support, cant get blood out of a stone as they say).

Only source of insurace so I've HAD no choice except making sure I came in all of the time no matter how I felt.  I took 3 days off total sick time so far when my hemo went down 6 points in just over a week. It was just was impossible to make it when I literally kept fainting dead away when I'd go to stand up.

It's not the easiest thing...some days are definitely worse than others are.  But if you HAVE to do it you HAVE to do it, there is just no choice.

When the anemia hit for example it took me 20 minutes to make it from the car to my building.  I had to take a nap every day at lunch time at my desk.

But I made it.  On week 66 of 72 now - by hook or by crook I am coming in here. My kids need me and with insurance this is now a pre-existing condition so I HAVE to have the insurance.

You do what you gotta do. It sucks but unless the lotto comes in........thats what you gotta do.

[ladybug52]

Oh my gosh a two year old after work! they have so much energy! I think it's doable so far but I'm so new to tx I hate to even predict.  Best of luck to all who have led the way.
Bug

[pepelowpost]

Tx for 24 missed 1 day due to riba rash.I found going to work was good for me,kept me forcused on other things rather than just my tx. Good luck & god bless.

[Htownwife]

You go, girl!! I like your attitude! My husband's working too for our kids...college is expensive!! Good luck to you for the rest of your treatment, and try to rest up this Christmas!

[Pdilly]

Like NYGirl I too am working full time and more.   Sometimes it tougher than others and sometimes its no big deal.   You do what you have to do.

[Htownwife]

my husband has worked the whole time. He thinks treatment would be far worse if not for his work! When he gets over fatigued, he will lay down for a few min's, but gets up again shortly. He claims he can't sleep during the day but closing his eyes for a bit "refreshes" him (as much as possible!)
He's always been a high energy person though....active in boy scouts, church youth groups, and a spelunker (caver), canoer, kayaker, you get the picture. This has been a painful experience in that regard. He's been through so much since he started this treatment including rescuing our son (car broke down) who was coming home from college 5 hours away in the middle of the night! Last Sunday our Sunday school teacher told him he makes a cat with 9 lives look like a slackard!
I guess more than anything it's an individual situation as far as work goes, but in our case it's been doable, but not easy!

[Steelerbot]

I am 2 weeks in and I find the 2 days after the peg injection the most trying so I advise doing the injections immediately after you get home at the end of your work week. They say to minimize all side effects drink 1/2 your body weight in water/ day. thats almost 2 gallons for me. Gyyyaad. Good luck and be patient with yourself. Oh, a goood night sleep after injections is a must

[HepCBoy]

I really struggled at the beginning, first 10 weeks ish I did very little. Since then I'm almost back to normal workwise, getting better with each week, currently on 66 of 72.