Struggling with Fibromyalgia and Employment

Sorry to all those having to deal with pain/health issues that hinder everyday life and not being believed. I’m in a similar boat. Only 30. I’m a nurse. Half fibro along with a few other issues. Each day just seems harder and harder. And I just don’t know what to do. You all are certainly not alone. 💜

@Kiiroitori Oh! If you are going to join FlexJobs, they have a promo right now for 1/2 off any subscription. Use code NEWYEAR. The promo ends on January 9th 2022.

@whitephantion thank you! I will look into flexjobs!

Check out FlexJobs. You have to pay to see the jobs available, but they're all work from home. You can filter job searchs by "remote" now on LinkedIn. Not sure if this helps.

@Trina Thank you❤️. It is frustrating that people don't understand! I hope that your journey to get on disability is successful soon! I know it takes two or three tried because they automatically deny you the first time (at least thats what my friend told me when he was a case worker for the state)

@Rhylan I'm sorry to hear you've been in a bad flare! I completely agree about it feeling futile to talk to a Dr about these things ❤️ Thank you for the encouraging words!

I feel for you and understand as well. I stopped working in 2019 because I just couldn’t do it anymore. It is frustrating because people have no idea what you’re going through! I would look into disability. It certainly can’t hurt to try. Just be warned it’s very stressful. I’m on my second year of submitting paperwork. Sending you gentle hugs 🤗

Hi, I’m sorry to hear you’re having such a difficult time. Today has been a really bad fibro flare day for me, and although I’ve considered talking to my doctor again, sometimes it just seems futile. It baffles me how some doctors still don’t believe it’s an actual debilitating illness. So you are not alone, please always remember that.

@Camilo_Madrigal I'm so sorry to hear you're going through the same thing 😥 hopefully things will turn around for both of us! Also I love your username!😁

Thank you so much @Fibrofrog ❤️ it's hard for me to advocate for myself a lot of the time; it's definitely something I need to work on 😅 It really helps hearing your logic, support, and kindness! I have heard of spoon theory; I'm just nervous about showing just how little spoons I actually have to people (my coworkers and my parents are able bodied people. My coworkers being my age, they don't understand why I move slower or use a cane some days) It's definitely a mental hurdle for me; but being on this app is showing me I'm not alone and it's ok to be honest with how I really feel❤️ I'm glad you've been able to focus on yourself and health lately!

I am in the exact same boat as you. You're not alone.

First off I’m so sorry you are going through this and not seeing any change. Is this your general practitioner? If so it can be so frustrating when they doubt your pain and need. Why are you scared to go on disability? I’m eventually going to apply for it as well but I’m lucky enough to have my parents supporting me too. I think the best way to deal with all this is to break it down. - It seems like it all comes down to your health (physical and financial). Think about yourself. What would you say to a loved one in this situation? Personally I would let them know that productivity does not equal worth and that being on disability is the best way to fulfill your needs. You DESERVE to live a pain free life. Don’t let doctors guilt you into thinking you aren’t worthy of the support. You have a right to a good quality of life. I also think being on disability will actually give you the opportunity to focus on your health. Right now im not working and I finally have the time to go to appointments and honestly just sit down with myself and heal. If you’re working so much you won’t have the time to live. Also if you don’t know about the spoon theory I’d suggest reading about it because it really puts into perspective that everyone has different capacities. Wishing you the best!