Does your company offer short and long term disability? I went out of work on short term disability and it turned into long term and it has been a life saver getting paid while im out. I cut back on my hours at work for awhile and that helped. Is your mom on the fibro site? We would love to have her.
Connie, thank you for sharing this, until reading your words “I never had much energy, I push myself constantly…” I have not put into words what my life has been like for years! It has made me think and it helps to recognize exactly what I too have been doing!
Connie said: I’ve worked full time for well over 50 years. My Sjogrens diagnosis is very recent.
I have never had much energy. I push myself constantly. I still work full time. Everyday at lunch, after I eat, I go to my car put the seat down and close my eyes. Some times I doze off. It helps me get through the afternoon. Some of my co-workers made fun of me, but I now see others doing the same thing.
You have a young child, and it's important to be the best Mom you can be. Maybe you should try to work part-time.
When my lupus was active, I believe I took a short break and then found good PT jobs. What a blessing. These days, for some reason, it is extremely hard to find a good PT job. I'm older now, so my fatigue is a bit worse between migraines, SS and other health problems working full time and even PT regularly is not in the picture for me. But if you could find a good and worthwhile PT job, that might be ideal. (Sometimes I think about looking for something with limited hours and very flexible for myself...would love to put my college degrees to use....but also realize my health/energy and desire to NOT be in great pain is paramount! So, this is a topic that comes up for many of us.)
It is a very personal decision, as potential financial concerns causes extreme stress. Much to discuss with your spouse, etc. a very personal thing. Wishing you much success as you work through this.
I would talk to someone with your state disability office and see if they can give you any help. Although, state to state, they can differ. Personally, if you have the opportunity to take a break, I would. Enjoy your child, rest, find out if you might not want to go do something else, but taking a break may not be in your best interests. It's just that I know not taking a break can be really hard on a body, and you don't always get the health you lose back. Sorry, this isn't much of an answer, but the problem is that there IS no easy answer. However, whatever you decide to do, make sure you document everything going on at work. In writing.
I was also going to suggest FMLA. Glad others beat me to it! I'm 56 and I've never NOT worked until now. I had been the sales manager and interior designer at a furniture store. I also did outside jobs for 30 years such as painting and wallpapering. I had been working with a good friend doing staging for high end real estate. I loved every one of these jobs. September of 2012 I was in a horrible car accident that took me out of the workplace pronto. I had every intention of returning and kept in touch with my bosses, who were very supportive. My co-workers...ummmm not so much. I was gone for a year and about that time I began to feel worse instead of better. I went over to the store one day to see how I would do, and after 1 1/2 hrs my back, hips, and legs hurt sooooo bad. Here's the bummer. My store has 3 levels and no elevator. 13 steps downstairs and 24 upstairs. I did them each once and thought I was going to die. By this time I had been diagnosed with SS and just the sheer thirst of going up and down was as bad as the pain. I had to face that I would not be able to return to any of my beloved jobs and had to officially resign. I intend to file for disability but can't do so until I receive my settlement from the accident. We have been close to bankruptcy for a while now but should be getting my money in the next month or so. That stress has not helped my health at all. I say, if you can afford to take the time off...DO IT! It can only help you in the long run and your child will love you even more for it. Good luck to you, and glad you asked this very thoughtful question.
Can someone explain to me how disability works? I am familiar with FMLA, but I am not sure about how one goes about filing for disability with the state.
Thanks