I've also tried to sit down with my boss and explain my brain "issues" (primarily speaking, concentration, attention span, memory, and work recollection) so that he could feel free to be honest with me if he sees me making any mistakes.

But when I try to explain anything about what's going on with me he just completely changes the subject.

The couple of times that I've had to go home (like yesterday I left 2 hours early) he told me, "but you look like you've been feeling better lately! You've lost weight and everything!"

Ok, granted I've dropped 20 lbs., but part of that's because I can't hold any food down! Other than that I'm exhausted constantly and I'm popping vicodin almost everyday at work because I'm in so much pain. Maybe I do look fine, but if I do, it's because I'm pushing myself so hard!

Other than that, I have no suggestions. I have worked for the same bosses for two years, albeit having to quit for four months due to being sick. My one boss totally understands

the other boss when I say " I am having a herx". Still says to this day "WHO?"

maybe print some info on here about herxing and symptoms...MAYBE he will read it...hopefully he will and he will be more understanding...if not you can always come and live with me and crimeoflyme and others..see my post "whos with me"

GOOD LUCK...

Most people feel that way -- gee, we're sorry and all, but why, exactly, is this my problem? Bosses especially. They have a job to get done, and you're valuable to the extent that you can do it. It's a point of view I can understand, although it's hell to live with, and when something happens to them or their kid, they'll see the world a little differently.

You have my complete sympathy. This is a very difficult thing to work out. The burden is always ends up being on you to come up with solutions, not on them to understand. And with the way sx change in this disease, what works for you one week may not the next.

The only thing I can tell you is -- focus on getting well, even if it means taking a lesser position or less time and less money. Estimate what you think you can do every day (the every day part is important), and then cut back from that by 10%. Use the leverage you have legally as a chronically ill person to force a workable accomodation. Tell everyone what a great manager your boss is that he can keep the team soooo productive even when working around medical issues. Once you're well, you can regain your ground.

The emotional pain becomes less once you understand that other people won't understand. Then, when someone amazingly does understand, it comes as a delightful shock.

but maybe if you at least have it in writing from your doctor that you have a serious illness it will help your boss believe it.

It has taken a huge burden off of me to have that on file so that no one can look at my strangely anymore when I disappaer early for a nap.
It's eitehr they tolerate that or they lose me to disability.

I feel for you - you are in a tough spot.

Unfortunatly the small business owner has to meet certian requirements income wise to keep the company afloat...this may mean that the chronically ill employee who can not perform their job will be let loose.

1 Get a new boss. (but, then the new one could be worse. HA)

2. Just do you job the best you can and stay out of the way.

3. Spend as little time as possible around the boss.

4. Last but not least....be patient with yourself and others and use your strength to get well.

I have learned the past 3 years that most people don't have a clue. I was one of those people. I don't know how I would be if the shoe was on the other foot before having lyme.

I have learned that those who do understand are few and I feel it is a gift that they have that most do not have.

My dad is pushing for me to go on disability. He figures he's been paying into social security for long enough that someone in his family who's truly sick should benefit from it.