Hello, Everyday is an absolute battle to get through a day of work. It is such a grind being so sick. I love my job and it keeps me full, but emptying me so much at the same time . I can take a three month leave and was wondering if anyone else found that to be a key in their treatment.
With this desease it seems like I could continue to get worse no matter what I do, until I find the correct meds.
I do see a very good LLMD.
Anyone out there take a chunk of time off and found it to be a key part of their treatment? I am worried that I could actually get worse with the time off because of this insidious disease.
Any input would be appreciated Thank you, Brian66
Posted by dal123 (Member # 6313) on :
When I was so sick but manageable, mostly extreme fatigue, having a job that I loved helped me, but I lived close to work, went home at lunch and napped, took a short afternoon nap break and then same when home for the evening. Is this a routine you could adopt w your present situation?
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I agree with dal .. any way you can cut back to keep function and purpose in your life?
It takes so long to get well that I'm not sure 3 months would help very much. However, you know your body better than anyone else.
Whatever you decide will serve you well.
Posted by Overwhelmed (Member # 38499) on :
When I was at my absolute worst, I pushed myself through the 10-12 hour work days (and was continuously on call at home). I was just not able to get better despite enjoying my work. Now that I am working part-time, my condition has improved SO much. Even now, if I returned to my previous work arrangement I would no doubtablly relapse. Just my two cents. Good luck:)
Posted by Brian66 (Member # 46111) on :
Hello, Thank you for the responses. My world feels so tiny with this disease and taking time off would make it even smaller. I would not be able to take a little nap during the work day, but realize that would be so beneficial. Pushing myself seems to make me feel even worse, but I love my job so much.
It's like that old song -the same thing that keeps you alive can hurt you in the end.
I am leaning towards taking the time to hopefully increase the likelihood of making progress. Again, thank you Brian66
Posted by CherylSue (Member # 13077) on :
It depends. Staying home will just make you depressed. I suffered through work, but at times I could forget my illness and become engaged in what I did. I got through the day by snatching a nap in my car for 10 minutes during my lunch period. I collapsed when I got home.
Posted by Brian66 (Member # 46111) on :
Hello, Yes, I understand that I may become even more detached by being home alone which could increase my depression. My job is very hands on and it is not conducive to taking any "mini breaks."
It is a tough call. Unfortunately I am not a good patient at home and although stick to a diet and take my meds., my mind gets the best of me. I even find it challenging to distract myself.
I may just need to take it day by day, like everything else.
Brian66
Posted by Aneg (Member # 46674) on :
Hello Brian,
I just had inguinal hernia repair and was home from work for 3 weeks and let me tell you, I was ready to go back to work.
However sadly for me the first three days were great but Thursday and Friday I barely made it through. I was exhausted but I did look forward to going each day.
This is a thought, just keep going for a bit, see how you feel and if it gets to the point where you feel you cannot make it, then take some time off.
I wish you well.
Posted by Brian66 (Member # 46111) on :
Aneg I hope each day is a little more bearable . I understand that can be a painful procedure and the first couple days back at work can be difficult. Hang in there.
I agree, I am going to keep on going day by day and hope for the best. If I hit the wall for a period of time, then I know it's time for a break and completely focus on my protocol . Thanks, Brian66
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Brian .. I know any time I was really ill, it was even harder to RETURN to work. It was like fighting a huge uphill battle to get my body and brain geared up to do it.
(I was a teacher, so I don't know if your job is anything as intense as that or not.)
One thing to consider.
Posted by Kudzuslipper (Member # 31915) on :
I worked through the worst of my Lyme treatment. I fantasized taking a leave of absence. (Sometimes I fantasized about disability) I had no energy for anything but work... And sometimes not even. But I was afraid that if I took a leave, even though my job would legally be there, they mentally would have replaced me and I would have to fight for my position. I got through... But I do think I would have healed better if I had stayed home. The scary thing is... You just never know how long treatment will be...or if it gets worse later on. That fear of not knowing and possibly needing a leave later is what kept me going to work. I was lucky though, that I work from home 2 days a week. Those days really helped... I could sleep later and stay in pjs.
Good luck in what ever you decide... You can argue for both.
Posted by Brian66 (Member # 46111) on :
Lymetutu- Sound thoughts and thank you! I just don't know if I will even feel slightly better in a few months. If I did, it's a possibility that I'd slide black when heading to work again, after the time off.
For the moment it's "one day at a time." Some of you may remember that show. I will certainly keep you informed
Kudzuslipper-'working at home is definitely not a option but can see how it would be beneficial. Everything is so unpredictable and I don't know what might be needed in the future . I certainly understand you fears. May you you still be able to sleep in a little ,and wear pj s, and work at home at times . Yours, Brian66
Posted by LymeinNJ (Member # 7805) on :
Brian
I can relate personally to your dilemma and taking it one day at a time.
I would definitely do your homework before making any decisions.
If you have a friend familiar with HR laws/practices or perhaps a local Lyme support group, there are lots of options including sick leave, asking for reasonable accommodations (including as directed by your physician), doctor pulling you out for a window of time, requesting shortened work-days, etc. Some of these should be covered in your employee manual.
I only offer this after much stress and anxiety thinking the decision only had two options. Others helped me realize there were more choices and it really helped in my case.
Of course, each state and company are different but it's worth considering.