As I walk through my 2nd week of antibiotics and Herx symptoms, I haven't been able to return to work. My job called me today and asked that I
have "short term disability" forms filled out because I ran out of sick and vacation time. Thank god I took that extra benefit when I
started this job 2 years ago. I've been out for 2 weeks now and I'm debating on whether or not I should, or need, to stay out longer. It's been
up and down in terms of physical symptoms. I know I'm the only one to make this decision, but I'm very curious as to what others have done in their initial stages of treatment. I think I may
be starting to turn the corner and feel somewhat better. Any responses would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Kelly
Posts: 64 | From Maryland | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
My husband was out on temporary disability and it was the time he needed to chill out and heal. While he is still symptomatic he needed this time when he first started treatment.
I would take the time if I were you.
Of course, I do not know if there is a long term reprocussion in taking the time as far as getting insurance in the future, etc. You may want to ask a professional insurance person what they think.
It takes time to heal and if you are starting to round the corner let your body rest. MHO
Take care!
-------------------- �Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right.� - Ezre Taft Benson Posts: 655 | From NC, Exit 88 on the Deer SuperHighway | Registered: Dec 2004
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david1097
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3662
posted
You didn't say what type of ABX you are on or how bad or what type your symptoms were originally. This is a big factor in the decision.
On my first treatment, years back I was put straight on IV the first day(this from an infectious disease Dr.). The first 3 weeks where very rough but after that I was not too bad. Given a scale I would say that prior to intiial treatment I was 3% to 5% normal (very very sick), after the 3 weeks I was perhaps 50% normal.This continued to about 80% a few months later.
I unfotunately relapsed within a year(even with oral antibiotics), but the initial treatment had very good results (most lost in relapse).
Can you handle a full day of doing what ever work you do? Also keep in mind that you will inevidably have days where you will not be able to put in a full day, can you work out a part time schedule, do you want to?
In summary, I would bank as much leave time as I could so that if the worse happens I have some time in researve.
Posts: 1184 | From north america | Registered: Feb 2003
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I should have mentioned I sit at a desk all day. Also, my treatment right now is oral antibiotics with the probability of going on IV in 2 weeks because of my neurological symptoms (mostly numbness, visual disturbances, headaches).
I have off/on joint and muscular pain. I know if I go back to work now and need time off again soon, I won't have any built up sick or vacation time to use, but if I stay out on short term disability for a few more weeks, I'll be covered. Maybe you're right LymieD, I need to heal and rest.
My job is extremely stressful since my promotion last year and perhaps that would not be the ideal environment for me to get better.
Kelly
Posts: 64 | From Maryland | Registered: Oct 2006
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