posted
just wondering if any of you are able to continue working through the treatment and symptoms? I am considering applying for disability i just am not sure that i can function at work right now but am not sure if it is recognized as a disability at all??? maybe in time i will start to get stronger but right now i have a hard time with the slightest excersice..any advice?
Posts: 16 | From Fredericton | Registered: Jul 2010
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posted
I was able to go on approved medical leave (FMLA) at work for 4 wks but had to go back because my treating doctor (Not an LLMD!) wouldn't fill out the paperwork past 4 wks since I was supposed to be "cured" not sure how it works with state disability but I know it's hard to get even if you have a " true" medical diagnosis, my friend who had cancer was denied by the state twice
If your job allows for medical leave make sure you get a llmd to fill out the paperwork Take care
Posts: 157 | From Colorado | Registered: Aug 2010
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BackinStOlaf
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23725
posted
Yes, I work full time. Luckily, fatigue is not one of my symptoms.
-------------------- First Symptom 9/09 Multiple docs, negative Labcorp test LLMD: 1/10 Positive Igenex/CDC test Treatment 2/10 2/10-8/10 Amox, ceftin, zith, flagyl Currently: Bicillin, Minocycline, still dealing with severe breathing issues
Posts: 1121 | From New York, New York | Registered: Dec 2009
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posted
I have been lucky to be able to continue working over the past 15 months that I have been sick.
Often I feel pretty bad, drag myself to work, stare at my computer and try not to fall over, take a nap in my car at lunch break, and marvel at how nobody notices me limping, taking piles of pills, slipping off to the bathroom to throw up from doxy nausea, eating a wierd diet, and taking out of state trips to "visit friends" (my LLMD) every 3 months.
Other days I feel pretty good and am glad that I have somewhere to go and people to interact with, and that I have managed to conceal the fact I have Lyme, so they aren't all looking at me and speculating about whether or not I can do my job.
I really wish I could take a break from work. But I think if I did, I would get depressed from lack of social interaction and inability to support myself. I would be a tremendous burden to my family, who can't afford it. And I would lose my money, insurance, and ability to pay for treatment. So I consider that the possible damage of pushing myself to work and get tired is outweighed by its benefits, and I keep doing it.
I am also grateful not to have had real neuro symptoms, and that some of my fatigue and pain have let up over the past few months of treatment. If I got sicker than I am, I just would not be able to do my job, no matter how hard I tried. I feel for anybody in that condition.
If you have to quit, then be grateful for the chance to rest and take care of yourself, so you can recover.
I have heard that disability is difficult to get for anyone, and is often denied once or twice before eventually being granted, but I think it is based on your symptoms and limitations, not the name of your diagnosis. I guess that makes sense because two people with "diabetes" or "cancer" might have vastly different capabilities, and the same is true for Lyme. Document everything that your symptoms prevent you from doing, and it should be some help.
-------------------- Don't forget to laugh! And when you're going through hell, keep going!
Bitten 5/25/2009 in Perry County, Indiana. Diagnosed by LLMD 12/2/2009. Posts: 756 | From Inside the tunnel | Registered: Jan 2010
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How are you feeling? I'm not doing to good, I'm thinking of going back on medical leave
Posts: 157 | From Colorado | Registered: Aug 2010
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