lymeHerx001
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6215
posted
What do people do for work around here?
I work in a school as an assistant and make about $300 a week. It sucks! But I get full insurance.
Im affraid to try and get another job because my brain doesnt work right and I cant stand for long.
Some days its tough for me to get around (today).
I mope around very slowly and just look sick.
There is mold in the school and it bother me but doesnt bother the students or staff. It makes my eyes red and makes me so so tired.
Posts: 2905 | From New England | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
Retired teacher here. I work several businesses from home.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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lymednva
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9098
posted
ditto to what tutu said! had to retire early due to lyme, but at least i have my health insurance.
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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lymeHerx001
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6215
posted
darn.
I must say this is my first post in General?
Maybee this is a good sign, maybee not...
I wish I could retire, was sick way before then. In fact I was sick when I started going to high school, got out, got better for a little and started drinking then WHAM!!!!!
Now I cant even put vinegar or olive oil on my salad. Its gotten that bad.
What type of work can one do from home? Ive sold a couple things on eBay but dont really know how to take it to the next level.
Posts: 2905 | From New England | Registered: Sep 2004
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
.. i was a former secretary, state employee for 30 yrs., 7 months, and left work WITHOUT ANY BENEFITS at age 49 due to my severe health problems NOT knowing it was chronic lyme disease!!
38 yrs; 34 years misdiagnosed by 40-50 mds!
took 5 yrs. of hell to get SSDI, disability insurance benefits....
at home fulltime; on here helping others especially those going thru SSDI with my prior experience and others....
this is my way of giving back and my support group!
thank God, my hubby "retired" with full benefits at age 60, 1 yr. before me so i was INCLUDED as spouse on his health benefits or i would be S.O.L !!
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
Does being a full time mother count?
Definitely more work here than outside of the home.
I am unable to go back to work yet as a Speech Pathologist.
Still have too many "bad" speaking days.
Not sure I could make a full day much less part time work yet.
Have you thought about unemployment?
Any disability insurance?
I've thought about both, but I was self-employed prior to Katrina and Lyme
So my benefits are very limited.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
Well - I've been a SAHM for 13 years, before that I worked as a RN in Neonatal ICU. I also did cross stitch design for a few years.
I'm glad to hear (not really, but you know what I mean) that even the Speech Pathologist has "bad speech days". Some days the stammering/word reversal drives me nuts.
Today I am teaching a finishing class at my local cross stitch shop - I've really been looking forward to it and actually have 2 people driving in from another state to take the class (it isn't really *that* exciting - I'm assuming they have nothing better to do! LOL).
Hope everyone is doing well today.... Jo
Posts: 1 | From OH | Registered: Apr 2008
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disturbedme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12346
posted
I'm only 24 and was just getting started with more of a career than any other job I have ever had when I fell sick. I had only been working for a few months (as a proofreader/editor of court cases for the Department of Justice) when I got really ill and had no idea what was wrong with me.
It got to the point where I eventually got brave enough to ask my boss if I could proof/edit from home. He allowed it and I was BEYOND thankful and happy about the arrangement.
After about a year and a half, a new guy came in as boss and within one day called me and my at-home job was pulled away from me and I was told that if I still wanted to work for them I had to come into the office on site and not at home. That threw me for a loop. It was very hard. I had to go on unpaid leave for a while because going into work was just too much.
We're still working together to find a happy medium before my unpaid leave runs out. So far I still can't work from home, but I may be able to get a part time position so at least I'll have a couple of days at home to rest and a few working. It'll be better for my husband and I financially. This has been really hard on us since we are newly weds as well - this disease itself as well as the job problem.
-------------------- One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar. ~ Helen Keller
My Lyme Story Posts: 2965 | From Land of Confusion (bitten in KS, moved to PA, now living in MD) | Registered: Jun 2007
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tdtid
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10276
posted
I was mostly a full time mom with four children but as they got older, I did accounting and the moved to the stock market, but perhaps with the way the market went, it was a blessing when I couldn't even keep numbers straight on a balance sheet.
I would read a prospectus and be in total fog and started making stupid mistakes, but didn't know what was going wrong in my brain.
Then more physical symptoms started and now I don't think anyone would hire me since I fear I'd miss work more than I'd be there with this up and down roller coaster.
But would love to get my feet wet again when I can finally start driving again, so this is an intersting topic.
Is there something lymies can do that can use a half brain without it being boring since it takes no brain skills? Does that makes sense?
Cathy
-------------------- "To Dream The Impossible Dream" Man of La Mancha Posts: 2638 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
I am a mother of 2. and work full time Navy Law Enforcement. So does my Fiance' of 6 yrs.
I am an Instructor for everything law enforcement. Mainly I teach Un-Armed Self Defense, Non-Lethal Weapons and Firearms.
This has proven to be nearly impossible to do since I barely have the energy to get out of bed in the morning.
I am due to be discharged in June and still dont know what I will do after I get out.
Awsome to see what everyone does and/or has done, kinda allows everyone to get to know each other beyond the disease, symptoms and treatment.
But it is terrible to see just how many careers were lost to Lyme and co.
-------------------- PROUD : )
Dx: Lyme & Bart April 2008. currently on plaquanil, Roxid and Sulfameth. Posts: 89 | From Manalapan, NJ | Registered: Feb 2008
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feelfit
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12770
posted
I was a Govt. Employee and a Fitness Trainer. Had to go on Disability in 1996. I didn't even know that I had Lyme then. Diagnosed in Sept. 2007 w/ Lyme.
there is absolutely no way that I could do m yformer work at this time....hope to get there soon!
Feelfit
Posts: 3975 | From usa | Registered: Aug 2007
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posted
Wow there are lots of teachers here. I am a retired art teacher from Missouri.
I left it to stay home with my kids, not because I was sick with Lyme..(yet!)
Now my kids are 9 and 7 and it's time for me to go back to work..BUT...
I feel so darn bad everyday that there's no way I can do that yet!
I am hoping to try to substitute teach maybe next Fall, if I have this all back under control by then, but we'll see?!
Good to hear what others are doing I always wonder if I am the only one home here.
and yes yes yes, being a full time Mom counts. I feel sooooooooo busy just trying to keep my head above water, managing everyon'e schedule's, laundry, and playdates, it's all I can handle right now while feeling so sick everyday.
Hoping good health for each of You! Laura
Posts: 232 | From MN | Registered: Jul 2007
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AZURE WISH
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 804
posted
Well, I was going to be an art teacher. All I had to do was finish my student teaching and finish taking the praxis tests.
But i got too sick (i was sick 13 years before i was disabled at age 23).
posted
I have a MA in Speech Pathology but haven't worked in 4 1/2 years
About a year ago I started making mixed media collages and have done ok - I have been in some stores/craft galleries, an art show, and have a little web store on Etsy to sell my work.
So, Lyme turned me into an artist:)
Etsy is a good way to make extra money if you are an artist, crafter, sell supplies etc.
-------------------- "We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us" - e.m. forster Posts: 921 | From PA | Registered: Jan 2004
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posted
To open a store itself is free and it costs .20 to list an item (for 4 months)then it expires. I know Etsy takes a small percentage of your sale, but it's a much smaller percentage than eBay
-------------------- "We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us" - e.m. forster Posts: 921 | From PA | Registered: Jan 2004
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Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
If you have good health insurance, then think very carefully before giving it up. Unless your state requires insurance companies give insurance to everybody, then you will not be able to get insurance on the private market once your COBRA period runs out.
We have such a stupid health care system in this country. We shouldn't have to make employment decisions based on health insurance. But that's where we are.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
It is amaxing to see what everybody does all very important wonderful missed jobs.
I have been a teacher for 11 years and had to give it up Oct 07 due to this illness.
I am only on short term disability ( perk for working for the state) and plan to return in August no later than december
Can you tell i am very optimistic.
Right now i am just concentrating on taking care of my 2 beautiful young boys.
It is everything i can do just to keep the clothes washed and dishes clean during the day and then play and help them.
Someone asked me this week why i kept my youngest in daycare since i wasn't doing anything but "sitting" at home.
It took everything i had not to scream a few choice words but luckely God helped me hold my Words.
I looked at her and said i really hope you never have to find out how i feel "sitting" at home all the time.
I miss working as i know all of you must. I don't think i will ever say again i wish i could just go home when i go back to work.
Just remember someway somehow you always make it through the bad times and there are good times ahead.
That day will be when i can go out in the yard and run around with my boys again.
Posts: 13 | From Ridgeway, NC | Registered: Apr 2008
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lymie_in_md
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14197
posted
I'm an Oracle principle database administrator and senior technical consultant for a large software company. This past year I've been able to struggle through despite half a brain. Fortunately, I've been able to graze on past laurels.
There are some not so amusing (but amusing) close calls I've had this past year given my responsibilities.
I've done enough over the past 4 months where my capacity to perform has increased significantly. Such as no more brain fog.
-------------------- Bob Posts: 2150 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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cantgiveupyet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8165
posted
lyme_in_md- i give you credit! Thats a very complex job! I worked for oracles competitior, in finace though, i miss it.
I was able to work from home for a week then they took it away from me. worked there for six years.
-------------------- "Say it straight simple and with a smile."
"Thus the task is, not so much to see what no one has seen yet, But to think what nobody has thought yet, About what everybody sees."
-Schopenhauer
pos babs, bart, igenex WB igm/igg Posts: 3156 | From Lyme limbo | Registered: Oct 2005
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posted
I was a vocational rehabilitation counselor so you'd think of something I could go back to work doing but the fatigue in AM is something I'd have to adjust my hours for. The other symptoms affect so many areas, still trying to figure it out. Voc. rehab. is way too stressful for this condition, especially if the supervisor doesn't wan to accommodate.
-------------------- RV Posts: 249 | From Healing in USA | Registered: Mar 2005
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posted
veterinary technician and certified canine rehabilitation practitioner.
still working, only part-time though 20-25 hours per week.
Posts: 59 | From stratford, CT | Registered: Feb 2008
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lymeladyinNY
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10235
posted
It's so interesting to read about everyone's work life.
I have a degree to teach Social Studies but I decided teaching wasn't for me. I then got a degree in medical records.
But what I actually ended up DOING was working as an editor/proofreader and then as an advertising compositor at three different newspapers.
Now I'm on SS disability and I don't foresee myself being able to work again. I wish I could because the cost of living is insane.
Plus, it gets boring here at home! My children are in school or at the babysitter's all day.
My husband is an electrical engineer with nothing to do at work! He's being driven insane because no work is coming in!
He is also a landlord and enjoys taking care of his rental property far more than engineering.
- Lymelady
-------------------- I want to be free Posts: 1170 | From Endicott, NY | Registered: Sep 2006
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lymeHerx001
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6215
posted
This is all very interesting.
I usually get very upset that I still work a job I hate. And then around noon I get very tired and give in.
I have lots of energy for about 2-3 hours at most and then its all downhill.
I actually have more energy at the school even though they do have some mold in some rooms.
I cant see getting a job at home (parents house), theres more of a musty smell in here that makes me so tired and foggy!!!!!!!!
Its the same thing with the mall, walking around there for an hour made me so foggy and dizzy.
I wish I was healthy enought to handle chemicals. Its preventing me from doing some good paying work.
But somehow I think its everything, the pain, the energy, the foggy thinking, the vertigo, the muscle weakness.
The people on this board are really the only ones that understand.
Maybee my purpose in this life is to accept suffering? For me there is always something spiritual going on.
Posts: 2905 | From New England | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
Medical transcription for ophthalmology for many years. Now, working at same, but only at home for approximately the last ten years.
Posts: 983 | From FL | Registered: Dec 2002
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posted
I am a mom to two and I supervise an ABA program for students with autism. I officially work for Rutgers Univ.
Fortunately, my job has been very flexible and understanding. Its great having state health benefits!
Posts: 368 | From freehold, nj | Registered: May 2007
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posted
Wow! Such interesting and competent folks out there!
I am a full-time mom of two. I was a Social Worker/Special Education teacher turned Learning Specialist. Had a full tutoring practice in NYC working with learning disabled students.
Stopped working when my children were born. Tutored a little on the side until my memory and speech got bitten by Lyme. Can't help little ones with memory disorders when you can't remember stuff yourself!
Now I spend three mornings a week caring for a friend's elderly father who has dimentia. Also care for my boys and do meals, laundry, shopping and chaffeuring.
Alot of times it feels like too much, but at least I can zone out in my own home when needed. I wish I could go out to work and get benefits. Just not there yet.
Best to you all,
wiserforit
Posts: 508 | From Banks of the Hudson | Registered: Jul 2006
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