Quote:
Originally Posted by akimbo
My PN is not so disabling that I can't work, its the complications from sleep disruption and the side effects of drugs--foggy brain, slow thinking, poor recall--that concern me. I'm not doing my best work, that's for sure, and the pain does cloud my thinking (have FMS too). I noticed that my boss has been pulling me off the front lines more and more and giving me desk tasks. I don't have the courage to ask if its because of my mistakes. For much of my 30-year career I have been very stressed by the politics in the workplace, and at times hated my job, but work does give meaning to our lives and by working in health care I take some comfort in seeing that my condition is nothing compared to that of many of my patients. Of course the loss of income would hurt, though I could possibly have some disability insurance. I'm just wondering how you know when "its time". While my doctors have expressed concern about my mounting symptoms, they never want to venture into the work question. My partner is very concerned about my not working. Your thoughts are appreciated.
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Well a few years ago when my PN first came on...it was bad! I was very low emotionally and also taking a ton of meds that messed with my brain and caused horrific side-effects. I then started having bad panic attacks and I could barely function. I kept working, my job was flexible at the time. I realised that reality is perception. If people at work perceived me as being very ill than every mistake I made or choice they didn't like would somehow be linked to my illness. I work with a lady who has MS, and they blame everything on her MS.
Anyways 3 and a half years later I can almost function normally on most days,and I learned to cope better on the days that I don't. My greatest problem is the side effects of the meds I am on.
If your biggest problem is sideeffects from meds, consider possibly switching your meds around. this may bring some relief to you.Also talk to your doctor and be honest about the side effects.