I have been juggling my time off from work since my neuropathy hit in 2011, at least that is where I can parse out early symptoms via journals.

It has progressed despite intense efforts on my part. Of late I have struggled mightily as pressing has become difficult. I used to go in on three hours of broken sleep, struggle through, come home and pass out.

It lead to what felt like 16 hour work days, but it kept the job safe. Both my wife and I work, though I earn more and carry the medical insurance.

I have reached a point where we are looking for better employment for her and considering how long I can continue to work. It is a sobering thing to explore in depth, but when I run down my symptom list and the fact that I get up at 4:30 AM just to rouse myself for the day, well I am unsure how long that can last.

Any suggestions from how it is going or went for you? Working while dealing with chronic pain and discomfort is challenging, to put it mildly. I'd like to hold on as long as possible as I am young, though if ot were only until my family were in a better situation, well that would do.

Thank you in advance.

Jon

Jon,
I worked for a major American computer company and was pushed out of work on long term disability. First I used sick days, then short term disability and have been on long term disability for many years. My current disability income is now partially from insurance provided by my employer and partially from SSDI.

To protect yourself and your family, check to see what your company benefits are pertaining to sick leave or disability. If not covered, I would strongly recommend you purchase disability insurance, although it may be difficult get with long term health issues you but still worth exploring. It is expensive, at least it was a few yrs ago. My company gave me a lawyer to go after SSDI benefits and he told me, one in three workers have to go out on sick leave or long term disability in their working careers. I don't know if that is true or pertains now but, it is a sobering stat.

I have a friend who had his own law practice and he bought disability ins for himself and his wife. A few yrs back he was stricken with a rare lung disease and had to have a double lung transplant and now cannot work. He said he was so glad he bought the insurance.

You are so smart to be thinking of these issues. I think most folks cruise along in life, never thinking anything will happen to them. I was one of those dummies....I am so thankful I had disability benefits I was completely unaware of.
Take care Jon,
Diandra

I do have disability insurance, it was purchased before this all started so there should be no issue in terms of claim, though I suppose they could push the angle that diabetes was the cause ergo I am disqualified.

That could be a fun tussle...

Thank you for the input. It is becoming Everestish in the daily grind. I'm trying to be proactive.

Hi Jon,
Sorry to hear things are getting harder work wise. Your description of it becoming Everestish reminded me of a favorite quote from Edmund Hillary (or Sir Ed as he is fondly remembered here).

"If the going is tough and the pressure is on; if reserves of strength have been drained and the summit still not in sight, then the quality to seek in a person is neither great strength nor quickness of hand, but rather a resolute mind firmly set on its purpose that refuses to let its body slacken or rest

Given that he said this when he was in his prime please don't take it to mean you should push yourself physically til you collapse. Later he suffered plenty with altitude sickness and had to turn back many times. Perseverance and being proactive as you said is the way forward.

All the best with overcoming your challenges.

I didn't take any offense and I have and will continue to press on. I have concerns on the seasonal change upcoming. Lyrica deadened a lot of sensation these last two years. I have some fairly naked nerves heading into this Autumn.

I'm not adverse to other methods, but the brain drain plus what I thought was diminishing returns (it appears it was progression) gave me pause and I am currently without an effective medicine save tramadol, which is marginally effective.

At least the leaves changing color still delights, eh? hah.

Look out world, over five hours over broken sleep. Like a sharpened stilletto... you know, if context is applied.

Investigate frankencense neuropathy oil. It might help you.