I'm new to this site, have fibro, disc disease and some other things, so can relate to what you're going through especially w/work. I've also done FMLA, now am to a point where I just can't keep up the work schedule. My employer offers short to long term disability, is that an option with yours?

I'm only 57, physically feel 97, mentally feel 37, wish they'd all get together.
Hang in there.

Yes they do. However, I just found out yesterday that by law I am only entitled to 12 weeks of FMLA a year. After that, my employer is legally allowed to get my benefits, etc. Also yesterday, they told me they would be cutting my benefits to include leave, etc. I was told they have been very patient with me and willing to work with me. I feel they have to a point. I have been with them for almost 8 years and I feel like that means nothing to them. I know they are in business to make money. However, I feel if you don't take care of your employees then the money is doesn't come in either. My customers love me and support me more than my company has and that is a darn shame. I talked to my husband and told him that I will work when and how much I can when I can. If the pain is too bad that day, then I won't be going in. I can only do what I can do. I have to accept that as so does my family. They are trying. However, unless you're actually are going through it or something similiar, then you really don't get it. Thanks again for all the replies. Good luck to all.

Just popping back in to see how things are going for you. Like I said before, I can totally relate to what you are going through. I don't know what I would do if I had to get up and go into the work field on a day like today. I hurt all over, as it is so hot and humid out.

I hope you and your employers can work it out, so you can stay employed and they can keep a valuable employee on a more limited basis. Hope you feel better Warb!

Glad to see you back Wendy... I was wondering where you have been. Hope your load lightens soon and your'e feeling better.

My doctor reduced my hours to 4-6 hours as day. However, my company isn't happy. I learned 12 weeks of FMLA is all i'm entitled to in a year. I have gone past that. They are now cutting my benefits and leave. I didn't have leave before and now I really don't. I've decided that I will work when I can and when I can't I won't. It is hard for my husband to except that. He is a worry wart. I am having a bad day also between the front that came through last night and the humidity today. One day at a time, and sometimes one moment at a time. That is all any of us can do. I just wish we could give our pain to someone for one day and see how they handle that. I do believe that my supervisors would change policies if that happened. Oh well such is life. Thanks for asking.

Hi Warblesnap and all.

I had an extra hard week last week and I don't know how I made it through the 3-1/2 days that I did work. Just hurt everywhere and now with the newly diagnosed arthritis, I've discovered that stuff can give you fatigue as well.

I was totally fatigued last week, a little better this week. The mornings are the worst. When I get up the stiffness is overwhelming. Even my feet hurt.

Anyway, last week I took thursday afternoon off to get my every-3-week massage. GOD I wish I could afford to see her every week. Anyway, I took the next day vacation as well because I just couldn't bear the thought of making it all the way through the week. On Friday morning I didn't wake up until after 10:30 a.m.!!!! I was more exhausted than even I knew.

People at work look at me and say, "Are you okay!?" I get really tired of telling them "I'm fine, thanks." Walk around like a really little old lady until my body can function. I usually try to take a short walk mid morning to help with the stiffness.

I hope you are doing okay.

And yes, so nice to see you again Wendy!!!

It must be something in the air. I had a really bad week last week. My family came in this past weekend to visit. After they left Sunday, I slept for over 4 hours. I went back to bed around 11pm and didn't get up until after 10pm. I've been sleeping off and on all week. Tuesday I did 3 loads of laundry and felt like I had been working in the yard all day. My doctor told me I could not go back to work until after the Neurologist. I went there yesterday. More tests is what they want. My company is starting to get really upset at the amount of time I am missing. They called me last week in a conference call and sent me a formal letter today stating that I may have to pay them in order to keep what little benefits I have left. I go see my family dr tomorrow to discuss short term disability until we can figure what is making my symptoms worse. For the last 1.5 weeks, I have been in excutiating pain, severe muscle weekness (to the point I can barely walk to the bathroom), and shaking off and on all day. One day at a time is all we can ask right. I'll let ya'll know tomorrow how it goes.

Oh no dear, that sounds awful! And I'm so sorry about the work situation. It is frightening to have to take off work frequently. I've been where I am for 25 years now and you would think that I would have hundreds upon hundreds of sick leave built up.

Nope. I don't.

It really gets frustrating. I'm so sorry you are having so much trouble.

Oh, and your comment about last week! In fact, a co-worker of mine also has fibromyalgia and depression. She was really hurting last week as well. So, who knows. Maybe there was a global weather shift.

I think what bothers me more than anything is the fascia problem. You can touch me anywhere, ... anywhere on my body and it is sore. When I get my therapeutic massage, sometimes I am telling her wow...that HURTS! And she'll show me how much pressure she's using and it is so minimal I can't even believe my eyes. I adore her though, she is very experienced with working on fibro clients and can sense the most painful areas on me.

Let us know how you appointment goes/went, and I wonder what other tests they will do.

My dr put me on 6 weeks of short term disability for now. He said if we have to adjust it he will. He is a good dr. Now, as long as my company can get on board. Thanks to all of you.

Ohhhhhh, I am crossing my fingers for you warbel !!!!!

Take some nice long hot epsom salt baths too.

Just to let you know that my short term disability has been approved for 6 weeks. I just received the letter in the mail today. It should only take another 1 to 1.5 weeks to get my checks. One step at a time. At least they approved it. I was so worried that they would decline it. I'll be glad when it does come in, money is really tight right now. I went to Hobby Lobby today to get the stuff for my daughters Ag project and they already have their Christmas decorations out and up. I'm not ready for Christmas yet. Thank you all for comments and replies. I'll keep ya posted.