I have missed several days of work since my diagnosis. It justs hurts so bad sometimes. I can't think let alone deal with people. I'm afraid I will lose my job. Anyone got ideas on how to get through the workday?

What kind of work do you do and where is your RSD?
Im sorry you are struggling with this. I am fortunate that i can work from home..I am bed ridden with my RSD and I sell Office supplies over the phone. I am struggling myself because my sales are way down...but thats another story.

Tell me more about you and maybe i can help a little
Lori

Hi Lori-
In my right hand/wrist and if my skin discoloration is any sign almost up to almost up to my shoulder. I am in customer service so being peppy is a must. Generally no problem but some days not so much.
Sorry that you are having problems and wish you a comfortable evening.

hi Vicky

im in sales but mine is over the phone. i cant imagine being peppy in person when you are in so much pain. and you cant over do it on the pain meds while at work because you have to be on your game. i there another dept that you could be transferred to so you could be behind the scenes? or maybe look for a different job where customer service is done over the phone? maybe not if you have your insurance through work. i will keep thinking!
i know you are at a difficult place
hugs
Lori

Well, Cadillacgirl, you do the best you can everyday. I worked as long as I could and apologized a lot for being a bit cranky, but with a bit of a smile on.

Some days my best was pretty low, but I always tried to do my best. I knew the last day I worked would be my last day because I didn't have anything left.

A whole lot of it is attitude but the pain paints your attitude with a dark brush. I tried to save my good stuff for the customers & my coworkers.

Love somebody today, they need it.
Gentle hugs,
pat e

Hi Vicky,
Sorry to hear about you possibly loosing your job. It stinks. I have not worked in six years because of full body rsd. The couple real important things I have learned in dealing with all aspects of this mess is:
1-Try to get rid of the negative people in your life and keep all the positive and supportive people around you because you really need good things in your life.
2-I try to laugh at least one good belly laugh each day...whether it is a good friend making me laugh or I watch an tv comedy. It helps to get away for the few seconds you laugh and can forget about it all.
3-I pray alot. I feel a higher authority helps me get through each day. If I did not have it in my life I would not have been able to get through all things in life.
4-Take life one day at a time. I try not to plan past 2 weeks or so so then I don't get let down when I can't do something...but lately I can't do anything so I don't worry about it all haha!

It is tough to deal with rsd let alone possibly loosing your job, house, life, etc. but we all deal with it each day. This site has an amazing group of people who will love you and talk to you unconditionally. I wish I had found this site when I was diagnosed but it took me 10 months to find it and I have learned so much more from everyone here than any doctor I ever talked to. When no one else understands your problems it is nice to know we are all here for each other and usually have gone through the same thing at one point or another. Take each day one at a time and try not to plan to much in the future as rsd (and life) has its ups and downs. We are all here for you. Best of luck to you. Hang in there.
kathy d

Hi Vicky, you may have several options available to you. Your doctor may be able to place you on a medical leave of absence, where you may be able collect a potion of your pay and keep your insurance as long as you keep paying the premiums. You may also be able to use the FMLA where you are able to receive unpaid days off if your doctor writes a note that you need to use this due to your illness, this can be used a day at a time or up to twelve weeks but it is unpaid. If it comes to that, it may be time to get the ball rolling on SSDI as it takes a while to process.If you are considered to be disabled you will receive a monthly check and be elgible for Medicare. You can still work some while on this to help supplement your income. If it is a WC case, that opens another whole ball of wax that I won't get into hear right now. You may need to talk to your HR office to see what options are open to you, when I was a HR manager I always did everything possible to assist my associates to find optimal situations for them. Good Luck, Lisa

One thing I would do is start a journal. I would document each time that you have difficulty at home - and especially at work - doing things.

This way if you end up not being able to work, you will have documented how RSD has effected you.

I was able to struggle along for almost 10 years as RSD went from just my one foot to almost 3/4 of my body. I should have stopped years ago, but I was to stubborn or something. I think one reason I was able to get SSDI without any problem and without a lawyer was I had been documenting the things my employer was doing to help me, and things I was doing at home. (such as they changed my hours to second shift because it was hard for me to get up, got a special foot rest for me, a special mouse and at home, I bought various hand helper tools). All this helped me document how RSD affected me when filling out forms for SSDI. Also keep track of times you can't sleep, times you don't go out to do errands because of pain, etc.

I work retail so I can totally relate to the difficulties of having to deal with people in a customer service capacity (and as a manager it seems like 99% of the people I deal with are all upset or angry). Being peppy and happy is difficult...but I find that I have a "persona" for work. When I step into the building I am a different person. I've trained myself to smile and say hi to everyone I pass by (even if I'm in mid conversation with someone). I find that work is one of the best distractions that I have from the pain.

Unfortunately I am off work at the moment because things have gotten much worse. If it weren't for my inability to function at all (walk, stand, sit, etc), I would be at work. Can't wait to get back once they get these current problems figured out.

I hope you find yourself feeling better soon and able to continue working.

Good morning everyone!

I really appreciate the feedback and the advice. My neuro put me on FMLA until the end of next week. I see her then so not sure what will happen. My whole body hurts and I am sort of over it! But it is what it is.

I will be praying that you all have a comfortable day. Thanks again for the advice-dont know what I would do without you all.

Have a great day
Vicky