Take care Char and hope you feel better soon.

you gave it your best shot.
i'm sorry it didn't work out.
you didn't quit, your body did.
poo on MS.

i hope you're recovering. sounds like a mini flare from the effort.
i grade you A+

here's a BIG ol' hug from your pal halfway downunder:



you did the very best you could, Char, and you KNEW when to stop.

don't feel even the tiniest twinge of guilt, honey!

Charbaby!

You did the best that you could!

Standing in one place for hours isn't good for ANYONE! There should be more frequent breaks and a seat or a stool for the person who works a job like that, regardless of how healthy they are and how short of a duration the job is expected to last! There should also be a padded surface to stand on in between.

I know I wouldn't have lasted the 8 hour shift either, and I have been known to be bullheaded when it comes to work and proving I can do something!

Char --

So sorry that it didn't work out. Some stories just hit me in the gut. One type of story that gets to me is when I hear of people getting jobs that I would like to be able to have, and would have been able to in the past, but can no longer consider it.

The other type is like yours -- people like me, who can no longer do everything they used to do.

Your story is a reminder to me that MS is full of losses, for me and others like me.

I am starting a new job Dec. 29. Lead teacher in the school age room of a day care center during after school hours. Will be 5 days a week, 2-3 hours a day.

When I read your story, Char, I am scared that maybe I won't be able to do my job either. I think I will. But, ???

Hope you can find a way to move on, and to find ways to validate yourself.

~ Faith

Char, you did try and that's what counts. I am sorry you feel so bad about it and I know deep down your feeling like you somehow failed yourself. You didn't you hear me? I think this door was the wrong one your supposed to walk through. Keep your chin up and try again when your ready. If you need to let it out you know my number.

Look at the good things going on right now and how your about to make Peanuts xmas so special and how the love you have in your heart shines through to everyone who knows you. I just know something will come your way and when it does you'll know why this one didn't work out.

Things happen, Yabbit. You knew when to quit. It's still like a sucker punch to the stomach because you're admitting yet again there's something wrong with your body, but you tried and that's all you could do--try.

I am a poll worker in my election district--the head honcho of the workers at my polling place--and I have to be there and pretty much stand for hours on election day. This last election it was 16 hours of standing and walking around. By the end of the first two hours both my legs were numb and I felt like I was dragging them around. It took me a week to recover. It was too much. I don't know how much longer I can do it physically because it was the worst it's been since I started doing it. I, too, felt like a failure--like it was MY fault that my legs and body were crappy.

You wouldn't think that standing would take so much effort but it does.

Hang in there, Yabbit. It's no reflection on the true person inside, more a reflection on your physical body. And THAT, my dear woman, you can't help.

(((Char)))
Bless you for trying to stick it out...now be at peace...it is what it is, as my DH says...if we looked as bad as our bodies felt, people would run away in shock, the way they did at the Elephant Man...
wish I could take the pain and problems away...you're a brave soul for doing what you did!

Char, I remember my neuro telling me that I couldn't go back to work-ever! Hard words to hear but as I self-help group leader I have seen this happen over and over again to others too.

And everyone of us wonder if maybe there was a job out there we could do but it would have to be on our good days for just the right amount of time and allow us to attempt to be comfortable during that time. For me there is no such job unfortunately but its ok now, I've come to grips with it but I'm old enough to be happily retired most of the time.

For younger people it must be particularly hard so somehow be easy on your self and if you really need or want to work don't give up there may be a job out there just right for you.

Take care.

Aww Hun, don't beat yourself up. I give you a standing ovation for even trying!!!

Carolyn