Working With Fibromyalgia

I can tell you first hand how fibromyalgia limits my ability to work. Sitting at a desk for long periods on time can be very painful. Manual labor is something I wouldn’t go near. I can barely get out of the bed in the morning therefore I knew there’s no way that I could handle manual labor. I try to stay away from jobs that require you to have full mental clarity because fibro fog makes it difficult to concentrate and multi task at times. I have tried working a customer service job answering phones but it was such a struggle. I had to take a leave of absence which turned into unemployment. The pain from sitting there, for 8 hours a day with two 15 minute breaks and a 30 min lunch, resulted in me having constant pain. I had to get up and walk at least every hour or else I would get restless leg syndrome. If anyone of you have had restless leg syndrome you know how torturous it can be. I wasn’t able to get up and walk so I had no choice but to resign.

I was disappointed that I had to leave my job. I was excelling in my position and handled all the customers with care. I’m one of those people that actually liked their job. Unfortunately, my body had other plans for me which didn’t include working. For those of you that are able to work, I applaud you. I am glad to know that some people with fibromyalgia are able to work without any problems.Fibromyalgia has such an effect on your body it’s great that you’re able to work and be productive.

Working with fibromyalgia can be challenging, but it is possible. It is important to be mindful of your limitations and to take steps to ensure that you are able to manage the condition. Talk to your employer or Human Resources department to discuss your needs and make sure you are receiving reasonable accommodations. You may also need to adjust your work schedule and work environment to reduce physical and mental stress. Additionally, you should make sure you are getting enough rest and engaging in self-care practices.

Self care is important when you have fibromyalgia because it helps manage your symptoms. Self-care can include things like regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, using relaxation techniques, and taking medications or supplements as prescribed. It's important to find what works best for you and stick with it to help manage your symptoms. Additionally, it's important to take breaks from activities that are too physically or mentally demanding, and to practice stress management.

Having fibromyalgia doesn’t mean you cannot gain employment. There are many jobs that people with fibromyalgia can do. Some of these include working from home, telecommuting, and jobs that can be tailored to their individual needs and abilities. There are also some employers who are willing to make accommodations for people with fibromyalgia. It is important to be honest with a potential employer about your condition and to be prepared to discuss how it affects you and how you can manage it while at work.

Until next time we meet stay strong, healthy and hopeful.