Greetings,
I worked in a very high tech environment as a software engineer. The lupus fog and depression made me too slow a performer and an erratic one, so I was fired. For people with heavy lupus fog, what types of jobs have you had success at?
Thanks,
jnethridge
Hi jnethridge,
I am very sorry to hear about your job. You have my deepest empathy and understanding. I have been working as a Registered Nurse for 20 years and brain fog and depression have made things increasingly difficult for me to perform my duties. I experience fatigue and pain on the job, and can’t afford to make mistakes since I have human lives in my hands. I recently had an MRI of my brain and will be seeing a Neurologist in a couple of weeks. I have been racking my brain trying to figure out what else I can do as a career to pay my bills and put a roof over my head. I want you to know you are not alone and I do understand. I do recommend engaging your mind in as many activities as possible. …reading, crossword puzzles, etc. I welcome any suggestions from others as well. Hang in there?
i'm sorry you're going through this :(
I had my doc prescribe a stimulant--quick in quick out so i only use it when i have fog. ritalin or something similar. bc it doesn't have to build up in the system like many medications, you can just take it as you need it. i have found it very helpful in order to help with focus on the days i can't miss but feel really foggy
A friend of mine with Rheumatoid started Ritalin for similar issues and she said it really helped.
Hi. Due to complications, a lot of pain and fogginess, I had to stop working nearly 16 years ago. I know it is difficult to accept that you are no longer able to function at the high level you were once used to. Perhaps you could consider working at home. All that is needed is a computer and/or a landline phone. Working at home, either part or full time, can give you the flexibility you may need to work at your own pace. Be sure to thoroughly screen any company offering online work. If you are on disability, Social Security may be able to help you find a job through the Ticket to Work program.
Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.
I'm sorry to hear of your troubles. It is difficult to work on any job with the Lupus fog, fatigue, and memory loss. I work in an office and support a team. I was having a lot of trouble between these three symptoms. I finally went to my doctor and begged him to help at least the fatigue. I was becoming increasingly fatigued and had a hard time functioning at work.
My doctor tried Adderal for me and it saved my life! I am still tired and sometimes the fatigue and the rest come on with a vengence, but it has so helped for me, I was elated. It takes away the fog, keeps me less fatigued, helps with the memory issues, and has given me clarity and focus.
I hope you can find something that works for you. For those of us who must work, it's nice to find solutions to help when needed. God bless you.
Hi , sorry that Lupus has caused you a income change, loss of ur job. Hang in there? I haven’t heard of no n type of jobs that will allow US to work , but if you do find one congrats and try your best to fight the fog !!!Beverly L.
I am very sorry about your job and being sick there is a web site called Women working remotely.YOu. can work from home on days you feel good. I had long term insurance so I was very lucky Try web search All so some resorts like Sandals let you work at home.I will be thinking and praying for you Take care
I will be subsitute teaching this fall. On a bad day I can say no and not be afraid of being fired.
Rose said:
I'm sorry to hear of your troubles. It is difficult to work on any job with the Lupus fog, fatigue, and memory loss. I work in an office and support a team. I was having a lot of trouble between these three symptoms. I finally went to my doctor and begged him to help at least the fatigue. I was becoming increasingly fatigued and had a hard time functioning at work.
My doctor tried Adderal for me and it saved my life! I am still tired and sometimes the fatigue and the rest come on with a vengence, but it has so helped for me, I was elated. It takes away the fog, keeps me less fatigued, helps with the memory issues, and has given me clarity and focus.
I hope you can find something that works for you. For those of us who must work, it's nice to find solutions to help when needed. God bless you.
Rose,
If you don't mind me asking, how much Ritalin do you take? I am seeing a Neurologist on July 16th for my brain fog and fatigue. I was going to ask about Effexor, to help with depression and chronic fatigue. Quite frankly, I am open to whatever works.
Karen (Dolittle - which is my dog's nickname).
Seeing a psychiatrist, some counseling and group therapy, and taking anitdepressants has helped. I just started taking Effexor--sure beats being drugged up and fuzzy with narcotics that only relieve pain for short periods, unless you take narcotics constantly like every 4-6 hours around the clock. This puts me in a stupor, makes me more depressed and sleep most of the day.
You got to hold on!
Disabled by my health conditions, I donated my time and experience helping other patients online. Eventually I was offered a job working online as a health advocate, writer and community manager. I have worked for several companies since that time. It’s been one of the best things I have ever done, and I loved it immensely.
There are many telecommuting jobs for qualified individuals. Many offer very flexible options.
Good luck. I hope you’re able to find something that works for you.
Ellen,
I'm curious how you found those jobs?
I too am looking at having to either proceed with trying for SSDI or find a lower paying job that will accept the fact that the fatigue causes me to be undependable.
Ellen S said:
Disabled by my health conditions, I donated my time and experience helping other patients online. Eventually I was offered a job working online as a health advocate, writer and community manager. I have worked for several companies since that time. It's been one of the best things I have ever done, and I loved it immensely.
There are many telecommuting jobs for qualified individuals. Many offer very flexible options.
Good luck. I hope you're able to find something that works for you.
I find myself crying and relieved at the same time. I'm so sorry that so many people have had to leave jobs or have been fired because of their illness when they clearly still have so much to offer. I am relieved to know that I am not alone.
Even with stimulants prescribed by my doctor, I would fall asleep at work or doze off while driving...
It's been over a year since I lost my job, a job I loved and was actually still very good at and I still have no prospects. I'm still trying to process how I got where I am today....
Thank you to everyone with suggestions, good luck to everyone that is processing the same situation. Keep in mind, you are all still qualified individuals, you are just sick and tired. Don't let anyone take your value away from you. That's what I did and I am still trying to get through that.
Cathy In MD