I decided to quit my job of 28 years! This has been a very very difficult decision. I have had a great career working with the birth to three developmentally delayed population. The last two years I have been in way too much pain, not to mention the viruses I pick up, which are numerous.
I am on 2000mg of cellcept and I think it works well for me except for the immune suppression. It seems like when I am not working, all I can do is rest for my workdays. I used to work four days a week but in the last 1 1/2 have gone to three days. My husband is not happy that I have no energy for life and that work is eating up my soul. I have had three prednisone courses since Dec. My bottom is covered in boils as a result and I have another stomach virus (thank-you kiddos)
I had a melanoma removed two years ago with a negative lymph node biopsy ( that was a relief)
Hip surgery last fall for a torn labrum and trocanter bursectomy.
Degenerative disk disease impacting my ability to move without pain.
I am scheduled for a spinal injection at the end of the month…
Anyway long story short, I am applying for long term disability through work and I am totally freaked out!
In 2010 poor health forced me to seek early retirement. I did not have a choice. I freaked out too. I am in a better place about it now. My health has been up and down and I have activities and interests that suit my current needs. I hope that you can chill and roll with it to keep the stress from getting worse. There is life after.
Thank you for your words of support. I am off to start clearing my desk and orienting the therapists to my caseload.
I was a scientist with a great career at a world famous university. I supported NASA missions, and I loved my job! But I had to quit in 2011, after a year of working from home on my laptop. I couldn't even work in bed any longer. Needless to say I was devastated by the loss of my job, but I think that stopping work has been a positive thing for my health. It removed one source of stress from my life, which has lessened the frequency and duration of flares. I have been able to move on and am feeling better about life in general.
Best wishes,
JoAnn
Giving up a career is so difficult - I think you've earned a break after 28 years - particularly when you have spent so many working with the challenges of Lupus. You may find the rest good for you - I've been off work for several months and the lack of stress from work is keeping my symptoms more manageable (at least I think that's why I have more good days). After some rest, you may find something easier and rewarding to do - I've been volunteering at the local animal shelter (when I feel up to it) and I'm really enjoying it.
Now if I can just find a way to make some money..... :)
Good luck and hope that you feel better!
Hello, Well so far I agree with what everyone else has said, I agree with it being a Very Hard Decision, but the right one for me too @ one time. I was a nurse. I stopped in 2006. To further add to it, Its even harder to adjust with having spare time to think. As soon as possible, get help for depression. I waited too long. I am unable to work now even if I wsnted to. But make a stand for yourself. Pick a day, declaring is yours. A day that is defined as your 1st day of your new journey for a life of quality over quantity. Its nice to nap w/out guilt. More time for you to feel as good as possible, and more quality time w/your family. After 28 yrs work…
God bless. Now take time to literally smell some roses., Margaret out in Calif.
It is very difficult to leave a career. I’m a RN and worked in clinical research. Finally I had to Ask myself, how is my job making me better. My career was making me worse. I miss being a nurse
now I can rest when I need to and take care of myself.
I’m sorry you had to quit, but it really should help improve your health. Less stress and germs!
Take care and be well!
Wendy
Salmar,
So sorry to hear you are also one of us effected with Lupus. Only we can understand the confusing, frustrating, life changing disease this really is. Good news is you are not alone thankfully there are others who do understand where your heart is coming from!
After the birth of my son in 2001, the birth was so hard on me I was in the U of Chicago for a month before going home. Lupus flare from Pure Hell!!! I was a Computer Tech for IBM at the time and realized I had NO energy after caring for my son during the day. I had to quit & I never regained the energy I hoped I would and in the last 13yrs things have have gotten much worse with my health.
My husband helps emotionally supports me when I feel guilty for not working & he reminds me he was able to take his job w/lots of foreign travel due to I here with the kids for practices, school, homework, etc. so we know the kids are always cared for no matter where he is.
It’s never perfect as we all know, Lupus has even given me blood clotting disease, blood clots, pulmonary embolism, (blood clot in lung) epilepsy, hypo-thyroidism, high blood pressure, body muscle jerks/spasms, vertgo, etc.,
But I try my best to SMILE, BE POSITIVE.
Best Hopes and Wishes to You!!
GOD BLESS!!
Thank you all for your words of support.
Went to the dr. today for what I thought was boils and lo and behold I have shingles. In my immune suppressed state it makes sense. Also my blood pressure which has always been in the ‘great’ zone was 166/85. Tested at the beginnning and the end of my appt! Hoping this is the result of infection and prednisone.
Whatever…just another validation of leaving my job. Lots of work to do to make this transition but I see light at the end of the tunnel :). We’ll at this moment anyway. The dr. Prescribed an anti-depressant to add to what I already take to fill if needed.
I'm sorry to hear you are having such a tuff time. I had to quit my job too it was a hard decision to make but your health has to come first. I know that quitting your job is a hard decision to make I really miss my job a lot. I will keep you in my prayers.
I hope things get better for you.
Piewacket
I too know only too well how you feel Hon. I had opened a gallery and gift shop that I loved. It was my lifelong dream to one day have my own art gallery for my work and others. I went in with a friend back in 1996 & we opened a small gallery with our art, handcrafted pieces of gifts and whatnots and I even started giving art lessons. My gallery grew and I moved into a larger building when my friend dropped out. My husband suggested I add framing to customers. He made the frames and put everything together. I started feeling bad all the time however and developed severe back and neck issues. I was on disability by this time as I found I couldn’t stand more than a few minutes at a time and was having to close up early more and more due to pain. So a few years ago I had to admit that I just couldn’t do it anymore and we sold out most of the equipment and products and packed up what was left and moved it all into a commercial shed to store. Now I am at last going to take on giving private art lessons in my home. I know I will enjoy that. Keep strong and know when God closes one door in your life hdd opens another for a better path for you.
I cleaned out my desk, threw way reams of miscellaneous materials showing no mercy. My fellow co-workers organized an impromptu goodbye to greet me on my last day with beautiful flowers, a banner and a table of food, a cake, many cards of well wishes. All in all I felt enormous relief and an unburdening of all the things I no longer have to do. Yesterday I started filling out the disability paperwork and the transfer of my retirement account. I had to stop and wait for Monday as I had several questions I could’nt answer without making several calls for the missing information. Waiting game has begun as well as starting the next chapter in my life.