I am a caretaker for my fiance. I 'm currently taking a course so I can get a much better job, and not have to do the backbreaking work for little pay, and no benefits. I have tried for disability, and got denied 5 years in a row. Besides, I make more what I'm doing now that what they would pay me. I got told that I was denied x's 4 because I work over 20 hrs a week! If I wasn't employed, I would have gotten it!

I wish I could help answer this but I can't. I once ran a kindergarten, nursery school, and day care center..exactly what I was born to do. But the pressure and the stress was getting to me. We also found out that my body didn't produce any antigens for childhood viruses so I was always sick. After 8 years, I had to leave. I took some time off to build myself up. I then took a part time job in out patient psychiatry but for the 1st three years, I worked full time..without full time benefits. I worked there until 9 years later..which is when the fibro was hitting my body. I kept having to take medical leaves, the people I worked with were nuts, and very difficult to deal with and I finally broke down, told my doctor everything and he signed me out so I wouldn't have to go back. I miss working, and honestly, I don't know what I would do if I were on my own. I get disability now for some other issues but if I were on my own, I'd be in big trouble. I pray that somehow a position that is good for you and for your body will come to you. And remember, always pace yourself.

I was a legal secretary for a large defense firm. Lots of stress, long hours, great pay. I worked for a year with fibro and chronic fatigue. My doctor advised me to take a leave or quit. So at 48 I retired and was able to get disability. I do miss it sometimes but I am much better without the stress.

I'm fortunate to work from home as a Reporting Analyst. I know work from home positions are hard to find, but it's the way to go especially with this illness.

I, too, receivred didability. I was a legal secretary and worked 9 or 10 hour days. I knew I would never get any better while wotkind and my body was shutting down. I have no regrets aboht quitting.