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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Grantham, UK

Before this all started i was a full time teacher, now i am struggling to get through 8 hours a week as a teaching assistant. I have spent all weekend with headache, pain, fatigue and related frustration. I feel like i cant call in sick as they are judging me and if i have more than 3 occasions of sickness in a year i get hauled in front of hr. where do i go next.

November 19, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members shared the heartbreaking reality of trying to maintain work while managing chronic illness, with many describing the impossible choice... Read more

Members shared the heartbreaking reality of trying to maintain work while managing chronic illness, with many describing the impossible choice between pushing through debilitating fatigue and brain fog or risking their jobs by calling in sick. Several members offered practical workplace accommodations worth pursuing, including union representation, filing a disability discrimination claim under the Disability Working Act, requesting a Taylor adjustment form to formalize flexible hours and medical leave, and proactively meeting with HR before being disciplined to establish protections. A recurring theme was the need to advocate fiercely for oneself, seek advice from Citizens Advice or disability charities, consider applying for long-term disability benefits based on full-time earnings, and give oneself grace when a career must change or end entirely because health must come first.

A MyFibroTeam Member

But they should not put you down as absent so it doesn't effect your time keeping.
Regardless if you are paid or not.

This is why the Taylor disability work adjustment should be put in place for you I would still seek advice.

I would still look at you disability policy.
Check out to see if your local citizens advice.
Are aware of disability discrimination act.
Also check out in your local area if there is disability free advice agencies.
We do have one in Liverpool that deals with work related disabilities issue and benifit.
It's a charity run by the brain charity organisation.

Good luck 🀞 and try not to worry.
There is help out there it's just knowing who to seek advice from.
πŸ€— πŸ’πŸ™

November 19, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

Sorry to hear your struggling Jazzyjones.
Carnt they give you lighter duties? My daughter is a nurse and the gave her less hours and they put her on light duties.
My daughter is also a qualified midwife so I can understand were you are coming from its so diss Harting when you have to change your career.
I wish you all the best πŸ™πŸ’

November 22, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

I identify with all of that Helen! I eventually retired at about 56 but should have gone on disability. My stress, anxiety and brainfog, along with insufficient information from my employer hampered my decision-making process. Being retired, but still very active the past 4 years, I am a much more normal person. Before I found out I had fibro 4 years ago, I thought of myself as lazy and exhausted as well as over-stressed. I often worked extra hours at work to compensate for the brain fog and not being able to concentrate with the noise all around me. That exacerbated the problem of course, but I didn't know better. I have tried to learn and read as much as possible on fibro so I can deal with it better now. Good luck!

November 21, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

I was a Mental Health Therapist and had to resign several years ago, Due to the fatigue being so so bad. I can not find a way to get the fatigue under control. Is anyone mostly home bound and even staying in bed too much due to fatigue being so bad. Does anyone have anything that has helped them./ When I get up in the mornings, I feel so much worse than when I went to bed. I am sleeping better now, but it does not good. I even resorted to energy drinks, which help very little.

November 20, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

Thanks for your advice. My monthly review got cancelled. They have met me halfway with giving me less hours and half days. I have a medical appointment this week and had to fill in an absence form for leaving 20 minutes early. They are unlikely to pay me for that time.

November 19, 2018

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