What do you do about holding down a job? It is getting more difficult to work yet I do have fiinancial resonsibilitys.l

It can be very difficult to try and hold down a job when you have a health problem such as fibromyalgia, which can cause overwhelming fatigue and pain.

Some people have the luxury of working at a job that has flexble hours, an understanding boss or the opportunity to work at home on days when you are not feeling up to going into work.

However, most people don't have the luxury of flexibility when it comes to work. Coping with a chronic condition on top of work, home life and other responsibilities can be very difficult.

If your symptoms are so severe that you cannot work, you may want to consider discussing the issue with your treating physician. Some people can gain disability status, but it is not an easy road and is not one that many people want to travel unless and until they have no other choice. At any rate, you will need your physician in your corner. He/she needs to know the extent to which your condition is affecting you. Perhaps there are some treatment options that you can explore together,such as alternatives (massage, physitherapy) or medications (if you haven't already tried them).

I hope you find a workable solution soon.

Michelle,

You are so right- balance is important. Shift work can be difficult, especially if you have to transition between nights and days. Sounds like you have found the right balance for you.