I posted a status update on my personal Facebook page this morning and I realized later on in the morning that I might gain some insight by posting it here as well.
I’ve been wanting to do some blog posts about work and chronic illness and I’ve wanted to write a little about my new job, so I guess this is as good a place to start as any.
As I’ve mentioned previously, I am in the homestretch of a very challenging and difficult month schedule wise. I am really hoping, that things will settle down a little for me once we go into November. I am definitely not getting the recovery time I physically need right now.
That got me to thinking this morning. I typically work two days a week for a total of fourteen hours. I also sometimes work a third day at my substitute school nurse job although lately that is rare. I am working three days this week. I honestly don’t understand how people with chronic illnesses like Sjogren’s (or any other illness) work full-time. I say that because all along that has been my ultimate goal: to get back to a full-time nursing job. I started with subbing, now I work part-time, and I was hoping full-time would be doable within the next year or so.
As of today, October 26, 2015, the full-time gig will not be happening.
No way.
Now I know I can’t see into the future but honestly, the part-time stuff is physically kicking my butt. I know the fact that I had to come off the low-dose naltrexone, which helps treat my Sjogren’s syndrome, isn’t helping at all, but the kind of pain levels and fatigue I have experienced since starting the new job is off the chart. Just for two days a week! Plus, all the other stuff.
That is why I am curious to see how things are going to play out as we head into winter. Right now, I am finding it incredibly difficult to manage the ridiculous amount of medical appointments I have with working regularly. Not to mention the daily care that is required for my eyes, mouth, and other symptoms. I’m still trying to figure out how to fit in healthy cooking and exercise because right now, both have gone to the wayside. So, I am reaching out to my readers.
While I think that I am an organized person, I will reaching out and looking for suggestions on how to manage a chronic illness with going back to work. Please feel free to add your suggestion(s) in the comments section below.
For healthy cooking, if you don't already own one, get a crockpot. They usually include a small cookbook (and of course, there are all kinds of recipes online). One crockpot cooked can provide you with several additional meals (stored in your freezer and ready to heat when you don't feel like cooking).
BeckyJo