Work and Fibromyalgia: Do you still work? How do you manage?

I worked for as long as I could with my fibro but unfortunately due to the pain and fatigue and terrible brain fog I have been medically retired at 57. I miss having a purpose to get up for and urge people to work for as long as they can. 

@Sukiyakiuk It was the same situation for me. I worked for a few years before I transitioned to part time and then retired. The transition was hard because I was someone who loved to work and be around people. Fibro does have that lovely isolating effect, doesn't it?

Hi fibro Claire. It does make you feel sooo isolated! People really don't understand at all. Like last night in bed with my husband I said "This earache is killing me! My shoulder is soo painful I cant get comfy at all and my knee! He was like "where the hell did all that come from!" How do you explain when extra pain on top of your everyday pain just flares up when you get into bed! Unfortunately I'm now a new user of cpap which in itself is giving me facial discomfort with the mask and headaches with the straps and dont even go there with the dry nose and mouth 😭😭 xx

I have had fibro for 13 years and have found holistic ways of dealing with my pain which work alongside my medications.  I have been lucky enough to have a community acupuncture clinic in the village I live in and weekly sessions alongwith Chinese herbal medicine are enabling me to keep my pain levels manageable and also help with other health issues.  I work part-time and have found that being open and honest with my employers about my fibro has allowed me to have honest discussions with them about the best working practices.  Also, you have to be honest with yourself about your capabilities taking into account the pain and tiredness caused by fibro and be ready to compromise (your ideal job might not be compatible with how fibro affects you).  I'm now working part time at weekends which allows me to recover during the week and still be able to get other things done - this gives me a sense of purpose while lessening the guilt of not being able to contribute to the family in the way I would have been able to if I didn't have fibro.