Working

[Guest guest]

I've read with interest the posts on this topic.

I'm still working, but nearly every day there's a problem. Some days

I don't want to go - I don't feel up to it. Some days at work are

better than being home, because I'm so focused on my job I forget

about the fatigue, pain or nausea - whichever was bothering me.

While my boss and co-workers say sympathetic things when they can see

I'm not doing well, I'm concerned about the same things I read in the

messages today. I'm not there as much as the boss wants me there,

even though I have cleared it to work at home sometimes. As the only

notary public in our law office, I'm often needed at a moment's

notice. I'm not getting the positive feedback I used to, and want,

about being competent, efficient, trustworthy, etc.

Previously I've mentioned the " Take Charge " class I started a few

weeks ago. Last week there was an opportunity when the leaders wanted

a subject for problem-solving to ask the group how to handle having a

chronic condition and working. Most of the group is retired, but not

all and I did receive some good answers. One diabetic mentioned

taking the meds you need. A school administrator with a serious

chronic back problem said to investigate state laws regarding

discrimination. The whole group insists I need to be up-front with my

employer about my limitations and ask my boss for any ideas she might

have to help me cope.

Hope this might help anybody else in the same position I'm in. I love

my job, the work is great, the people are great. I just don't want to

go some times - I can't. But I need to keep this job while I'm not

considered disabled, and it provides medical coverage.

A P.S. to Laurie who asked about my pancreatitis story - I will e-mail

you directly.

Aloha,

in Hawaii