Today's post is about my present work-related status. I've had quite a few people inquire about my status so I thought I'd post something here to explain.
The main reason that I am not working today is due to chronic pain syndrome / fibromyalgia. I have had it since 2004 and in 2007, it took a turn for the worse. I worked for twenty-five years in middle management in the commercial air conditioning industry. In 2008 I found myself working for the best company that I've ever worked for along with the best coworkers and corporate support staff. Although the economy was beginning to tank, our office was in a rebound year and was on course to win awards based on financial metrics. (I left in January of 2009 and found out later we did indeed win those awards). In spite of this performance, I was placed on probation...and rightfully so. At the time I didn't want to admit that my health was affecting my job. Not only to myself, but I also did not tell our regional manager about it. I thought I could tough it out and get through it. This was a mistake. Always be real with your manager.
My pain is like the body pain that accompanies a severe flu. I have it 24-7. Deep fatigue sets in early in the day along with what I can best describe as a fog, which hampers my cognition. I feel like a person who hasn't slept for five days. Although the pain doesn't change, the fog clears for a brief time in the morning. I do have an above average ability to tolerate and deal with pain. In fact, a comment that I most often hear from those who don't know me is I don't look like I am in pain. Ironically, a comment I hear from those who do know me is that they can tell by my expression that I am in pain.
I have been under continuous doctor care since 2004 and have had over three-hundred samples of blood (various doctors) taken for testing. I have tried all of the common fibromyalgia drugs like Lyrica along with anti-depressant drugs that are supposed to abate pain and they've done nothing for me. I presently take a Darvocet-type pain pill along with Ibuprofen.
I do not intend to be in this condition for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, not being able to work and with no insurance I cannot battle this disease in the conventional way. I will continue to fight by other methods and will never give up.
