Why aren't you working Dave?

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.

Comments

[Chris Brown]

Ouch. (too soft a word!) I can't imagine trying to keep going all those years without telling about it. I'm too much of a blurter.

My tendons are starting to mess up (elbow, achiles etc.) but nothing like the flu. all over. 24/7.

Hang in there Dave. I admire your persistance and determination.
Chris

[Patricia Viamontes]

Hi Dave,
I have had Fibro for 9 years. I began low doses of Lyrica in Sept 09 and it did nothing for the pain, but gave my energy a slight boost. Recently, I stared Savella. It took weeks to build up to the regular dose of 50 mg twice daily. When I reached that level...I realized that for five days, I hadn't thought of taking a pain pill! I was not stiff...I could even jog. However, my heart felt like it was skipping beats, my resting pulse was 110 to 124 (normally 62 to 78), spiking blood pressure,double vision at times and screaming bloody murder at my husband at the least aggravation. The dr checked the symptoms and usually only one percent get these side affects. What a huge disappointment that I had to go off of it! The dr had me do a heart monitor for 48 hrs and an echocardiogram to be sure my heart was okay and it was. Now, we are waiting a little bit before trying something else. Bummer!

[dave]

Thanks for dropping in Patricia. Have you tried biofeedback or accupuncutre?

[Joanna Paterson]

Oh Dave how awful for you... my mum had that, it wss a horrible condition. Sending you love and best wishes across the airwaves x

[dave]

Hey Joanna, thanks for reaching out!