Fibromyalgia

[kcurtis]

Hello, my name is Kelly and I have been an RN for 22 yrs. I have not been able to work for the past two years due to my Fibromyalgia, but am now forced by financial problems to go back to the work force. I am trying to find something that isn't as physically draining as Critical Care 12 hour night shifts, and would like to go back to Hospice Nursing because I loved it so much.

Now, I am worried about many things; what do I tell a prospective employer about why I have not worked for 2 years? Should I tell them the truth and risk not being hired because they don't think I am up to the job? WILL I be able to do the job? What will happen to my disability claim which has gone on for so long I am now financially FORCED to go back to work even though I really don't think I can.

Does anyone out there have similar experience with this, or opinions on what I should do? Obviously, I am not able to work 12 hours shifts; I CAN work only part time, but I do not know if this will be enough financially, but I am not sure I can handle a full time position...

Thanks for the input!

Kelly

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

Hi. I've been an RN for 26 years, and also have fibro (among other things). If you have SSD, there should be a period of trial time to go back to work. If it's private disability insurance, you can check with them about back to work assistance, so that if it doesn't work, you don't have to start over, and don't lose the insurance. I tried going back to work 7 months after first being off work, and it was evident within 6 weeks of part time (but increasing) hours that I wasn't going to make it. Also, on SSD, you can make a certain amount of income without losing benefits. From what I understand, it's different for everyone. Hope this helps :)

[NamasteNurse, BSN, RN]

Hi Kelly,

I can talk to your fibromyalgia but not to the disability part. How about something like office nursing? Many hospitals are now affiliating with private doctors who hire nurses in their offices. How about being an MDS nurse in Long term care, or a nurse/dietician or social worker? Just brainstorming. I have fibro too and am a floor nurse in LTC. It's exhausting but do-able. Hope this helps.

namaste

[lightspirit]

Hi, Kelly,

We are in similar situations. I have FM, along with a list of other chronic conditions. Last Dec. I ended up in the hospital, and have been unable to return to work since. After pushing for so many years, my body has now gotten to the point that I can no longer even function at home without assistance. I am now appealing my first SSDI denial, and have gone with Allsup for legal counsel (they have a very high success rate). How they denied me, when I had 5 physician's stating I am permanently disabled is beyond me. But, for your question: my understanding is that you shouldn't work during the process of applying for SSDI; the judge will look at any attempt as ability to do some kind of work. I am in a situation where I have used up my entire savings...there is no more. I don't know what to do, because I cannot DO any kind of work. Prior to my separation from my employer, I was on restricted duty, doing telephone work only. I pushed myself for years, trying every conceivable option...but even sitting down all day is impossible for me now, because of pain & other issues. However, I have just begun thinking about some type of work out of my home...it is the only environment where I could get up & down if necessary. I just don't know where to begin to look. I honestly don't even know if I can handle that. Good luck to you...I hope you find something that will work for you. It's so difficult establishing yourself in a career you love, and then being forced to retire so young (for me, at least...I'm only in my late 50's). Hang in there. This certainly isn't what we planned for our lives, is it?!