Hi, my name is bumblebee1974! Would like to chat with people and get some advice

bumblebee1974

I suffer with fibromyalgia/restless leg syndrome & mild hearing loss. 
Would like to chat with people who understand how I can feel and get some advice. ? 
I'm 47 & work as an HGV driver and sometimes struggle with my job.
I often wonder will I have to give up work. If so how would I cope financially and mentally.
 Unable to do things I use to like walking far ( love walking in the countryside) I hardly make social arrangements in case I'm to exhausted to attend and also because of my weight gain I feel anxious in public.

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community Feel free to join in or ask any questions 

Becoming unable to work is a hard challenge to deal with and i know from my own experience after having a successful career for 35 years till I had to stop working 

However I did get through it and out the other end

You may need help claiming any benefits you are entitled to which you can get on here or welfare rights 
The emotional support is harder to come by unless you have family or friends around 

Ross_Alumni

Hello @bumblebee1974

Welcome to the community, thanks for joining us and introducing yourself, this is a very supportive and welcoming place so I'm sure you'll enjoy being here.

The thought of potentially giving up work must be scary and understandably would cause worry, however with the right advice and planning I'm sure you would be able to make that transition successfully if it ever came to it.

Have you discussed with your employer about how they could implement any adjustments to make it easier for you to carry out your role to your best?

It's important to be honest with those around you about how you are feeling and what you are struggling with, because it will make it easier for them to help you if you need it. With things like going out for walks and socialising you could look into ways of adapting those things to make them more suitable for you at this time, like getting support from a family or friend and possibly arranging more virtual catch ups with people so you don't have to risk being too tired to go out.

chiarieds

Hi @bumblebee1 -  & welcome to the community. I'm sorry for the difficulties you're facing due to your diagnoses. Would it be possible for you to reduce your working hours?

There's some info here on Scope that you may find useful: https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/work-benefits-when-condition-changes/

Let us know how you get on, or if you have any questions. Everyone here's very friendly & supportive, & you can chat here any time.

bumblebee1974

Thank you so much for your advice. I am going to have to look at different options . Although my employer is aware of my condition and have been very supportive of me taking an occasional day off her and there I feel guilty about doing it. I do push myself to the limit which leaves me in unbearable pain and exhausted.