Hi,
Is there any one out there who may be able to give some reassurance or advice.
I got ill with flu some months back and never recovered from some of the symptoms. I was off work over a month initially and then tried to go back to my very active job with disabled teenagers twice.
Both times I went back to work my management and colleagues were amazingly supportive and I spent a few chilled shifts with lovely service users, but I was so ill I ended up having to lie down on floor while supervising these teens, and even vomiting (made it to toilet!).
Both times I saw my GP the day after a few shifts and got sent to a&e because of new symptoms I was displaying. A&e Dr told me its c.f.s/m.e.
The new symptoms didn't go away and I feel like pushing myself just made me worse, like before I went back to work the first time I was very tired, occasionally dizzy but felt I'd cope working. But now I hardly leave the house/bed/chair, can't drive, can't go for a walk.
Today, I finally had the appointment with rheumatology (g.p said that they diagnose c.f.s./m.e) and yes, that Dr thinks that is what I have (will run a few more tests to rule other things out) and there is a clinic that specialises in it in my county, but they are not taking any new referrals. So basically I have no guidance on the condition and what I should do and how to try and get better.
I've run out of full sick pay at work, so now having money worries. My husband works but also in a low paid job. A few people have told me to try and claim pip but I'm not sure how this works or if I'd be entitled.
Not knowing how long it'll take to/if ill get better is hard. Feeling pretty depressed as really hoped this appointment would help.
Symptoms are many and vary daily but include:
Pain in muscles and joints
Physical exhaustion
Twitching and jerks
Headache
Photosensitivity
Sensitivity to sound and smell
Dizziness
Weakness
Can't concentrate for long.
Etc etc etc
Thanks for any help!