has anyone recovered from cfs/me whilst working? considering giving up work - should I do it?

[HeyMacWey]

I have a straightforward case of past viral cfs. Been diagnosed since jan this year. All other illness ruled out. Just started graded exercise therapy which in theory sounds like it could help, but I can't see a way of breaking the boom and bust cycle without giving up work.

I've cut any additional activity out from my life so I'm back to the bare bones of dropping dc's at school, working pt (4 days but only 6 hrs a day) and juggling their associated needs then spending the other 3 days recovering from work and very little else. We have no quality family time and I can't see me getting any better carrying on like this.

I'm considering giving up work and c concentrating on getting better health. We have savings so could use this to supplement dh's income. Would I be able to apply for any benefits due to ill health?

Would I be more likely to recover if I do this? Or am I just kidding myself and nothing will make a difference? I'm starting to feel really despondent about it all despite generally having a positive outlook about it.

Am on nortriptyline for the pain which had made a massive difference but I seem to be having more painful days where I've 'overdone' it.

What would you do? Give up work or continue to juggle?

My GP signed me off for about 4-5 months & it really helped - but that was pre-children & I spent a lot of time in bed resting

I think you'd need to be careful you didn't replace one activity with another (doing more around the house/with the children)

I would speak to work and/or your gp.

You could drop to 2 days or to 4 hours per day.

also talk to work about small adjustments - ask to get a parking space at work near the door allocated if its possible, a small printer on your desk to save walking to the main one every time, a chair if you usually stand, drop one of your tasks which involve running about etc etc (sorry its hard without knowing your job).

If work aren't being helpful get your gp involved - you can get a "fit for work" note with the restrictions on it. So you aren't "signed off" but you are only able to work 2 days for the next month. Then 3 days the next month etc.

I would think carefully about giving up work - when you do fully recover will you want to work again ?
Applying for another job with "left due to health condition" won't make it any easier to find another one. Not impossible but more difficult.

Thank you - that's really helpful.

My work are really understanding but I feel like I'm not doing a good enough job. I wonder if they'd consider 4 hours?

Yes - I'd definitely want to work again when I recover - I enjoy working and the income/status that comes along with it - as well as a break from the kids. I've never had a problem getting work so I don't know what the impact would be if I did take a break.

The gp gave me a fit for work note when I was originally diagnosed which work responded positively to - I've only cut my hours down by 6 hours overall. I'm the only person doing myjob so there's no one to pick up the slack or handover to. I think gp's are reluctant to sign you you off as current thinking appears to be to keep as active as possible.

I wonder if I'd recover quicker without work - but then what if I leave and then I'm better in a couple of months? Could I apply for a period of unpaid leave?

What is being done medically to help you get better?

Have all your vitamins and minerals been checked? Are they optimal or are you supplementing to get them there? What about iron? Has this been checked? Are you taking lots of vitamin C?

Do you rest when you can, go to bed by 10,00pm and lie in until 9.00am at weekends?

Are you being good to yourself?