How to balance chronic illness and work?

My name is Michael. I have not worked for 3 years. The last job I worked was with the federal government. I worked 9 years then I was let go. I was able to spend more time with my wife and two kids.

@Courtney_J 

I was a dental assistant working and going to school full-time when I was injured in a car accident. In February of 2018, my life completely changed. I broke my back and have other spinal injuries which have now turned into severe chronic conditions. I have been in and out of the wheelchair for almost four years now. I haven't been able to work this entire time, and I'm still wasting away with many undiagnosed conditions. I struggle to get the proper Health Care that I desperately need. I'm hopeful for the future because I have some important appointments coming up. I was hired on the 7th of this month to work as a family service counselor at a memorial center. I'm doing well at the moment and push through my difficulties daily. I haven't worked since the accident, so I'm nervous that my health may get in the way. I have learned to pace myself more, to not take on too much work, and not be so hard on myself. I know that I have so much more to give, and I'm still here for a reason. This has been a journey that dramatically changed my perspective. Many people don't understand how challenging it can be trying to manage a chronic condition and still work. I have plans to make a positive impact on the world. I'll keep fighting and pushing for as long as I can.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers,

Crystal D.

I also tried to take my own life after a divorce and a botched carpal tunnel surgery on top of all my chronic illnesses. Now I'm trying to get by day to day and finally got SSI. I was unable to get SSDI because my ex and I had our own business and although we filed our taxes jointly, the income went under his EIN number so showed I had no income to qualify for disability. I am working on myself and getting better slowly.

I am diagnosed with wegener gpa with vasculitis and type two diabetes.  Also have osteo arthritis.  Compromised immunities and suppressed  .  My body does not have  antibodies  so i get monthly human plasma infusions.   I should be getting  ritauxin infusions and steroids but due to low antibodies I'm not aloud. Do I'm still isolating even with 2 covid vaccine s. Still wear my mask.  Very exhausted.   High inflammation so i have high pain in joints. 

 

 

 

When I was younger, mental illness did not get in my way of working. Now, fast forward, I was fortunate enough to not have to work for 20 years (or was I really fortunate?) I started working in 2014 and did fine. I actually held 2 jobs for years. In November 2018, I had a mental breakdown and was hospitalized. I lost both my jobs. When I got out of the hospital, my anxiety was so bad it was like I was paralyzed. After a few months it started to subside and I got another job which only lasted 6 months and I had another mental breakdown. No hospitalization this time, but 3 months later, another and was hospitalized for a second time. I have never been suicidal until then. I just wanted to disappear. I couldn't work for a year and a half. I am now working again, very cautiously. I try to stay aware and I let my boss know ahead of time that I struggle with mental illness.

retired since 2012 did better with type2 diabetes when i was working

After eleven years retired and volunteering at the local food pantry, my end-stage emphysema became bad enough I had to retire from the food pantry too. I miss it. Good friends from the food pantry get my prescriptions, take me to medical appointments, and grocery-shop for me. At 80, I am circling the drain, but stubborn enough to remain independent as long as possible. My wife passed away almost 14 years ago, and only child-daughter lives with her husband on the opposite coast.

My chronic conditions has taken over my life that I am on disability.  It began with diabetes and circulation problems with my legs.  Soon after I was diagnosed with overactive bladder.  In addition, I developed hypertension, heart bloc in which I am pacemaker dependent.  I also currently suffer from depression and self-harm.  Next week I will be having surgery in my right leg due to problems with my veins.  I feel like a wreck.

I was a fitness trainer.  Body builder,martial arts. Went through police academy.  Then could not pass physical. So took disability.  Then in December 2020 got covid. Now my body is not producing antibodies.  Get monthly human plasma infusions to add antibodies.  Pain everywhere.  High inflammation.  Not aloud steroids.  Exhausted.  If i work i can only work 2 days 4 hours on feet as a cashier then get weak .  No strength. Got 2 vaccines. G getting  booster next week.  Swim daily.   But hard to use steps. I keep pushing. I stay positive. Not easy 

MY NAME IS MATTHEW SIPRESS AND I HAVE SCHIZOPHRENIA AND BIPOLAR DISORDER......I HAVE FREQUENT AUDITORY AND VISUAL HALLUCINATIONS....THE VOICES I HEAR ARE FRIENDLY AND THE VISUAL HALLUCINATIONS ARE QUITE BEAUTIFUL........I AM ON 2 ANTIPSYCHOTIC MEDS AND 2 ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDS......I ALSO USE THE SPICE NUTMEG EVERY 7 DAYS AT A MODERATE DOSE OF 6 GRAMS TO ENJOY THE BUZZ.......NUTMEG IS A NATURAL HALLUCINOGENIC DRUG.......I FEEL HIGH MOST OF THE TIME AND EVEN EXPERIENCE BOUTS OF MANIA......