So I barely made it into work this morning… Barely made it through day period. I packed up all my tools ( I’m a dog groomer) and definitely decided that I’m not going back… Had zero oppurtunitys to talk with boss and then my husband says well maybe you should try and finish out week ? Do I dare? I’m currently waiting to be seen by acupuncturist as I type… Why do I feel do guilty about the whole thing now?
Oh, I studied dog grooming back in 2001 before my fibro completely came out. What a HARD job it is! So incredibly physical. I have NO idea how you manage to do it when you're sick with fibro. That has to be THE most torturous job to have when you're sick with such an illness. And don't get me wrong because I love dogs.(My babies are snoring little Chihuahua snores as they lie next to me.)
Should you finish out the week? I dunno. Can you? Are you physically at a point where you still can? I know how difficult it is. Do you want to quit because of the pain? Can you work part time instead of full time? Could you do bathing instead of grooming? Even that's a pretty strenuous job though. i guess this is a decision for just you and your husband to work out.
Whatever you decide, just remember that it's the fibro that's doing a number on you, making it so difficult to do your job. It isn't you, per se. It's the stupid, awful illness.
Good luck with your decision. I know how hard it is to give up your job. It's hard to admit that fibro has such a strong hold over us. but we're not Superman and can't hold off fibro's illness-tentacles.
Jenn, I think you did the right thing, but you should talk to your boss, call in sick or resign with a letter.
I watched the groomer at pet-co it is such a hard job, on your feet, using just about every muscle, staying so alert!!! I commend you for trying to manage such a physical job.
Maybe you can offer pet grooming in your home ??? Just a thought ? People could bring there pet to you, it would still be hard, but you could do it on your time, everyother day, just a few ???
Hugs
Good luck & god bless
I remember when I was working I would feel guilty all the time for calling in sick, doctor’s appointments, etc. then one day I realized that putting my health first was all that would make me get better.
If it were me, I would try to have a conversation with the manager so as not to burn bridges. Even if you call in sick, but schedule a time to sit down face to face and express your concerns. I think your employer has a responsibility to offer you reasonable accomodations in the workplace. For example, a shortened day, a flexible start time, or an ergonomic floor mat and chair. You may have to think of things which would make your day easier before meeting your manager.
You can learn more about your rights on the JAN network. I hope some of my comments were helpful. We didn’t ask to have fibromyalgia and wouldn’t wish it on our worst enemy!!!
Hugs,
Sunny
http://askjan.org/
Here are two examples on JAN:
An administrative assistant with fibromyalgia working for a utility company reported neck pain and upper body fatigue. Her duties included typing, answering the telephone, and taking written messages. She was accommodated with a telephone headset to reduce neck pain and eliminate the repetitive motion of lifting the telephone from the cradle, a portable angled writing surface and writing aids to take written messages, a copy holder to secure documents, and forearm supports to use when typing.
A nurse with fibromyalgia working in a county health clinic experienced a great deal of fatigue and pain at work. The nurse typically worked evening shifts but her doctor recommended a schedule change so she could regulate her sleep patterns. Accommodations suggestions included changing her shift from evening to day, restructuring the work schedule to eliminate working two consecutive twelve hour shifts, reducing the number of hours worked to part time, and taking frequent rest breaks.
Thanks and your right its a very difficult job. But also it has been hard to fully admit that this illness has overtaken me so to speak. I feel utterly defeated.