new kid on the block

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone!

Just found out about this groups a few days ago and wanted to say hi

to everyone. Until the end of February I was working full-time as an

accountant. However, I had been pushing through pain for a long time

with that affecting my ability to think and do my work. It got to

the point where my work was unsatisfactory to new management. My new

supervisor was going to fire me if I could not do better. I tried so

hard but realized it would be best for me to go on short-term

disability as then they could no fire me. That was up the end of May

and now I'm trying to get long-term disability as well as social

security diability. What a process that all is as well as confusing,

frustrating and stressful as I've had no income now for two months.

I've had osteoarthritis for several years and first found out about

it after it had totally destroyed my right hip in 2000. I was so

relieved to hear it was only osteo that had done the damage as I

thought I had escaped RA, the crippler. Much to my dismay my RA

factor was over 100% times higher than normal a year ago and I was

crushed. However, it did help to explain why pain levels had changed

and why I was so tired. I though that was the complete answer and

would be ok once I got on medications.

Things did get better in some areas, but pain was still a major part

of my life. This year I started having trouble sleeping, was

experiencing muscle cramps in various parts of my body, and

exhausted. I started having shaking in my hands. My dr thought I

might have parkinson and sent to see a neorologist, but nerve and

muscle tests showed I have fibromyalgia. The medication that the dr

had me on for that and restless legs syndrone are not helping plus

expensive. Sure hope they can find something to help me soon. I am

able to sleep, but have to be very tired before I lay down. Plus I

now sleep on the couch as my back is more comfortable there and I

don't want my restlessness to bother my friend.

I am 62 and single, but don't live alone so have someone to help me

with things. My children was grown and have blessed me with 12

grandchildren. Unfortunately I don't get to see them often as they

live many miles away from me. I want so much to move back to that

area so I can see them more often.

I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone. Postings may be

shorter in the future as my hands hurt a lot when I type.

Hugs,