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Working with a Chronic Illness

Posted by karina77 @karina77, Apr 7, 2019

I am 17 years old and have a job! I work 2 days a week for 4 hours. I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Orthostatic Intolerance. My illness has made going to work and working incredibly hard. My mind and body have a hard time keeping up with everyone and everything going on. I have called in more than a few times due to this, which has upset my manager. I understand how inconvenient it can be to have someone call in. But I never know when my symptoms are gonna flare up and when I’m not gonna feel well. I talked with my manager and she was a bit cold about the whole situation and called me unreliable..she then called back apologizing. What can I do about this! I need to work to make money! But my health isn’t the greatest either! My manager isn’t to happy! Is there any chance my specialist at Mayo could make a list of accommodations I could have for work? I just need some thoughts and advice on how to deal with work!

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karina77 | @karina77 | Apr 9, 2019
In reply to @contentandwell "@karina77 I had no idea what Orthostatic Intolerance is so I just googled it. Are you..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@karina77 I had no idea what Orthostatic Intolerance is so I just googled it. Are you being treated for it? It sounds as if there are some possible treatments. I hope you have a very good doctor who is familiar with this condition and can help you, if not then try to find another. What type of doctor treats this?

Also, do you have episodes, or is it chronic? It sounds as if you have episodes, and it says those pass quickly. Would it be possible at work to go to a backroom and rest for a brief period of time? When I was young I had horrible migraines and the secretary set up some armless chairs in a row in the coffee room for me to lie down for a short period. With a migraine that didn't really help much, but might it for your condition?

Other than that, I think @grandmar has some great suggestions. I hope you can find some methods or medications that will help with this, particularly since you have a lifetime ahead of you. Let us know how things work out for you.
JK

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Hi! I met with a POTS specialist at the Mayo Clinic Rochester! I met with Dr. Fischer, he was absolutely incredible, I am so thankful that I got the opportunity to meet with him! He spent nearly 2 hours with me! After reading all that you guys have commented, I spoke with my manager and we worked out some accommodations for work! I get an extra 10min break! I was originally put on midodrine and fludrocortisone! But my doctor dropped both of those because the side affects made me feel a lot sicker than I already feel! Thanks for your support! It’s so kind of you😊

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karina77 | @karina77 | Apr 9, 2019
In reply to @lioness "Karina77 I really can't add anymore then what @grandmaR. @contentandwell said except how old where you..." + (show)
@lioness

Karina77 I really can't add anymore then what @grandmar. @contentandwell said except how old where you when this started,?I may have missed this but keep records of when it started and symptoms not only see a specialist but social security it maybe necessary to see a lawyer also since your still a minor .Best to you.

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Thank you so much! I appreciate your help and advice! I will definitely speak with my parents about this!

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Sundance(RB) | @sundance6 | Apr 9, 2019

Karina you are such a Wonderful Spirit for your age. Many young people choose drugs or other avenues. As someone else said on this thread you have to be your own advacate! As you did with your doctor at the Mayo sometimes Special people come along when you need them. Hang in there and keep us posted. Once you understand the issues you can better work them out. And that works in reverse also. I have learned just talking to you and others on this thread. You are never to old to alwasy learn!
Thanks,
Sundance

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