Pain and total exhaustion

By jenniferwhitten

1 min read

Dealing with the pain when at home isn’t too bad as I can stop and rest when needing to... same with the fatigue... but at work, particularly after lunchtime it seems like the pain and exhaustion kick into overdrive, and before I know it I’m struggling to function.

Everything takes 10 times the effort it did in the morning... a lot of it is due to lack of support at work, too... but at least I can settle down for a breather at my desk for a few moments at my desk.

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minelcannucciari Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="jenniferwhitten" user-id="3317051"/>, thank you for sharing some of your story! I think a lot of community members will agree that working can bring about some different challenges compared to just being at home with PsA. I'm glad you have your desk that you can go to for a breather as your "safe haven." Battling fatigue can be very difficult while also trying to get work done. Have you been able to bring this up with your supervisor? I'm not sure what you do for a living and if it would be possible (I know you mention your workplace being generally unsupportive), but I know some jobs have increased flexibility in working hours or work from home options. Also, here's a related article about working with PsA that you may find helpful: <a href='https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living-with-psa/work-challenges' target='_blank'>https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living-with-psa/work-challenges</a>. Best, Minel (Team Member)
1. jenniferwhitten Member
 <inline-mention username="minelcannucciari" user-id="3301907"/> thank you for your support. I’m a long term care nurse....I have attempted to discuss the issues with my supervisors but they are just as unsupportive as my other co-workers, maybe more so......I never would’ve thought in a million years they would’ve responded this way and my heart has been broken.....I just don’t understand how nurses can treat their colleague like this.....it’s straight up bullying. I just keep praying and believing that they’ll see and understand this illness.
2. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 I wish you had more support, @jenniferwhitten. Please know that you do have rights as a person with a disability. Here is an article that might interest you: <a href='https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/workplace-accommodations-disability' target='_blank'>https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/workplace-accommodations-disability</a>. I hope this helps. Hugs! - Lori (Team Member)
jenniferwhitten Member
Today, I cried all day because my coworkers were so icy and rude and I finally lost it.....
1. minelcannucciari Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="jenniferwhitten" user-id="3317051"/> I'm so sorry to hear how cold and rude your coworkers and supervisors were and are, especially as nurses, that's so discouraging. I think anyone would lose it. Sometimes I think people forget how emotionally draining it can be to go to work at a place that is unsupportive or hostile (in both the colloquial and/or legal sense), when you're just there trying to do your best. I hope you know it's okay to cry, I sure would too. Sending you gentle hugs, Minel (Team Member)
jenniferwhitten Member
Today I applied for three different positions at three different buildings within our company. I cannot continue on like this. I feel like I’ve reached a dangerous point and my mental health is declining. I’ve tried talking to them about these issues and it goes no where, and of course the added stress causes me to make more mistakes adding fuel to the fire.....I’m confident in my ability to do my job and love what I do. I sat down today and reviewed my work history in my mind...I realized that while I’m far from a perfect employee, I’ve NEVER had any issues even close to this level anywhere I’ve ever worked and could be rehired by the same employer and supervisors. I have fond memories of all of them. There were typical ups and downs as in every day life in the work place, but nothing that has reached this level. As it doesn’t seem that I have another choice, to save my own life, I’m looking elsewhere for employment. Thanks to all of you for understanding and providing the much needed support.
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 Hi @Jenniferwhitten. I know you have been struggling with this for a while and it sounds like you really took the time to weigh the pros and cons and come to a decision with confidence. I hope you get one of those jobs and I hope it works out for you. Please remember that you do have rights in the workplace. Keep us posted if you feel comfortable doing so. I will be thinking of you! - Lori (Team Member)
2. minelcannucciari Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="jenniferwhitten" user-id="3317051"/> Hi! I know it's been a few months, but I wanted to check in with you. How are you doing now? Were you able to find a different job? I hope things have been a bit better for you. Thinking of you, Minel (Team Member)
Diane T Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="jenniferwhitten" user-id="3317051"/> Hello just wanted to check up on you. We haven't heard from you in a while. Did you decide to stay with the same company? It's sad when people don't understand what we go through daily and our hardships. I hope you are with people now that understand. Keep in touch, we are thinking about you. Diane (Team Member) 
1. jenniferwhitten Member
 <inline-mention username="Diane T" user-id="3306420"/> I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reply. You have no idea how much it means to me that y’all care enough to check up on me. I did stay with the same company but I took another position (a promotion) in another building. As a matter of fact, this is my dream job that I have been wanting to retire doing! Things are much, much better….still not perfect but I am much more able to speak up for myself. I was open in the interview about my illness and what I had to do to adapt to be able to work full time and they hired me any way. Been having some flares recently but I believe just part of the illness. I’m focusing on my family, my job and taking care of my health and I’m much happier. I so appreciate the support from this group. I aim to log on more frequently!
2. Diane T Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention username="jenniferwhitten" user-id="3317051"/> - It's so nice to hear that things have worked out. I have been in your position before, so I do understand. One thing I did learn on this journey was to be up-front with my illness with my employees. Most seem to understand, of course, all don't. I am so happy for you right now. Take care of your family and health, Keep in touch, and remember you are never alone. Diane (Team Member)