Hi everyone!
I am fairly new to being open about my MS as well as the diagnosis itself. I am hoping some of you have some advice for me along the lines of employment I'm able to do, if not, kind words and encouragement are always great.
A little background on myself and my diagnosis: I am only 26 years old and was diagnosed with RRMS about two years ago when I was going to school for Biology, I was able to get my Associates degree but I don't see continuing my education as an option as the fatigue is crushing. When I was diagnosed I almost lost the job I had at a call center from calling out sick too often, I had to quit. Several months later I got a new job working for a bank but it was 40 hours a week I thought I could handle and the stress gave me severe panic attacks and depression that worsened my MS symptoms. My neuro recommended I find work elsewhere as this was too much stress.
I then got a job part time in retail. This is when my fatigue became the most prevalent. I noticed I started having brain fog and couldn't keep up my pace with my peers and would make stupid mistakes over and over when I was exhausted. I struggled with multi tasking and my memory often. I got written up and warned multiple times. I left this job in fear of being fired as well. I would also like to note that with all three situations with my previous employers I did disclose my diagnosis and these employers did try to accommodate. It was the nature of the jobs themselves that didn't work out
Overall since my diagnosis I have learned I am not able to work primarily on my feet as I lose feeling in my left leg and it worsens the fatigue. I am only able to work part time and I'm no longer able to handle much stress in a job. I haven't been able to keep a job since I was diagnosed and I feel like my MS keeps me from doing basically any job. I'm not able to handle stress like I used to and I have severe anxiety and panic attacks now.
Since the retail job I am barely able to stay awake an entire day even while being unemployed. The fatigue is so intense that I am not comfortable driving myself when it arises. I also am not comfortable driving on medications I need for muscle spasms and vertigo. I would like a job from home that I am able to do at my own pace so I am able to lay down when I need to. I'm curious if you all have recommendations or suggestions. I am also curious how other people with this severe fatigue are able to keep meaningful employment, let alone get themselves to work!
I am working with my state Vocational Rehab counselor and have also applied for disability. The VR services put a lot of the work on me and I am out of ideas as to what would accommodate me perfectly. I am hoping that disability works out and I am approved but I am afraid of the outcome. I've heard its tough for some people with MS to get. I want to keep working at least part time, as it's a financial necessity for me now especially with student loans and medical bills.
I appreciate any advice from you guys
I am fairly new to being open about my MS as well as the diagnosis itself. I am hoping some of you have some advice for me along the lines of employment I'm able to do, if not, kind words and encouragement are always great.
A little background on myself and my diagnosis: I am only 26 years old and was diagnosed with RRMS about two years ago when I was going to school for Biology, I was able to get my Associates degree but I don't see continuing my education as an option as the fatigue is crushing. When I was diagnosed I almost lost the job I had at a call center from calling out sick too often, I had to quit. Several months later I got a new job working for a bank but it was 40 hours a week I thought I could handle and the stress gave me severe panic attacks and depression that worsened my MS symptoms. My neuro recommended I find work elsewhere as this was too much stress.
I then got a job part time in retail. This is when my fatigue became the most prevalent. I noticed I started having brain fog and couldn't keep up my pace with my peers and would make stupid mistakes over and over when I was exhausted. I struggled with multi tasking and my memory often. I got written up and warned multiple times. I left this job in fear of being fired as well. I would also like to note that with all three situations with my previous employers I did disclose my diagnosis and these employers did try to accommodate. It was the nature of the jobs themselves that didn't work out
Overall since my diagnosis I have learned I am not able to work primarily on my feet as I lose feeling in my left leg and it worsens the fatigue. I am only able to work part time and I'm no longer able to handle much stress in a job. I haven't been able to keep a job since I was diagnosed and I feel like my MS keeps me from doing basically any job. I'm not able to handle stress like I used to and I have severe anxiety and panic attacks now.
Since the retail job I am barely able to stay awake an entire day even while being unemployed. The fatigue is so intense that I am not comfortable driving myself when it arises. I also am not comfortable driving on medications I need for muscle spasms and vertigo. I would like a job from home that I am able to do at my own pace so I am able to lay down when I need to. I'm curious if you all have recommendations or suggestions. I am also curious how other people with this severe fatigue are able to keep meaningful employment, let alone get themselves to work!
I am working with my state Vocational Rehab counselor and have also applied for disability. The VR services put a lot of the work on me and I am out of ideas as to what would accommodate me perfectly. I am hoping that disability works out and I am approved but I am afraid of the outcome. I've heard its tough for some people with MS to get. I want to keep working at least part time, as it's a financial necessity for me now especially with student loans and medical bills.
I appreciate any advice from you guys
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