Curious...how many members work with this illness

[cutehair2013]

I totally agree with the fact that it is different for everyone as well as the severity of the overall symptoms. Myself I returned towork after a short stay in the hospital with a pulmonary hemorrhage. I had a desk job but it was stressful and very combative so I ended up having to be of for 6 weeks again about 5 months later. I went in for a follow up appointment with my specialist and she took one look at me and refused to allow me to work until I had rested.

Since that time, I fully return to the same position, which had me travelling regularly, overseeing a large department, as well as developing programs for a major health insurance provider. Unfortunately, the doctors are right when they say stressand lack of self-care will cause major complications! I managed to do thiscrazy work schedule for an additional 7 years before I had a relapse two years ago. It forced me to change positions into something more flexible as well as let go of that crazy schedule. I do currently continue to work full time within the same health insurer, but I am more aware of the stress I take on and havelimited my travel significantly which has helped.

I am in my early 40?s and have a family to support and a long time to support myself, upon diagnoses I too feared I would not be able to provide for myfamily but actually it has made me be true to myself and build a better qualityof life. Not only do I only work my said ?work hours? but I have time forfamily and friends which prior to WG I did not. Took me a long time and struggles to accept my new normal and be grateful for what it has given me.