This morning, I had an epiphany as I drank my latte (mmm – gotta’ love my nespresso). Looking at a picture on my desk taken 15 years ago– our family holiday photo — I saw a woman with a prednisone moon face, looking tired and frail. I had two kids in elementary school, was 43, and horribly sick. I had just quit my job.
The epiphany? Chronic illness, especially autoimmune diseases, often occurs between ages 25 – 45. It blindsides us when we’re hitting our professional and personal stride, when we’re rockin’ & rollin’ in high “GO” mode. Now, in my 50’s, there’s less push, less frenzy.
This week I started working with 2 new clients (male and female), both in their late 30’s and pretty disabled with chronic illness. They’re each desperately trying to keep their jobs … and find a way to make this work again.
The best I can do is to throw an oar and guide so they can learn to use a different stroke.
Rosalind
Kathlene in Iowa says
Yes, oars are fine. But, having a supervisor who is understanding makes all of the difference! I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 6 years ago, and in the last two years with myasthenia gravis. Both, along with Type II diabetes, make me extremely tired ALL of the time and subject to various, constant pain.
My saving grace this past year was my immediate supervisor who admitted that they didn’t have anyone else who did what I do, and that they wanted to figure out a way to help me “last” as long as I could. In other words, “we think you are an important member of the team, and we want to help you to continue working as long as you want to continue.”
Wow! I couldn’t believe my ears! Here was someone who finally understood what I had been struggling with for years. Someone who looked past my sometimes “healthy” exterior” to the telltale signs of dealing with chronic pain for an extended period of time. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.
I wish all of you the gift of working with someone like this!
Rosalind says
You are SO right. Research shows (my own and a colleague’s) that a supportive boss is one of the key influencers in a person with chronic illness being able to manage the job. But, in addition to your boss being supportive, I have a hunch that you have been a factor in his loyaly to you. It is often a two way street.
Nicole Matoushek MPH, PT says
I Rosalind, I love your postings1 I have just gone live with another tool for us all, who are determined to beat chronic illness, check it out!
http://www.beatchronicillness.com
Enjoy!
Nicole
Rosalind says
Nicole- I went to the site and I’m looking forward to getting the material. Thanks