So I am at a point when some chronic (and often very severe) pain or other is beginning to severely limit my ability to do my job. Part of this is because my schedule just doesn't allow time for my body to work out all this stuff in the morning before I have to be "on" for 7 hours of teaching on my feet, and an hour of duty. Music always has extra activities also, plus moving equipment like keyboards and drums. I am afraid I am going to lose my job due to absences. I have never taken any sort of assistance but am starting to think it may be time to apply for diability and just do whatever I am physically able to do part time. I have horrible low back issues, and just when that started to feel better after being out for two weeks my upper back went out today. Incredible pain. I am not an invalid but with each year that goes by I feel more limited in what kind of work I am able to do. I can't do steady standing (without walking a bit ) for long hours, I can't sit in one position for long periods of time, etc. I know how to cater to this almost 25% disability (from two major car accidents in the last 15 years plus increasing scoliosis)when I am not stressed and pushed and do pretty well. But that's not the circumstances I am in now. I just don't know what to do to somehow make things better. Any thoughts you have would be appreciated.

I think maybe you might want to consider going for your disability and dropping down to part time. You don't want to make it worse by consistently pushing yourself just to keep your job. JMHO

Thanks Carmen - I am trying to finish out this school year but there are still 3 1/2 months left and that is looking very far away.

I can soooo relate!! To start my story and make it short, I have RA and Fibro, have since I was 21. All my adult life I cannot remember a day without pain. I am now at a point in my life that I should be able to take it easy but 8 years ago my hubby died and I am on my own. I am a special ed associate so you KNOW how hard my job is and VERY taxing, plus I go to college full time so I can be certified for teaching. Well, my body gave out (I am due to student teach in August after seven LLOOOONNNNGGG years of college) but had to take a breather and have a total hip replacement and be off at least 3 months.

Deepheart when I went through my divorce I made sure my ex was taken care of financially. Her retirement years are set as long as she's careful. I did this knowing I still had several years to establish some sort of retirement for myself. Never the less I still have to make sure my health stays good so I can one day retire. I pace myself these days so that I can work into my sixties. That means working less hours per day and only four day weeks. Doing this I'm sure I will be good for years to come. Sounds to me like you need to do the same. Pace yourself. If you have to draw disability then go for it. You have to take care of yourself.

SORRY...my computer is acting up...I wasn't finished. Any way, I kept pushing myself through the pain and almost ruined the quality of my life. Only you can tell when enough is enough. Your body will let you know. Cronic pain such as ours plays such a mind game on you that you think you might loose it at times. Please be kind to yourself and weight all of your options. Teaching is such a hard job when you are in pain both physically and mentally and thanks to NCLB it isn't getting any easier. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and please let us know how we can help! (( )) Mary ^j^

Deepheart,

I can empathize with what you are going through.
like what has been said, do what you need to do so that your quality of life is kept in focus.

Apply for disability sooner than later as this process can be lengthy depending on your state.

You have been given some sound advice. Have you gotten all your medical papers in order? A good doctor can sometimes help you through this muddle of paperwork. It seems you need to look out for yourself first, so that nothing further happens to you. Don't have any worse scenarios happen to you.

Take care deepheart and wishing you the right solution at the right time!

Thank you all so much for your thoughts. I am not going to do anything rash, but something has to give soon if I am to have any quality of life. Now for individual responses...

Oh my 5x10, what a trial you have been through. How are you coping? There are so many days when I am so tired but know I have to get up and go. I expect your child keeps you motivated. I will keep you in my prayers daily.

Ron, thank you for sharing so much. Sometimes I feel so alone with all this. I know I'm not, but some days its hard to fight through the feelings. My economy at this point doesn't allow me to take my hours down too much, but if I can figure out some cheaper living situation - that will open up my options. I love my job but it just seems that my body is at war with it. You are one of the folks on here that I would love to just sit across a kitchen table from and talk.

thanks choco - I just had to express some of this because I was SOOO frustrated with having to miss work today.

I am actually going to a new primary care person this week who has been highly recommended to me. I am going to approach the disability idea with her and see what she thinks.

My thoughs were on the lines of carmens too Can you take the disability and subsitute Teach? You have gotten allot of people here to talk to and email. Allot of us getting to that age or are there. Me I sure need a job change working as I do and on my feet all day with age. were here to support one another :) Hugs I hate your in so much pain. I,ve dealt with that with my Mom Like Mary she does not go a day without pain. There was a time I was taking steroid shots for my feet. I blame that on my wieght gain and that doesn't make it any easier. Good we have each other to talk too. Big Hugs

I finally gave in and got the doc to phone in pain killer and muscle relaxer. THose and this will take care of tonight :o)

Not sure what I'm going to do. I'm really concerned with how easily things have gone out these past three weeks. check out my latest poem on the poetry page - I think you'll like it :o)

Have you checked into FMLA (Federal Medical Leave Act). Our facility offers intermittent FMLA to those with chronic illnesses. You can take off up to 120 days per year and your job is protected. It does require your physician fill out the appropriate paperwork and I am unsure of what employers may be exempt. It's worth checking into.

Only use FMLA when you can not stand it any longer. Disability due to back issures are hard to get. There has to be major documentation by a physican. You need to start working on it now it could take 6 months or longer. Are you only going for your job disability and Social Security?

Talk to your physican first on the steps needed, he will be able to help you.

I know SS is the hard one to get. If job approves it that will making SS easier.

Been there done that. It took me a year to get everything straight so be prepared finaically.

Thanks for all the info! I'm thinking winning the lottery or finding that sugar daddy might be easier :o)

Get a Good Doctor and a Good Lawyer. Protect yourself because no one wants to give up anything these days.