Working & Fibromyalgia
By Rob. C. Taylor
11th October 2016
For those who are suffering from fibromyalgia and are questioning whether you can still live a normal life while working, here is my experience.
At the time my fibromyalgia symptoms came to fruition, I was working as an armed security cash-in-transit guard (armored vehicle operator). The symptoms gradually increased after a really bad tennis elbow injury — I became extremely tired and worn out easily, all my bones, muscles and joints started to ache and my skin became very itchy all over. I was extremely stressed and very depressed, which is not the best frame of mind to be in when you work with firearms.
I took a few weeks off work to get tests and tried to recover with no resolve. Went back to work and struggled with the same problems but pushed through. Eventually I was “let go” along with others as the company downsized (funny how everyone else who was let go had prior health problems also).
Realizing that no high paying job would give me a safe or happy life, I decided to follow my dreams and go to film school. I still wasn’t aware of what was happening to me, but by this stage I had many a medical test that told me I was fit, young and healthy, even though I felt old and riddled with arthritis. I’d researched a lot and knew in the back of my mind that fibromyalgia would eventually be the diagnosis.
I knew studying full time and working would be extremely difficult, but being the way I am (a very determined person) I knew I could somehow manage. 2 years of study went by and I received a barrage of fibro flares with pain and fatigue relentlessly trying to squash me, but I graduated with a degree and received the most outstanding student award. The road was riddled with rough terrain as I copped the relentless pain and fatigue after each exam or grueling film shoot. I know that I would not have managed if it wasn’t for Keely giving me so much unconditional support.
I worked nights in a supermarket during study which was difficult as the work was physical — I managed to nurse a second tennis elbow, wrist, foot and two shoulder injuries during that time. I received these injuries simply by doing every day activities.
After I graduated I worked full time, having good days and bad days, was offered a full time management position at the supermarket but turned it down to follow my career path in the film industry. The worst part about working full time was the depression, sometimes I just couldn’t handle being at work because I hated it so much it made me very depressed. Eventually I was able to get enough freelancing film work to cut my hours back to 3 days a week, which is where I currently stand. Although I now work overnight until 6am — not the best for a fibro sufferer trying to get some kind of sleep routine.
Until now I have kept my suffering hidden from the public in fear of being discriminated against by future employers or losing friends who don’t understand, but since that has already happened I’ve realized it is much more therapeutic for me to write these articles so that others can understand. If people are going to discriminate then you or your workplace are not worth my time. I always work as hard as I can and pride myself on my work ethic, suffering or not.
Working with fibromyalgia is extremely difficult but as you can see it is very much possible. In fact, I’ve accomplished more during the time that I have been suffering than I have without. I’ve received multiple awards, directed short films, documentaries, music videos, promotional videos and created visual effects for a feature film due out in December. Keely and I got married, went on a month long holiday to Canada/USA and went back to play 2 seasons of hockey together like we did when we first met. Unfortunately, I am still limited to the amount of things I can do, which means sacrificing social events for work most of the time.
It all depends on your personality, how determined you are to push through the pain and how fibro affects you. I know that it absolutely kills me at times and I cannot get out of bed, but I’ve managed to survive and persevere. I can still do most of the things I’ve always done, I just do it while suffering, hurting and barely sleeping. You may have to change jobs or your lifestyle in some way to adapt, but if you suffer the same way I do, your life will be limited, but yes you CAN still live a normal life to a degree. You will have to manage and adapt. I know some people who are, but I’ve never been on any disability pension or allowance, because I refuse to let this disease win. The only winner in this story is going to be me.
Keep moving, keep pushing and never let this disease crush your soul like it tries to do every day. I know how it feels, I know how difficult it is and I know how soul destroying it can be. Keep pushing for answers, keep the momentum rolling and never lose sight of your goals or dreams. I know that I won’t ever stop, even if it takes me a bit longer, or perhaps a lifetime, but I’ll keep following my dreams and I won’t let fibromyalgia stop me.
AND NEITHER SHOULD YOU!
About the Author:
Rob Taylor
I’m a film director, editor and visual effects artist living in Melbourne, Australia. I have a degree in film production and you can view my work at www.phanterrorvideo.com
