Considering where I live, capital of Canada for seniors. I am very lucky that I do not have to wait more then a month and half to see a specialist. My appointment is mid January. I am still having pain over my eye and a very heavy feeling inside my skull there. I am having swelling issues in my feet and hands from the prednisone and my muscles are feeling weaker by the day. I do believe I will have to quit my job after Christmas. I really do not see this going anywhere good with the heavy lifting. There is no way to not lift less then 10 pounds in the jobs I do so hopefully EI Canada will still give me benefits once I quit do to illness. I've read on their site that I am entitled to benefits regardless as it is not my fault I got ill. Otherwise I am sleeping way better because the pain is 90% gone. I only have a small amount of joint pain and this headache. I've had the headache so long that it seems to be my friend now. :roll: It is not as harsh as it was without the prednisone but none the less still there.
Hello Snaggler
A few of us have already mentioned how difficult or impossible we would have found it to have to work during our early days of illness and we are always in awe of you people who manage to do so. However, is it possible that you may not have to \"quit\" your job but instead go on sick leave for a period of time perhaps?
I believe that you may still be on 50mgs so that should be starting to get hold of the inflammation by now and it does sound as though that is the case as you mention that the \"pain has 90% gone\". Unfortunately, very few people manage to become completely pain-free on this journey as we reduce our dose, but once you do successfully manage to reduce your dose some of the side effects such as the swelling you are experiencing should lesten. I do feel a little concerned about the \"pain in your eye, heavy feeling in your skull and continuing headache\" so as far as the GCA aspect of your illness is concerned, if it was me I would ask for further investigation now rather than wait for your appointment with the consultant in January. However, it's still very early days for you and simply having some time off work on sick leave may just be all that you need right now.
MrsO
thanks Mrs O, I am going to put in my notice at work after Christmas. I really do feel that I should be on Sick EI and I am sure working is only complicating so many issues I am having with the PMR. GCA and CLL. I have a doctors note and my boss cannot support me not lifting so eventually I have no choice but to leave there.
Snaggler
At the end of the day your health is so important and, hopefully, you will be able to claim some sickness benefits to help when you leave. I do wish you well.
MrsO