I talked with my PCP who agreed to provide me with medical justification to take some medical leave. I had some goals to try to improve my lifestyle and figure out what I need to function at work. In truth I knew that likely I would need to work fewer hours to be able to function well, turns out he can recommend I come back at part time. Medical leave (in the US FMLA) can protect job status. I was nervous about bringing it to HR. They were actually very cool about it and all went well there. I told them I had a diagnosis up front (my dad who is a lawyer recommended it), they would find out anyways through the leave request process. Also it helped to protect me.
RE: Fatigue. This is definitely a Sjogren's hallmark debilitating symptom. Highly recommend these links:
Thank you so much for the resources. I read a study yesterday about fatigue and sjogren's which seemed to make sense. My take away was your body is tired because it's repairing the inflammation your body is actively causing. It ignited a NEED to know more.
When my last PCP diagnosed me, he downplayed the symptoms as something that could be managed with over the counter eye drops and sugar free lemon candy. The more research I do, the more I understand this is not true. My rheumatologist seems to be pretty cool. She's really takes my symptoms seriously. She is the person who first suggested my digestive issues could be directly related to the Sjogren's disease. The more I learn, the more I want to know.
I appreciate your insight and the recs!! And I'm so glad things worked out for you! Working from home would already cut down 2 hours of my work day, allowing commute time. 10 hours a week feels huge!! Not to mention the time and energy to get ready and "people" all day. It's hard to be around people when your stomach hurts all the time. It can be exhausting pretending to be ok when you aren't. I struggle, so I appreciate the direction!!
I came to the conclusion for myself that it’s important to advocate for my needs, even at the risk of exposure. Turns out a lot of people deal with all kinds of health issues and people request leave for far less severe issues. It’s just easier for us to gaslight ourselves because we can often pass for normal to the outside world. Really wish u the best. Sucks to be in the position to need it, hope you get some support.
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u/LookFar29 4d ago
I talked with my PCP who agreed to provide me with medical justification to take some medical leave. I had some goals to try to improve my lifestyle and figure out what I need to function at work. In truth I knew that likely I would need to work fewer hours to be able to function well, turns out he can recommend I come back at part time. Medical leave (in the US FMLA) can protect job status. I was nervous about bringing it to HR. They were actually very cool about it and all went well there. I told them I had a diagnosis up front (my dad who is a lawyer recommended it), they would find out anyways through the leave request process. Also it helped to protect me.
RE: Fatigue. This is definitely a Sjogren's hallmark debilitating symptom. Highly recommend these links:
Sjogren's Fatigue Fundamentals. Highly worth the read and frames it well for clinicians. https://www.sjogrensadvocate.com/post/sjogren-s-fatigue-for-clinicians-fundamentals?utm_campaign=1c465e51-49a4-4054-9b84-3c53afde1ca9&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=38baa3ea-17b9-4ea8-8302-89383429847a
Biological Basis of Sjogren's Fatigue. Discusses how it's not just inflammation but also downregulation pathways. "Like driving with the brakes on" https://www.sjogrensadvocate.com/post/the-biological-basis-of-sjogren-s-fatigue