Hi Everybody,
I haven't posted in a few months, and for those of you who don't remember me ... I'm a woman in my early 40s, I evidently don't have CF, but I have bronchiectasis and chronic sinusitis and some degree of asthma as well. In short, the information in these forums has been very helpful because I seem to be suffering symptoms similar to those of you with the milder cases of CF.
My debate now is whether to continue working full time. Much of the time I feel quite lousy between shortness of breath, cough, exhaustion, and pressure in my chest. I work in computers and my job requires making long (>8 hours) flights every few weeks. I'm pretty sure that the travelling is making things worse, although I can't prove it.
Since I'm the main breadwinner in our family this isn't a light decision. Also, because I don't have a clear diagnosis my chances of getting the equivalent of social security where I live is next to nil.
I would much prefer to relax and enjoy my kids, but I'm also a bit worried about letting depression get to me if I stop working. It's really hard as it is. The people closest to me know what I am going through, but at work they don't know anything - at least not directly. People often look at me oddly at work due to the cough, hoarse voice, etc but they don't know there is any problem beyond a cold.
I really don't know what to do. I'm so exhausted and feel so horrible so much of the time that it seems insane to go on this way. On the other hand, during the periods where I'm feeling better it's nice to be able to live my normal life more or less. I guess part of my fear is psychological, in that I'm afraid to admit that I'm not who I used to be and like it or not I am disabled to some extent. I really don't know what to do.
I haven't posted in a few months, and for those of you who don't remember me ... I'm a woman in my early 40s, I evidently don't have CF, but I have bronchiectasis and chronic sinusitis and some degree of asthma as well. In short, the information in these forums has been very helpful because I seem to be suffering symptoms similar to those of you with the milder cases of CF.
My debate now is whether to continue working full time. Much of the time I feel quite lousy between shortness of breath, cough, exhaustion, and pressure in my chest. I work in computers and my job requires making long (>8 hours) flights every few weeks. I'm pretty sure that the travelling is making things worse, although I can't prove it.
Since I'm the main breadwinner in our family this isn't a light decision. Also, because I don't have a clear diagnosis my chances of getting the equivalent of social security where I live is next to nil.
I would much prefer to relax and enjoy my kids, but I'm also a bit worried about letting depression get to me if I stop working. It's really hard as it is. The people closest to me know what I am going through, but at work they don't know anything - at least not directly. People often look at me oddly at work due to the cough, hoarse voice, etc but they don't know there is any problem beyond a cold.
I really don't know what to do. I'm so exhausted and feel so horrible so much of the time that it seems insane to go on this way. On the other hand, during the periods where I'm feeling better it's nice to be able to live my normal life more or less. I guess part of my fear is psychological, in that I'm afraid to admit that I'm not who I used to be and like it or not I am disabled to some extent. I really don't know what to do.