A while back, a doctor I respect wrote a disappointing article recommending that people with Lyme not stop working.

While I think there are people who are able to continue to work, many of us who have had a long delay in diagnosis are way too sick to be able to work.

When I stopped working (10 years ago), I was bedridden most of the time. It wasn’t a question of whether I could continue to work – I absolutely could not. I could barely sit up, I couldn’t walk without assistance, I had such severe pain I needed strong medications, and I had cognitive issues (at one point my license was suspended because I would get lost and confused).

For years I struggled with insomnia and that made it impossible to think clearly or function well.

At one point I was doing 3-5 IV’s a day, plus taking 86 pills & 15 remedies. I also need to detox so I was doing saunas and detox baths regularly.

I used to drive a lot for work (2-3,000 miles a month was not uncommon). My feet would go numb when I drove, making it impossible to do so.

I see a lot of posts in Lyme groups where people who are working are trying to find solutions to stay working. And sometimes they ask whether it would be better to take time off.

Healing is hard. It’s harder when you’re trying to maintain some semblance of a normal life.

The question about whether you should take time off isn’t a simple one. And it isn’t the sole question.

Other considerations when you think about work include:

• Do you have cognitive or physical challenges that make it impossible to get through the day? This is the ultimate question. It was clear for me – it may not be for you.
• Is your job stress high? Can you heal in that situation?
• Is your work environment toxic (chemicals, mold, etc)?
• Do you have someone who can help with daily life (food prep, shopping, cleaning, etc)?
• Are you still able to do therapies, treatments, etc?
• Are you able to go to the many doctors you may need?
• After work, house care, self-care, groceries, meals, & therapies are you able to get enough rest?
• Finances are of course a factor as well – and a stressful one.

You’re the only one who can make the decision to work or not. You know your body – you know what can or can’t be done. If you are feeling the need for time off, make a realistic list of why and go talk to your doctor.

Ask for their support. Let them know you’ll be applying for disability and you need their help.

And if they refuse to help – get copies of their records and go find another doctor.

And don’t let anyone guilt you into whatever decision you make. You know your body. You know your life.

Do what you need and don’t apologize for it.