Interesting that you asked the very same question I also asked when I first came onto the boards. There's a whole string of responses -- in The Living Room; I believe that's where I posted my question.
I won't repeat others' answers, but just my own. I was NOT able to work. I suspected I had something wrong with me in 1985 but continued to work until 2001. First, I switched jobs to something less stressful in 1989. When that didn't help, I switched to something even LESS stressful (each time, of course, with a lot less pay!), then when that didn't help, I cut my days down to only 2 a week. When I could no longer go to the office, not even 2 days a week, in 2001 I quit altogether.
It amazes me that so many people here CAN work -- and do so full-time -- AND go to school -- AND raise a family! One gal is even studying in Spain! This group is awesome! I couldn't do it. Not only do I not have the energy, but my stress level would go through the roof.
I applied to Social Security for disability benefits (I've worked for over 40 years), but they turned me down, telling me I should be able to find a job with an office near a bathroom.
Now, having said all that, let me just say something a little more encouraging for you, Dolphin: when I came on board here, I was a mess. My IBS was out of control. It was no wonder that I couldn't work. I couldn't even leave the confines of my home! Now, after following the program and getting all the phenomenal help from everyone here, and dong the hypnotherapy program, I can honestly say that I believe I could return to the work force now. I couldn't then, but I think I could now. Maybe not full-time, and I might have some stress problems initially, but yes, I think I could do it, now that I'm finally stable -- and intending to stay that way. My goal is to get to the point where the lady at the Macy's fragrance counter is. She said to me the other day that her IBS is in remission and has been for the past 10 years; she no longer thinks about it at all!
I'm gonna get there -- and so can you.
Bev
-------------------- <img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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