Question
I have systemic lupus and here's my question:

I just have a quick question about work

My boss may be going away,and wants me to work from 7-10 am(my usual hours)and also from 5-7 pm for a week or so,and anyways I think it might make me too tired&sore,and I told her that,and she kept on saying she doesn't think it'll be that bad,but I do

What should I say or do? Should I just do it anyways,or should I say no?

Answer
Hi Kristin,
It sounds to me like maybe your boss doesn't understand, or is not concerned about your health and well being.
Try to make your boss understand your physical limitations. Go on the Internet and find information about your condition, print out several sheets of information and give them to your boss. Explain your limitations and describe to her exactly how working like that will make you feel.
It is so easy for her to say that SHE doesn't think it will be that bad, but she doesn't live with your condition or live in your body. In the end it is YOU that will suffer the consequences and feel the pain, NOT HER!
It seems to be common for a lot of people to think that those of us living in chronic pain or with a chronic, painful disease are just being crybabies. They seem to think that our pain and discomfort really isn't all that bad or that we just need to 'toughen up'.
Your boss wants something from you and she doesn't want your pain and discomfort to prevent her from getting what she wants.
I really can't tell you to say no or to do it anyway. All I can do is to ask you to ask yourself some questions before you decide;
Is this job important enough to you to risk your health for? Do you need the money that badly?
Will you have a hard time finding another job?
Are you ready and willing to suffer the pain and fatigue that will result from working the extra hours?
Is it worth it?
I hope this helps. If you have any questions or need additional information please don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks
Tracy
Here is a website that you might find helpful;
http://www.painfoundation.org/PainAid/page.asp?file=page_home.htm