Let's talk about your day!

[Senkusha]

Thank you.
I am sad to hear that
May I know if it's a chronic pain or is the pain temporary? I really hope you get better soon.

At this point, it's chronic. Started back in April 2023, and has progressed to include both feet now, but also my ankle feels as if it's been twisted, and my knee hurts constantly too.

What really stinks is that although I pay for short term disability insurance out of each paycheck, the amount I would be given is NOT enough to cover my rent payment, let alone electricity and phone (although I'm using my extra paycheck this month to pay for an entire year of phone), but I also have medical insurance to pay for too...

I really don't know if I can continue.

 

[Claraviolet]

At this point, it's chronic. Started back in April 2023, and has progressed to include both feet now, but also my ankle feels as if it's been twisted, and my knee hurts constantly too.

What really stinks is that although I pay for short term disability insurance out of each paycheck, the amount I would be given is NOT enough to cover my rent payment, let alone electricity and phone (although I'm using my extra paycheck this month to pay for an entire year of phone), but I also have medical insurance to pay for too...

I really don't know if I can continue.

I am really sorry to hear that. Did you get the diagnosis for that pain?
If you could find the root cause, you have a higher chance of getting rid of it. May I know the amount needed to survive over there?
In the UK, I think 1000 GBP is needed too get basic stuff only because the medical help is free. In India, you will need at least 50000 or may be 40000 INR to have a basic comfortable life. So just wondering the PPP over there.

 

[DarkAngel]

had a normal day lol
i think even those are getting rare

 

[Ravenfreak]

I am really sorry to hear that. Did you get the diagnosis for that pain?
If you could find the root cause, you have a higher chance of getting rid of it. May I know the amount needed to survive over there?
In the UK, I think 1000 GBP is needed too get basic stuff only because the medical help is free. In India, you will need at least 50000 or may be 40000 INR to have a basic comfortable life. So just wondering the PPP over there.

Unfortunately our health care system isn't that great in the United States, Senkusha lives in the same country as me. I hope she's able to get a different job, I worked physical jobs in the past and they really do take a toll on your body the older you get. The cost of living is different for each state, so it's hard to tell just how much she needs to cover rent.

 

[Senkusha]

Unfortunately our health care system isn't that great in the United States, Senkusha lives in the same country as me. I hope she's able to get a different job, I worked physical jobs in the past and they really do take a toll on your body the older you get. The cost of living is different for each state, so it's hard to tell just how much she needs to cover rent.

@Claraviolet , The root cause of my pain is from standing on my feet all day. For the last two days (my Saturday and Sunday, I've done nothing but sit at my desk, in my gaming chair. (Haven't bothered doing any of the chores that need to be done, because I hurt too much). As of right now (Friday Night), I have minimal pain. It still hurts to stand up, but at least I can stand and walk somewhat normally and at a decent speed-- unlike Thursday morning, where I had to hold on to whatever furniture I could find to support my own weight whenever I stood up. And I know that tomorrow, by the end of the day, that pain will be back, even with consuming a minimum of three doses of Ibuprofen (total of 2400 mg) and two doses of Tylenol (2000 mg total). If I don't take the pills, I'm in such agony that I can't even stand up.

I've tried better insoles. I've been doing the massage and the ice bottle, and the stretching. I've taken salt water hot soaks. It all helps, but it's temporary at best. Next the doctors are probably going to want to shoot me up with Cortisone, but again, that's only a temporary "band aid" fix. What I need is a desk job. And right now, that's looking impossible:
The job market is practically frozen. Companies aren't hiring-- especially older people like me. They fear that I'll want too much money per hour.
Most places end up "ghosting" me. They'll never call back, they don't answer the phone when I call, emails never get responded to, it's almost like they are just a big black hole.

I'm beyond hopeless at the moment. I know that my body can't take much more of this abuse. Sooner or later, I'm going to end up with liver failure, kidney failure, a heart attack, or a stroke. I could end up with some new condition I learned about (forgot the name of it, where my belly becomes inflamed from the excessive Ibuprofen). And, I'm trying to remain positive despite the absolute government.... "issues" that's currently going on here in the USA.

That's just my physical, normal every day health. I'm extremely stressed out, filled with anxiety, and batting some serious depression-- I've lost all motivation to even write creatively. Like the past two days, I've mostly just sat here staring at my blinking cursor. I'll roll up a character, but then I can't create the backstory for that character in my role playing games. I don't even have any interest to watch television. Just quietness.

And let's also not forget that I think I've been battling some darn bug...the flu, maybe walking pneumonia for all I know. I have a deep chest congestion, a wheezing in my chest. Been coughing, very low grade fever off and on. And a headache that just won't go away. I'm really not in good shape at all.

Now, the good news is that I'm scheduled to see my Primary Care Physician. But that's not for a couple of weeks yet, and if I don't have the money for my health insurance, I can kiss that appointment good-bye. I barely have enough money to cover my rent ($1650 per month. I get paid about $1800 per month after taxes. I still got electricity ($150+), phone ($40), Internet ($30), Bus pass ($30), and food ($300+). $17.31 an hour, working 35 to 40 hours per week barely cuts it.

Sorry, I started ranting and rambling again. I'm just beyond stressed out right now.

 

[Claraviolet]

Unfortunately our health care system isn't that great in the United States, Senkusha lives in the same country as me. I hope she's able to get a different job, I worked physical jobs in the past and they really do take a toll on your body the older you get. The cost of living is different for each state, so it's hard to tell just how much she needs to cover rent.

Oh.. I am really sorry to hear that. Me too . I really hope she can get better soon.

@Claraviolet , The root cause of my pain is from standing on my feet all day. For the last two days (my Saturday and Sunday, I've done nothing but sit at my desk, in my gaming chair. (Haven't bothered doing any of the chores that need to be done, because I hurt too much). As of right now (Friday Night), I have minimal pain. It still hurts to stand up, but at least I can stand and walk somewhat normally and at a decent speed-- unlike Thursday morning, where I had to hold on to whatever furniture I could find to support my own weight whenever I stood up. And I know that tomorrow, by the end of the day, that pain will be back, even with consuming a minimum of three doses of Ibuprofen (total of 2400 mg) and two doses of Tylenol (2000 mg total). If I don't take the pills, I'm in such agony that I can't even stand up.

I've tried better insoles. I've been doing the massage and the ice bottle, and the stretching. I've taken salt water hot soaks. It all helps, but it's temporary at best. Next the doctors are probably going to want to shoot me up with Cortisone, but again, that's only a temporary "band aid" fix. What I need is a desk job. And right now, that's looking impossible:
The job market is practically frozen. Companies aren't hiring-- especially older people like me. They fear that I'll want too much money per hour.
Most places end up "ghosting" me. They'll never call back, they don't answer the phone when I call, emails never get responded to, it's almost like they are just a big black hole.

I'm beyond hopeless at the moment. I know that my body can't take much more of this abuse. Sooner or later, I'm going to end up with liver failure, kidney failure, a heart attack, or a stroke. I could end up with some new condition I learned about (forgot the name of it, where my belly becomes inflamed from the excessive Ibuprofen). And, I'm trying to remain positive despite the absolute government.... "issues" that's currently going on here in the USA.

That's just my physical, normal every day health. I'm extremely stressed out, filled with anxiety, and batting some serious depression-- I've lost all motivation to even write creatively. Like the past two days, I've mostly just sat here staring at my blinking cursor. I'll roll up a character, but then I can't create the backstory for that character in my role playing games. I don't even have any interest to watch television. Just quietness.

And let's also not forget that I think I've been battling some darn bug...the flu, maybe walking pneumonia for all I know. I have a deep chest congestion, a wheezing in my chest. Been coughing, very low grade fever off and on. And a headache that just won't go away. I'm really not in good shape at all.

Now, the good news is that I'm scheduled to see my Primary Care Physician. But that's not for a couple of weeks yet, and if I don't have the money for my health insurance, I can kiss that appointment good-bye. I barely have enough money to cover my rent ($1650 per month. I get paid about $1800 per month after taxes. I still got electricity ($150+), phone ($40), Internet ($30), Bus pass ($30), and food ($300+). $17.31 an hour, working 35 to 40 hours per week barely cuts it.

Sorry, I started ranting and rambling again. I'm just beyond stressed out right now.

I am really sorry to hear that. It's sad how you are in pain all day. It's not at all good for the body to take so much antibiotics. Have you ever thought of relocating? May be to the UK or to some other country whether the medical help is free? Sometimes the cost of living can get better with the relocation.
1650 for the rent is just too much. Have you ever thought of shared accommodation? Getting another roommate might help a little with the bills. It will be uncomfortable... Yes.. But it could help you with the financial stuff.

 

[Senkusha]

Unfortunately, getting another roommate probably wouldn't happen, as there's only one bedroom in this apartment and most people would want their own space (I know I would!) And relocating is a difficult thing too. Most places you need to have at least three times the amount of rent saved up just to move in, and that doesn't include the actual costs to move. And just so there's no misunderstanding, I'm not living in any sort of luxury apartment. This place was actually one of the cheapest places I found a couple years ago, and didn't require an absurd credit score, bonus, it's a three minute walk from the bus station, anyway...

The best I could hope for is for a different job opportunity to open up and accept me, but... I'm older, and most employers tend to shy away from people in their 50s.

However, a bit of temporary good news! Because I've had the flu for the past two days, I've had a total of four days of not working. I can finally stand up and even walk without too much pain! Bad news is, as soon as I go back to work for a full day, the pain's gonna come right back after just one day.

 

[Ravenfreak]

Unfortunately, getting another roommate probably wouldn't happen, as there's only one bedroom in this apartment and most people would want their own space (I know I would!) And relocating is a difficult thing too. Most places you need to have at least three times the amount of rent saved up just to move in, and that doesn't include the actual costs to move. And just so there's no misunderstanding, I'm not living in any sort of luxury apartment. This place was actually one of the cheapest places I found a couple years ago, and didn't require an absurd credit score, bonus, it's a three minute walk from the bus station, anyway...

The best I could hope for is for a different job opportunity to open up and accept me, but... I'm older, and most employers tend to shy away from people in their 50s.

However, a bit of temporary good news! Because I've had the flu for the past two days, I've had a total of four days of not working. I can finally stand up and even walk without too much pain! Bad news is, as soon as I go back to work for a full day, the pain's gonna come right back after just one day.

It's annoying knowing lots of companies discriminate due to age. Surely some call centers want someone who's older and dependable you would think at least. I hope you're able to find an office job. Are there any open office positions at your current employer? You might have better luck if you get a new position within your current job.

 

[Senkusha]

Unfortunately, I work in a warehouse. There aren't really any office positions where I work. IF, I were management, I *might* be able to transfer to a corporate location, but that's in New York City, and I'd really prefer not to have to try to figure out how to move while being totally broke financially, physically, and emotionally.

 

[Claraviolet]

Unfortunately, getting another roommate probably wouldn't happen, as there's only one bedroom in this apartment and most people would want their own space (I know I would!) And relocating is a difficult thing too. Most places you need to have at least three times the amount of rent saved up just to move in, and that doesn't include the actual costs to move. And just so there's no misunderstanding, I'm not living in any sort of luxury apartment. This place was actually one of the cheapest places I found a couple years ago, and didn't require an absurd credit score, bonus, it's a three minute walk from the bus station, anyway...

The best I could hope for is for a different job opportunity to open up and accept me, but... I'm older, and most employers tend to shy away from people in their 50s.

However, a bit of temporary good news! Because I've had the flu for the past two days, I've had a total of four days of not working. I can finally stand up and even walk without too much pain! Bad news is, as soon as I go back to work for a full day, the pain's gonna come right back after just one day.

Temporary relief is not a solution It will get even more difficult as you are pushing your physical limits and relying on pain killers. I would still suggest just posting the shared space ad in facebook and other social media.
May be someone might find it cost effective and would want to share the space. After observing the bills, most of the time, the rent, council tax, water bill, gas bill, electricity bill tend to eat most of the paycheck.

Also, the farther you move a bit, the lower the rent gets. Well, that's what I have observed when I was in Bexley. What sort of work do you do in the warehouse? Like moving heavy stuff?

 

[DarkAngel]

Unfortunately, I work in a warehouse. There aren't really any office positions where I work. IF, I were management, I *might* be able to transfer to a corporate location, but that's in New York City, and I'd really prefer not to have to try to figure out how to move while being totally broke financially, physically, and emotionally.

is there a way for you to get into management hun?
i know who bad standing all the time can get. my knees are bad and back hurts all the time. i work at a diner and with cooking you need to stand a lot but warehouse work would be even more exhausting.

 

[Senkusha]

Temporary relief is not a solution It will get even more difficult as you are pushing your physical limits and relying on pain killers. I would still suggest just posting the shared space ad in facebook and other social media.
May be someone might find it cost effective and would want to share the space. After observing the bills, most of the time, the rent, council tax, water bill, gas bill, electricity bill tend to eat most of the paycheck.

Also, the farther you move a bit, the lower the rent gets. Well, that's what I have observed when I was in Bexley. What sort of work do you do in the warehouse? Like moving heavy stuff?

As a supervisor, I don't do much heavy lifting anymore, and I'm not constantly working the cash register (customers can shop directly here). But I am on my feet, either running back and forth assisting the cashiers, or I'm standing by the exit doing quality assurance (counting all the products the customer purchased, ensuring they match the unit count on the receipt, ensuing partial units weren't sold as entire case items...) So I don't get the benefit of an anti-fatigue mat either.

is there a way for you to get into management hun?
i know who bad standing all the time can get. my knees are bad and back hurts all the time. i work at a diner and with cooking you need to stand a lot but warehouse work would be even more exhausting.

Nope. I can't work the excessively long hours that are required (50+ hours a week), and willing to work 7+ days straight as needed. I also can't drive, and that's required for management (I have depth-perception issues), so I can't operate a forklift (also known as a High-Low).

On a side note, I've noticed that over the past few days, I've started falling asleep on the subway and bus on my way to work in the morning again, despite taking the vitamins D and B12 and C and K. I come home, throw some ramen together and go to sleep. I don't really have energy for much else. Even coffee isn't really helping anymore. Now, this could be to just tolerating excessive amounts of constant pain, which I imagine drains internal energy, much as a light bulb would, or it could be a combination of everything happening currently in the world, and I just can't cope anymore. Or maybe it's just because I've outgrown my usefulness.

 

[Claraviolet]

As a supervisor, I don't do much heavy lifting anymore, and I'm not constantly working the cash register (customers can shop directly here). But I am on my feet, either running back and forth assisting the cashiers, or I'm standing by the exit doing quality assurance (counting all the products the customer purchased, ensuring they match the unit count on the receipt, ensuing partial units weren't sold as entire case items...) So I don't get the benefit of an anti-fatigue mat either.


Nope. I can't work the excessively long hours that are required (50+ hours a week), and willing to work 7+ days straight as needed. I also can't drive, and that's required for management (I have depth-perception issues), so I can't operate a forklift (also known as a High-Low).

On a side note, I've noticed that over the past few days, I've started falling asleep on the subway and bus on my way to work in the morning again, despite taking the vitamins D and B12 and C and K. I come home, throw some ramen together and go to sleep. I don't really have energy for much else. Even coffee isn't really helping anymore. Now, this could be to just tolerating excessive amounts of constant pain, which I imagine drains internal energy, much as a light bulb would, or it could be a combination of everything happening currently in the world, and I just can't cope anymore. Or maybe it's just because I've outgrown my usefulness.

Oh...is it possible to delegate your work? Or use certain containers or look through the weight instead of doing everything manually?

 

[Ravenfreak]

My day was okay. I took yesterday and today off since I couldn't sleep the other night because my tooth was hurting me really bad. So I went to Aspen Dental yesterday and got a tooth extracted, a deep cleaning and two temporary crowns on my two top front teeth. My mouth doesn't hurt thankfully, it just feels weird right now. I'm also out of it because I haven't been eating as much since I was at the dentist all day yesterday and I can only eat soft foods right now. Also the temporary crown on my left front tooth feels so dang weird and it kind of makes it hard to talk now. I'll be much happier when I get my permanent crowns in next week and my mouth heals fully from the extraction.