sorry I've not been around again - an update on life stuff

[NeedleAndFork]

Good grief! I'm sorry to hear about this. It's hard enough these days for someone to get started in life and settled in a job with a decent income to support themselves, but given your situation this is beyond the absurd.

I'm going to PM you some info about a couple of online sites that I know you can earn a bit of cash on in hopes that this will at least help you get a bit of money. It may not be a lot, but at least hopefully it will help out a little.

[imogenX]

Oh, Brandi, I'm so sorry! We have definitely missed you around the forum, and I hope that you will keep us updated on your situation.

I'm sure that you feel trapped and helpless, but you WILL get it sorted out. Something will present itself to you - I just know it. In the meantime, know that we're here, and thinking of you even when we're not logged in.

[geekishly]

Thanks everyone. Sorry I've not been on to do a proper reply to these comments.

I've got a rheumatology appointment tomorrow and hopefully they'll have a definitive diagnosis for me and I'll be able to reapply for disability. It's my stepdad that's pushing her to do these things. Or at least that's how she's spinning it. It's hard to tell. I am seeing a social worker at my doctor's office. I've also got stuff in the works with the homeless shelter to be put on a wait list for a room. My mom told me that they won't kick me to the street. But if I can get in to a private room at the homeless shelter (4-6 week waiting list) I will be kicked out to there.

For those asking, I'm 30. And finding a job has been tough because between all of my health and mental health problems, working outside the home just isn't something I'm really capable of. I look every day though. Because if I don't I might miss that one day where something I can do it available.

I'm not allowed out of my room after certain hours because my stepdad doesn't want to see me at all. He's said all of two words to me since I moved in. he gets off work at 4pm. so that's why I'm not allowed out of my room except for very specific things. because he doesn't want to have to see me. He gets pissed off any time he does see me.

Thanks again everyone for the well wishes and support. I miss you all terribly.

[fccs]

I'm so sorry to hear all you're going through. I hope things turn around soon for you, and from the sounds of it, a private room at the shelter will be better than your current conditions. Stay strong.

[backafteradozenyrs]

Brandi, I'm really sorry that you're having to go through this. Your step-dad sounds just awful & it's a real shame your Mom is picking him over you. I do hope you get good news (in it's own way) from your Doc. Good luck & stay strong.

[Fizzbw]

I'm so glad you have given us an update, I was so worried for you. I think Debby is right! you will be better off in a room of your own. your step dad sounds like a prize....

I hope you get a diagnosis and it allows you to get disability, I know it's not much but it's something that helps (I'm on disability as well in the UK) and it takes some of the pressure off (but not so much now in the UK as the situation for sick and disabled people who can't work is terrible right now, I stress all the time about my next assessment). I hope you will be able to find some home work that allows you some intellectual stimulation as well as money!

Biggest hugs, do make sure you come back soon to let us know how you are doing.

Niki xxx

[Oriettait]

I am so glad to hear your update, I have been thinking at you the whole time and will keep my finger crossed!

[mags]

Yes, I have been thinking about you too. So sorry about your situation. I do hope things work out for you. Sending my best wishes and positive thoughts your way

[rcperryls]

Please check in as often as you can. I too am thinking about you and sending you lots of and prayers that things turn towards the better soon!

Carole

[Amanda G]

Glad you have been able to keep us updated. Step-dad sounds.....well, I don't think I can even put it into words. Not on here anyway........!
I hope things turn out better for you and I'll that things improve

[karen4bells]

It's great to hear from you and I really hope that life gets better for you soon!

[geekishly]

Had my appointment today. Doctor said "yes, you definitely have fibromyalgia. And probably a mild form of ehlers-danlos syndrome." So he's referred me to their genetics lab to get genetic testing for eds.

My stepdad has gained the moniker stepd**k from my friends. I'm sure you can fill in the blanks there. Mom told me today that he doesn't believe there's anything wrong with me, which is why he's so adamant about my getting a job just anywhere. If I could just get a job anywhere, I would have done so ages ago.

[rcperryls]

Sounds like progress. I don't know how disability works, but after reading about eds (which I'd not heard of before) and knowing a little bit about fibromyalgia I would think you should have a better chance the next time you apply. Your step dad sounds like a controlling jerk and I hope you are able to get out from under soon.

Carole

[flosaxby]

Sorry to hear that your stepdad is so horrible. Glad you're a bit closer to a diagnosis and therefore some income.

I've also been looking at stuff I can do from home as I'm back at university doing a masters degree (at the age of 36!). I found a site saying that you can get some money from doing surveys. I signed up to a couple. Maybe they would be useful for you too?

Here's the list of sites along with "do's and don'ts" that could help maximise income: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family ... ey-surveys

Hope this helps,
Flo

[calico]

Your situation makes me so sad Sounds like the appt went well and I hope things improve from here on out. Thanks for the update and please keep us posted!

[kmummy77]

Hi Brandi,

Hope that your diagnosis provides you with some confidence of moving further toward your happy place. Sorry to hear that you are in such a horrible predicament. My heart goes out to you. Don't ever tell yourself that things are hopeless - there is always hope. Even if we don't see it sometimes. Keep us updated with your progress. xoxo

Kirsty.

[LastingAllure]

I am so sorry to hear of your situation Brandi!

Fibromyalgia is a pain in the butt. Most people can't understand it and with the other problems on top of that is sucks even more. It makes me sad to hear how un supportive your family is Luckily though there are ways to at least manage your fibro. I find when I am stressed and or tired I am worse off so I focus on my sleep and my stress levels and try to keep them in order to minimize the effect fibro has on me. Meditation seems to help me a lot, might be something you might want to try. I know some people are worse off than me (I am not on any medication for mine because I manage the pain, it is just the tiredness that can effect me the most)

For the record I do live with my parents as well right now, so I understand where you are coming from. You're just in a worse off situation. You are doing the right thing though looking for work you can do from home. Maybe you can make enough money from home that you will only need a part time job to top off the income? Sometimes you have to make your own work though, get creative. I sell cross stitch patterns and design for some magazines now. Doesn't pay enough to support myself on my own but it could get to that point eventually, at least at this point I am making payments on my student loans. Since you mentioned writing, maybe you want to write a novel and publish it as an e-book on Amazon or other e-book places? Even if you don't make a lot of money on that, it could give you an escape from the world, also looks good on a resume to show you have dedication to finish something like that.

Just some ideas. I hope the world is nicer to you in the coming months. Just try and stay positive...as hard as it sounds. Things will get better and you're on the right track!