Re: Re: My new job is driving my RA into overdrive!!-typical

[Guest guest]

OMG i cannot believe thatyou can work to begin with,,i was on EVERYTHING and STILLcould not make it 40 hours.,..it about killed me to work,,,i finally quit and now i have to sleep 16 hours a day to keeep it ( RA) back - taking no meds now except "prednisone-20 mg) and my doctor wants me off that,,no job fo rme i cant make it ...so sad from a career to nothin' depressing as hell debi m. dearhunterbebe <dearhunterbebe@...> wrote: >> I need some advice regarding my new job. I worked for 16 years at a > state university that is within a system. I've had moderate RA for > 12 of those 16 years. In November I was approached by a colleague > who also worked within the same university system but at a different > campus. She had accepted a directorship at the main campus of the > system. She asked me to transfer to the main campus as well. I > accepted the offer due to the chagrin of my supervisor. > > Even though I just transferred from one campus to another, I am on > probation for 1 year and I'm in a "employ at will state"—so I can be > terminated for anything while on probation. > > Well, it's been down hill ever since. The colleague is my

director, > which is fine we get along great; however, I have an immediate > supervisor who absolutely hates me. But my main problem is that > since the transfer to the new position 3 weeks ago, I've been > battling a huge arthritic flare up that I just can't shake. It seems > like everything is against me. > > My commute is longer—I lived just down the street from the smaller > campus. The main campus is 25 miles away in bumper to bumper > traffic, which means I have to leave home at 6:30 in the morning and > not return home until 7 p.m. or later at night. At the smaller > campus my hours were 7:30-4:30 and I was home no later than 5 p.m. > (with occasional over-time). During the interview the director had > said I could flex my time but once hired the supervisor (who was > present during the interview) says I'm not allowed to flex my time, > and

she wants me to stay late. My job is considered professional > staff, so no matter how much time I work in overtime, I will not be > compensated.> > This campus is huge compared to the campus I was working; everything > is farther—HR, cafeteria, parking, the distance of the parking lot to > the building, steeper stairs to get into the building, the > organization of the files, and distance to the restrooms. Neither > the layout of building nor the campus is easily accessible for a > person suffering with RA. Everything contributes to keeping my flare > up going.> > My mom and friends see how I'm suffering with the pain, swelling, and > fatigue. My feet swell each day I work until my shoes are unbearable > to wear. I haven't visited my rheumy yet, I just talked to staff who > relayed a message to my rheumy's PA who prescribed a Medrol

dosepak > and normally they work immediately, but it's has taken a longer time > of getting the swelling and inflammation to leave my body, so far > I've flushed out 30 lbs of fluid from my body with the dose pack, but > this is only a temporary solution. > > The good news is that a company that I've always wanted to work for > offered me a job last week that I accepted. The company is one mile > away from my home, and they offer flextime which was discussed in the > interview, there is only one building and the parking lot and > building is very handicap accommodating. They want me to begin the > second week of February. My friends all say this is a really good > place to work with lots of opportunities for growth and very, very > low turnover rates.> > My mom and my friends want me to quit my current job at the > university and rest

for a couple of weeks until my new job starts. > But I'm trying to hold on and work through the end of the month > because I don't want to have to pay for COBRA (my new job insurance > kicks in the first day of work).> > I have over 300 hours of sick leave that I will lose when I leave the > university. What about notice since I'm on probation? One thought > I've batted around was that maybe I can go to the doctor explain the > situation and take sick leave through my notice. It is strange to > say but I've never quit a job while on probation. I have always had > really good working relationships with my supervisors and bosses, so > this is completely new to me, plus factoring in my RA. So, how do I > cut myself loose from this toxic job to start my new job?> > Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.> > K>Kathy if you

have that many hours sick pay accumilated, just take a sick leave. You being on probation shouldn't keep you from getting something you have already earned. You need down time. Good luckJo Nell

[Guest guest]

So I am not the only one sleeping their life away. Remember to do one good thing for yourself each day (buy a thrift book) take a bubble bath, and do one useful thing (load of laundry) a day. Its all you can ask from yourself when you have this disease. I have not been on a biologic for several months, since mid september. I have had one flare during that time. I had oral surgery so was on high dose penicillin for a few weeks. Its really strange not being on it but I am just tired and dont feel as bad as I did while on the biologic. I see my RD on 2/5. I will find out what to do then. Prednisone 20mg is a high dose alright. I would try a biologic if you can. Even Cyclosporine might work for you. You are not alone. One day I feel like worthless burden and the next day I feel I can live with myself. We war with guilt, denial and depression daily. I have made a pact to do everything I possibly can on a good day and cut myself alot of slack on bad days walking around like a zombie. I look at projects I started years ago that I just walk by and make promises to do them soon. Soon became a year and then five years. I guess it is the progression of my disease. Its amazing how one year can turn you inside out. It feels like stepping down a long flight of stairs and each year I have less and less energy to do the things I thought I could still do. I descend another step and one day I will come to the dead end of the stairway and I will have to look up from where I was the years before and create a lower level for myself to live at. Its hard seeing a shadow of the person I used to be, but thats RA for you. Be as well as you can be. Deborah

On Jan 23, 2008 8:54 AM, Debra Maddox <debramaddox@...> wrote:

OMG i cannot believe thatyou can work to begin with,,i was on EVERYTHING and STILLcould not make it 40 hours.,..it about killed me to work,,,i finally quit and now i have to sleep 16 hours a day to keeep it ( RA) back - taking no meds now except " prednisone-20 mg) and my doctor wants me off that,,no job fo rme i cant make it ...so sad from a career to nothin' depressing as hell

debi m.

dearhunterbebe <dearhunterbebe@...> wrote:

>> I need some advice regarding my new job. I worked for 16 years at a > state university that is within a system. I've had moderate RA for > 12 of those 16 years. In November I was approached by a colleague > who also worked within the same university system but at a different > campus. She had accepted a directorship at the main campus of the > system. She asked me to transfer to the main campus as well. I > accepted the offer due to the chagrin of my supervisor. > > Even though I just transferred from one campus to another, I am on > probation for 1 year and I'm in a " employ at will state " —so I can be > terminated for anything while on probation. > > Well, it's been down hill ever since. The colleague is my director, > which is fine we get along great; however, I have an immediate > supervisor who absolutely hates me. But my main problem is that > since the transfer to the new position 3 weeks ago, I've been > battling a huge arthritic flare up that I just can't shake. It seems > like everything is against me. > > My commute is longer—I lived just down the street from the smaller > campus. The main campus is 25 miles away in bumper to bumper > traffic, which means I have to leave home at 6:30 in the morning and > not return home until 7 p.m. or later at night. At the smaller > campus my hours were 7:30-4:30 and I was home no later than 5 p.m. > (with occasional over-time). During the interview the director had > said I could flex my time but once hired the supervisor (who was > present during the interview) says I'm not allowed to flex my time, > and she wants me to stay late. My job is considered professional > staff, so no matter how much time I work in overtime, I will not be > compensated.> > This campus is huge compared to the campus I was working; everything > is farther—HR, cafeteria, parking, the distance of the parking lot to > the building, steeper stairs to get into the building, the > organization of the files, and distance to the restrooms. Neither > the layout of building nor the campus is easily accessible for a > person suffering with RA. Everything contributes to keeping my flare > up going.> > My mom and friends see how I'm suffering with the pain, swelling, and > fatigue. My feet swell each day I work until my shoes are unbearable > to wear. I haven't visited my rheumy yet, I just talked to staff who > relayed a message to my rheumy's PA who prescribed a Medrol dosepak > and normally they work immediately, but it's has taken a longer time > of getting the swelling and inflammation to leave my body, so far > I've flushed out 30 lbs of fluid from my body with the dose pack, but > this is only a temporary solution. > > The good news is that a company that I've always wanted to work

for > offered me a job last week that I accepted. The company is one mile > away from my home, and they offer flextime which was discussed in the > interview, there is only one building and the parking lot and > building is very handicap accommodating. They want me to begin the > second week of February. My friends all say this is a really good > place to work with lots of opportunities for growth and very, very > low turnover rates.> > My mom and my friends want me to quit my current job at the > university and rest for a couple of weeks until my new job starts. > But I'm trying to hold on and work through the end of the month > because I don't want to have to pay for COBRA (my new job insurance > kicks in the first day of work).> > I have over 300 hours of sick leave that I will lose when I leave the

> university. What about notice since I'm on probation? One thought > I've batted around was that maybe I can go to the doctor explain the > situation and take sick leave through my notice. It is strange to > say but I've never quit a job while on probation. I have always had > really good working relationships with my supervisors and bosses, so > this is completely new to me, plus factoring in my RA. So, how do I > cut myself loose from this toxic job to start my new job?> > Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.> > K>Kathy if you have that many hours sick pay accumilated, just take a sick leave. You being on probation shouldn't keep you from getting something you have already earned. You need down time. Good luckJo Nell

[Guest guest]

your email was awesome-it descibes my situatoin and i thank you ever so much for the kind words and advise...i do have to see a "MSW" to help me with my "mental" denial of RA and guilt and all that RA stuff - i just had to say thank you so much---debi M. Deborah Bargad <dbargad@...> wrote: So I am not the only one sleeping their life away. Remember to do one good thing for yourself each day (buy a thrift book) take a bubble bath, and do one useful thing (load of laundry) a day. Its all you can

ask from yourself when you have this disease. I have not been on a biologic for several months, since mid september. I have had one flare during that time. I had oral surgery so was on high dose penicillin for a few weeks. Its really strange not being on it but I am just tired and dont feel as bad as I did while on the biologic. I see my RD on 2/5. I will find out what to do then. Prednisone 20mg is a high dose alright. I would try a biologic if you can. Even Cyclosporine might work for you. You are not alone. One day I feel like worthless burden and the next day I feel I can live with myself. We war with guilt, denial and depression daily. I have made a pact to do everything I possibly can on a good day and cut myself alot of slack on bad days walking around like a zombie. I look at projects I started years ago that I just walk by and make promises to do them soon. Soon became a year

and then five years. I guess it is the progression of my disease. Its amazing how one year can turn you inside out. It feels like stepping down a long flight of stairs and each year I have less and less energy to do the things I thought I could still do. I descend another step and one day I will come to the dead end of the stairway and I will have to look up from where I was the years before and create a lower level for myself to live at. Its hard seeing a shadow of the person I used to be, but thats RA for you. Be as well as you can be. Deborah On Jan 23, 2008 8:54 AM, Debra Maddox <debramaddoxsbcglobal (DOT) net> wrote: OMG i cannot believe thatyou can work to begin with,,i was on EVERYTHING and

STILLcould not make it 40 hours.,..it about killed me to work,,,i finally quit and now i have to sleep 16 hours a day to keeep it ( RA) back - taking no meds now except "prednisone-20 mg) and my doctor wants me off that,,no job fo rme i cant make it ...so sad from a career to nothin' depressing as hell debi m. dearhunterbebe <dearhunterbebe > wrote: >> I need some advice regarding my new job. I worked for 16 years at a > state university that is within a system. I've had moderate RA for > 12 of those 16 years. In November I was approached by a

colleague > who also worked within the same university system but at a different > campus. She had accepted a directorship at the main campus of the > system. She asked me to transfer to the main campus as well. I > accepted the offer due to the chagrin of my supervisor. > > Even though I just transferred from one campus to another, I am on > probation for 1 year and I'm in a "employ at will state"—so I can be > terminated for anything while on probation. > > Well, it's been down hill ever since. The colleague is my director, > which is fine we get along great; however, I have an immediate > supervisor who absolutely hates me. But my main problem is that > since the transfer to the new position 3 weeks ago, I've been > battling a huge arthritic flare up that I just can't shake. It seems > like everything is against me. > > My commute is

longer—I lived just down the street from the smaller > campus. The main campus is 25 miles away in bumper to bumper > traffic, which means I have to leave home at 6:30 in the morning and > not return home until 7 p.m. or later at night. At the smaller > campus my hours were 7:30-4:30 and I was home no later than 5 p.m. > (with occasional over-time). During the interview the director had > said I could flex my time but once hired the supervisor (who was > present during the interview) says I'm not allowed to flex my time, > and she wants me to stay late. My job is considered professional > staff, so no matter how much time I work in overtime, I will not be > compensated.> > This campus is huge compared to the campus I was working; everything > is farther—HR, cafeteria, parking, the distance of the parking lot to > the building, steeper stairs to get into

the building, the > organization of the files, and distance to the restrooms. Neither > the layout of building nor the campus is easily accessible for a > person suffering with RA. Everything contributes to keeping my flare > up going.> > My mom and friends see how I'm suffering with the pain, swelling, and > fatigue. My feet swell each day I work until my shoes are unbearable > to wear. I haven't visited my rheumy yet, I just talked to staff who > relayed a message to my rheumy's PA who prescribed a Medrol dosepak > and normally they work immediately, but it's has taken a longer time > of getting the swelling and inflammation to leave my body, so far > I've flushed out 30 lbs of fluid from my body with the dose pack, but > this is only a temporary solution. > > The good news is that a company that I've always wanted to work for >

offered me a job last week that I accepted. The company is one mile > away from my home, and they offer flextime which was discussed in the > interview, there is only one building and the parking lot and > building is very handicap accommodating. They want me to begin the > second week of February. My friends all say this is a really good > place to work with lots of opportunities for growth and very, very > low turnover rates.> > My mom and my friends want me to quit my current job at the > university and rest for a couple of weeks until my new job starts. > But I'm trying to hold on and work through the end of the month > because I don't want to have to pay for COBRA (my new job insurance > kicks in the first day of work).> > I have over 300 hours of sick leave that I will lose when I leave the > university. What about notice since I'm on

probation? One thought > I've batted around was that maybe I can go to the doctor explain the > situation and take sick leave through my notice. It is strange to > say but I've never quit a job while on probation. I have always had > really good working relationships with my supervisors and bosses, so > this is completely new to me, plus factoring in my RA. So, how do I > cut myself loose from this toxic job to start my new job?> > Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.> > K>Kathy if you have that many hours sick pay accumilated, just take a sick leave. You being on probation shouldn't keep you from getting something you have already earned. You need down time. Good luckJo Nell

[Guest guest]

Dear Debi- I also had to have psychological counseling for this. Its really important. Also the steriod tends to enhance our depression and denial as well. There may be a book about the denial and pain of chronic illness infact called " Sick and Tired " that was given to me. I remember going to a psychologist but they didnt do much to help me. Unless you get a chronic illness specialist to help you manage your depression. They will probably give you a happy pill which I do recommend. The biologics will hopefully put you back on track. They are made to stop the cascade of inflammation and pain thereby improving your quality of life. I have been on one for several years and cant say enough about them. The Arthritis Foundation is the ultimate resource for this disease and thats what helped me most. Finding other people like me, meeting them and working through my confusion and denial knowing I was not alone. www.arthritisfoundation.org will give you info about chapters in your area. I highly recommend Arthritis today magazine. It helped me alot. If you have any questions about anything else, please feel free to ask me. I used to be a support group leader so am happy to help. Yours, Deborah

On Jan 25, 2008 12:00 PM, Debra Maddox <debramaddox@...> wrote:

your email was awesome-it descibes my situatoin and i thank you ever so much for the kind words and advise...i do have to see a " MSW " to help me with my " mental " denial of RA and guilt and all that RA stuff - i just had to say thank you so much---debi M.

Deborah Bargad <dbargad@...> wrote:

So I am not the only one sleeping their life away. Remember to do one good thing for yourself each day (buy a thrift book) take a bubble bath, and do one useful thing (load of laundry) a day. Its all you can ask from yourself when you have this disease. I have not been on a biologic for several months, since mid september. I have had one flare during that time. I had oral surgery so was on high dose penicillin for a few weeks. Its really strange not being on it but I am just tired and dont feel as bad as I did while on the biologic. I see my RD on 2/5. I will find out what to do then. Prednisone 20mg is a high dose alright. I would try a biologic if you can. Even Cyclosporine might work for you. You are not alone. One day I feel like worthless burden and the next day I feel I can live with myself. We war with guilt, denial and depression daily. I have made a pact to do everything I possibly can on a good day and cut myself alot of slack on bad days walking around like a zombie. I look at projects I started years ago that I just walk by and make promises to do them soon. Soon became a year and then five years. I guess it is the progression of my disease. Its amazing how one year can turn you inside out. It feels like stepping down a long flight of stairs and each year I have less and less energy to do the things I thought I could still do. I descend another step and one day I will come to the dead end of the stairway and I will have to look up from where I was the years before and create a lower level for myself to live at. Its hard seeing a shadow of the person I used to be, but thats RA for you. Be as well as you can be. Deborah

On Jan 23, 2008 8:54 AM, Debra Maddox <debramaddox@...> wrote:

OMG i cannot believe thatyou can work to begin with,,i was on EVERYTHING and STILLcould not make it 40 hours.,..it about killed me to work,,,i finally quit and now i have to sleep 16 hours a day to keeep it ( RA) back - taking no meds now except " prednisone-20 mg) and my doctor wants me off that,,no job fo rme i cant make it ...so sad from a career to nothin' depressing as hell

debi m.

dearhunterbebe <dearhunterbebe@...> wrote:

>> I need some advice regarding my new job. I worked for 16 years at

a > state university that is within a system. I've had moderate RA for > 12 of those 16 years. In November I was approached by a colleague > who also worked within the same university system but at a

different > campus. She had accepted a directorship at the main campus of the > system. She asked me to transfer to the main campus as well. I > accepted the offer due to the chagrin of my supervisor.

> > Even though I just transferred from one campus to another, I am on > probation for 1 year and I'm in a " employ at will state " —so I can be > terminated for anything while on probation.

> > Well, it's been down hill ever since. The colleague is my director, > which is fine we get along great; however, I have an immediate > supervisor who absolutely hates me. But my main problem is that

> since the transfer to the new position 3 weeks ago, I've been > battling a huge arthritic flare up that I just can't shake. It seems > like everything is against me. > > My commute is longer—I lived just down the street from the smaller

> campus. The main campus is 25 miles away in bumper to bumper > traffic, which means I have to leave home at 6:30 in the morning and > not return home until 7 p.m. or later at night. At the smaller

> campus my hours were 7:30-4:30 and I was home no later than 5 p.m. > (with occasional over-time). During the interview the director had > said I could flex my time but once hired the supervisor (who was

> present during the interview) says I'm not allowed to flex my time, > and she wants me to stay late. My job is considered professional > staff, so no matter how much time I work in overtime, I will not

be > compensated.> > This campus is huge compared to the campus I was working; everything > is farther—HR, cafeteria, parking, the distance of the parking lot to > the building, steeper stairs to get into the building, the

> organization of the files, and distance to the restrooms. Neither > the layout of building nor the campus is easily accessible for a > person suffering with RA. Everything contributes to keeping my

flare > up going.> > My mom and friends see how I'm suffering with the pain, swelling, and > fatigue. My feet swell each day I work until my shoes are unbearable > to wear. I haven't visited my rheumy yet, I just talked to staff

who > relayed a message to my rheumy's PA who prescribed a Medrol dosepak > and normally they work immediately, but it's has taken a longer time > of getting the swelling and inflammation to leave my body, so far

> I've flushed out 30 lbs of fluid from my body with the dose pack, but > this is only a temporary solution. > > The good news is that a company that I've always wanted to work for

> offered me a job last week that I accepted. The company is one mile > away from my home, and they offer flextime which was discussed in the > interview, there is only one building and the parking lot and

> building is very handicap accommodating. They want me to begin the > second week of February. My friends all say this is a really good > place to work with lots of opportunities for growth and very, very

> low turnover rates.> > My mom and my friends want me to quit my current job at the > university and rest for a couple of weeks until my new job starts. > But I'm trying to hold on and work through the end of the month

> because I don't want to have to pay for COBRA (my new job insurance > kicks in the first day of work).> > I have over 300 hours of sick leave that I will lose when I leave the > university. What about notice since I'm on probation? One

thought > I've batted around was that maybe I can go to the doctor explain the > situation and take sick leave through my notice. It is strange to > say but I've never quit a job while on probation. I have always

had > really good working relationships with my supervisors and bosses, so > this is completely new to me, plus factoring in my RA. So, how do I > cut myself loose from this toxic job to start my new job?

> > Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.> > K>Kathy if you have that many hours sick pay accumilated, just take a sick leave. You being on probation shouldn't keep you from getting

something you have already earned. You need down time. Good luckJo Nell