How do you look for work with arthritis?

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

I saw someone was going to be interviewing and that sparked my little

thoughts into action. I've been on disability for 1 year now. I'm

BORED! But I can't do what I used to. I really don't think I could

work full time, and I'm not even sure about part-time.

But I can't find any jobs and maybe I'm looking in the wrong places.

I used to write computer software training materials. The deadlines

for that kind of work are impossible and it requires way too much

computer time (typing and mousing). So I have to figure out some

other type of work. I am looking into volunteering at the hospital,

but i'm not sure how that will work out either. I used to make so

much money and now we're dependent on my husband's income (which is

decent, but...).

Also, I just can't get any good advice on what I should tell possible

employers. I know we don't have to tell them about our health issues.

My thinking would be to interview as far as possible and if they want

you, then tell them?

So any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

-Meghan

[Guest guest]

,

Those are good sites. I've even read through a couple of them before.

Thank you for posting them. I'll read them again.

Maybe I just don't get it, but how do you work when your body (my

body) is so unpredictable and the pain is so unpredictable sometimes

and the fatigue is so unpredictable. And then on top of that add all

the doctor appointments and self-care. It makes my head spin!

The thing is I've read some people who seem in worse shape than me

and they are somehow managing to work.

Maybe it has something to do with my age- I'm 30 years old. I'm

probably a wimp. When I was first diagnosed with the psoriatic

arthritis 6 years ago, the doctors made it sound like it would be

mild and not really impact my life. Instead it's gotten worse every

year and is affecting both feet and hands and several other joints. I

used to work 10-12 hours a day. Now I can't think clearly for more

than a couple of hours at a time, followed by a LONG break.

You'd think after 6 years I could figure this out or adjust. I was

lucky to have a decent employer and then for a little while I had a

brief remission (about 6 months) and found a new job.

Anyway, thanks for listening...

-Meghan

> Hi all,

>

<snip>

> Also, I just can't get any good advice on what I should tell

possible

> employers. I know we don't have to tell them about our health

issues.

> My thinking would be to interview as far as possible and if they

want

> you, then tell them?

>

> So any advice would be greatly appreciated.

> Thanks!

> -Meghan