My doctors visit

[Guest guest]

hello all. I went to the Rheummy on friday. I took my list of questions and needs. The visit went well. I got new hand splints, copies of all my labs and all my questions answered. He also wrote me prescriptions for OT and PT. Then came the bombshell he wants me to go back to work. He wants me to try again!!! After fighting for six months to get Long term disability, getting approved and due my first check mid march..he wants me back at work!!!

I can only work 4 to 5.5 hrs a day and he has written some pretty harsh work restrictions. I can only walk, climb, lift and grasp for 2.5 hrs total together. Lift 5-10lbs max. Max time spent doing any of these things can not exceed total of 2.5 hrs of work day collectively. I have to wear hand splints the whole time and must take all my meds as scheduled. I also let them know that due to side effects of RA chemo meds I do not drive so will need to be driven to work daily....at 65 mile one way commute. so I can only work the weekend shift, friday, saturday and sunday..which is when my hubby is off from his weekday shift. Since I work in a production/manufacturing job the meds alone will get me sent home as many say do not operate machinary while taking. So we shall see what will happen.

At first I was freaking out over the release from the doc for me to go back to work. But now I think he may have done me a favor by sending them a clear message this will never go away and putting me in these labor intensive stressful jobs will not work. I was honest with my doc. I need to hold on to my job for at least another two years because of benefits or stay out on disability for that length of time to keep my benefits. He asked me if I wanted to stay if I could get a desk type job. I told him would love a desk job or a telecommuting type position since the long commute makes me so sick. So this is the plan we are trying to make them work me into. I pray it works in my favor.

Toni