Re: Need to work!

[Guest guest]

looking healthy has nothing to do with disability. i am having a hard time

managing right now, and i'm not sure what will happen. i go for my functional

capacity test on tuesday. i want to work too but i know i would not be

dependable enough. i can't stand and i can't sit. i don't think sick babies

are my answer and i can't chase children. i really have no talents. but i

know i will need more money and really soon. my sons social security stopped

due to his age and school. it will only run until december/jan anyway. then i

will really be stuck. in the middle of winter. kathy in il

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I'm not sure what jobs would be easiest with RA. I would think something

where you sit, but are able to get up when you need to stretch your legs

would be the best bet. Flexible hours would be even better. Do you have

any bookkeeping experience? Sometimes there are part-time jobs in that

field, where you can choose your hours. I would say a receptionist position

might be good, but it would be hard to get up and walk around if you need to

be there to answer the phone.

I know you don't want something where you are required to stand too long.

Hopefully someone will come along with better ideas.

Hugs,

Carol

[ ] Need to work!

I am at my wits end, I need to go to work and have no idea what I can

do, maybe some of you have some suggestions. I have been a

hairdresser for 33 years and am not going to go back to it, I can't

stand long enough (having trouble with legs, ankles, knees and feet)

and my wrist are sore. I can still give a mean haircut but the

perming isn't going to work with sore hands and shoulders. I have

done a few things when my children were in elementary school with the

PTA group.

I am having trouble thinking of something to do that requires less

lefting, standing, seating and using my hands. This RA is not a fun

thing as you all know.

My family says to apply for disability, but I look healthy, although

over weight, which I would change tomorrow if it was that easy. What

a pickle!

Any Ideas!

Hope this doesn't sound whiny, I am frustrated.

in WA

[Guest guest]

>

>Thanks Carol, I am looking maybe something will pop up. Thanks

again. Hope you are feeling better today.

in WA

[Guest guest]

Hello ..I am a certified NA (nurse aide) and have had to stop working due

to my RA. I mention this because for myself, it has impossible to carry on as I

can't manage the physical requirements anymore. I do have osteoporosis as well

so I must face added limitations as well but I still wish there was a way for me

to continue to work as I do miss it.

At any rate, when I was working in long term care there was ALWAYS a lack of

professional hairdressers that would come to the hospital or nursing homes. The

ones that did come were booked solid. I mention this as a visit from the

hairdresser lifted the women's spirits so much and this of course, is an added

bonus. Perhaps if you could make your own schedule it would be more feasible.

One hairdresser that I had spoken to said that she ran her own business this way

and also visited ther institutions as well as making home care appts. She liked

the fact that she could make her own schedule. Also, there were many appts. for

simple hair washing and cutting as well. Anyway, I hope you can find just the

right thing that will work for you and I wish you the best in that regard.

Take care

marrielle

To look at something as though we had never seen it before requires great

courage.

- Henri Matisse

[ ] Need to work!

>I am at my wits end, I need to go to work and have no idea what I can

do, maybe some of you have some suggestions. I have been a

hairdresser for 33 years and am not going to go back to it, I can't

stand long enough (having trouble with legs, ankles, knees and feet)

and my wrist are sore. I can still give a mean haircut but the

perming isn't going to work with sore hands and shoulders.

[Guest guest]

> Hello ..I am a certified NA (nurse aide) and have had to stop

working due to my RA. I mention this because for myself, it has

impossible to carry on as I can't manage the physical requirements

anymore. I do have osteoporosis as well so I must face added

limitations as well but I still wish there was a way for me to

continue to work as I do miss it.

> At any rate, when I was working in long term care there was ALWAYS

a lack of professional hairdressers that would come to the hospital

or nursing homes. The ones that did come were booked solid. I mention

this as a visit from the hairdresser lifted the women's spirits so

much and this of course, is an added bonus. Perhaps if you could make

your own schedule it would be more feasible. One hairdresser that I

had spoken to said that she ran her own business this way and also

visited ther institutions as well as making home care appts. She

liked the fact that she could make her own schedule. Also, there were

many appts. for simple hair washing and cutting as well. Anyway, I

hope you can find just the right thing that will work for you and I

wish you the best in that regard.

> Take care

> marrielle

>

>Thank you Marrielle, I have thought of going to work in a nursing

home, when I was working I did alot of elderly ladies hair. I still

may look into it again. Thank you for your reply. in WA

[Guest guest]

Kathi, I know that we know that we can't do alot of what we use to

do. But people without RA look at us and see someone that is healthy

and then overweight " maybe if she lost some weight she could work. "

Even the Rhuematologist have no clue how it feels to not be able to

work like we used to. I think I am tired today so things bother me

more. Thanks anyway. Hope you will be feeling better soon and some

of your problems get better. in WA

[Guest guest]

Marielle, what a great idea!!!!

Hugs,

Carol in FL

[ ] Re: Need to work!

> Hello ..I am a certified NA (nurse aide) and have had to stop

working due to my RA. I mention this because for myself, it has

impossible to carry on as I can't manage the physical requirements

anymore. I do have osteoporosis as well so I must face added

limitations as well but I still wish there was a way for me to

continue to work as I do miss it.

> At any rate, when I was working in long term care there was ALWAYS

a lack of professional hairdressers that would come to the hospital

or nursing homes. The ones that did come were booked solid. I mention

this as a visit from the hairdresser lifted the women's spirits so

much and this of course, is an added bonus. Perhaps if you could make

your own schedule it would be more feasible. One hairdresser that I

had spoken to said that she ran her own business this way and also

visited ther institutions as well as making home care appts. She

liked the fact that she could make her own schedule. Also, there were

many appts. for simple hair washing and cutting as well. Anyway, I

hope you can find just the right thing that will work for you and I

wish you the best in that regard.

> Take care

> marrielle

>

>Thank you Marrielle, I have thought of going to work in a nursing

home, when I was working I did alot of elderly ladies hair. I still

may look into it again. Thank you for your reply. in WA

[Guest guest]

:Just because you dont look sick doesnt mean you

cant apply for SSDI.....I would still consider

applying if you arent working right now you can

apply...even if you find a part time job you can still

be eligible if you dont make over a certain

amount....I applied then decided to try part

time...when my case went to court I won and they back

dated not counting the part time work because it wasnt

over the limit....I am sure someone else in the group

has more info....I dont think I look sick either...but

they look at your medical records closer than they

look

at you....anyway its a thought.....and depends on how

you feel......I didnt want to apply wanted to keep

working and just could not.....after going through the

process I wished I had started earlier......Kathi in

OK

--- Carol <carol@...> wrote:

> Hi ,

>

> I'm not sure what jobs would be easiest with RA. I

> would think something

> where you sit, but are able to get up when you need

> to stretch your legs

> would be the best bet. Flexible hours would be even

> better. Do you have

> any bookkeeping experience? Sometimes there are

> part-time jobs in that

> field, where you can choose your hours. I would say

> a receptionist position

> might be good, but it would be hard to get up and

> walk around if you need to

> be there to answer the phone.

>

> I know you don't want something where you are

> required to stand too long.

>

> Hopefully someone will come along with better ideas.

>

> Hugs,

> Carol

>

> [ ] Need to work!

>

> I am at my wits end, I need to go to work and have

> no idea what I can

> do, maybe some of you have some suggestions. I have

> been a

> hairdresser for 33 years and am not going to go back

> to it, I can't

> stand long enough (having trouble with legs, ankles,

> knees and feet)

> and my wrist are sore. I can still give a mean

> haircut but the

> perming isn't going to work with sore hands and

> shoulders. I have

> done a few things when my children were in

> elementary school with the

> PTA group.

> I am having trouble thinking of something to do that

> requires less

> lefting, standing, seating and using my hands. This

> RA is not a fun

> thing as you all know.

> My family says to apply for disability, but I look

> healthy, although

> over weight, which I would change tomorrow if it was

> that easy. What

> a pickle!

> Any Ideas!

> Hope this doesn't sound whiny, I am frustrated.

> in WA

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Oh thanks Carol but the credit belongs to the hairdresser I had spoken to..she

was such a nice lady too.... I hope she is still doing well. Ironically at that

time I was looking after a wonderful lady who had RA in the advanced stages. I

can remember having conversations with her that at the time seemed quite

ordinary but when I look back of course, I can now see that she gave me insight

and understanding into her disease process that would later almost save my

sanity. From time to time I will recall something that she would have said and

it will always give a little more strength and a little more hope to carry on. I

have been blessed with the opportunity to care for some unforgettable people in

the years that I was able to work and for that I am grateful. This lady in

question has now passed on but did live to be very old and wise beyond her

scope.

Take care

marrielle

[ ] Re: Need to work!

> At any rate, when I was working in long term care there was ALWAYS

a lack of professional hairdressers that would come to the hospital

[Guest guest]

> Hi ,

What about substitute teaching. You do not have to

have an education degree. When I was out of work, I

substituted for several months.

Of course, with RA you probably wouldn't want to be in

classes with the young ones. I did one day with a

kindergarten class and I have never been so exhusted

at the end of the day. They wanted me to take that

class for the rest of the year but I said no way! I

liked the fact that you work from 8-3 and you can move

around.

Good luck in your search. Iris

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

About a year ago, I thought I was going to have to leave my job...I hung out

and convinced my boss to let me use flex time when I needed to be out of

the office. It is a small office, and the boss works in the main office 40

milles away. She said, as long as the office was covered and I made up my

time, she didn't mind my leaving for a couple hours to nap...of course, she

thought this would be over in a few months...luckily, or miraculously, I

found grea t docs, and they were aggressive with the meds, and I am able to

work, and feel much better than a year ago...I have a job that requires a

lot of computer and phone work; but I am lucky enough to manage my day in a

way, I can sit, walk, when I need to. If I get out of the chair every

hour...faithfully...and stretch or walk for a minute or two, I am better

aand able to go back to sitting. I spend a lot of time on the phone and

have bought a variety of headphones, cradles etc and have hit on a

combination that allows me to hold the phone without crooking my neck, or

having to hold the phone the whole conversation...otherwise my hands lock

up.... I wish you the best, and want you to know that once I figured out I

needed a job allowing me to move between sitting and standing every

hour...things have been better....I know how it is to fear quitting work and

having to go on disability...probably I will have to some day...but as long

as I can work...I need to, and most importantly ...want to...good luck on

your search for a new career...keep in touch. I spent the first 1-1/2 years

of RA trying devices and tricks, and new methods to even put shoes on...some

work some days, others work other days...I learned a lot from the internet

support groups....it almost be came an obsession to find tricks to do basic

things....Some days one method works...other days nothing works....but there

is always tomorrow...or god forbid...asking for help! I think the worst

challenge was figuring out how to fasten a bra...so glad to discover front

fasteners,,,,usually I can get every other snap...some days I even get help;

just because I want to go to work...love my braless weekends! best wishes to

you, your in my thoughts...I hope you can find ways to keep uncle arthur

slowed down....marge

[ ] Need to work!

> I am at my wits end, I need to go to work and have no idea what I can

> do, maybe some of you have some suggestions. I have been a

> hairdresser for 33 years and am not going to go back to it, I can't

> stand long enough (having trouble with legs, ankles, knees and feet)

> and my wrist are sore. I can still give a mean haircut but the

> perming isn't going to work with sore hands and shoulders. I have

> done a few things when my children were in elementary school with the

> PTA group.

> I am having trouble thinking of something to do that requires less

> lefting, standing, seating and using my hands. This RA is not a fun

> thing as you all know.

> My family says to apply for disability, but I look healthy, although

> over weight, which I would change tomorrow if it was that easy. What

> a pickle!

> Any Ideas!

> Hope this doesn't sound whiny, I am frustrated.

> in WA

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Great idea! I worked in mental health for 20 years...we loved it when we

would find a hairdresser or barber who would come to a group home to give

discounted haircuts...they would discount because they could do 10-12 in one

house in one day....maybe.this is an idea for you...??? marge

[ ] Need to work!

>

>

> >I am at my wits end, I need to go to work and have no idea what I can

> do, maybe some of you have some suggestions. I have been a

> hairdresser for 33 years and am not going to go back to it, I can't

> stand long enough (having trouble with legs, ankles, knees and feet)

> and my wrist are sore. I can still give a mean haircut but the

> perming isn't going to work with sore hands and shoulders.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

<<I can remember having conversations with her that at the time seemed quite

ordinary but when I look back of course, I can now see that she gave me

insight and understanding into her disease process that would later almost

save my sanity. From time to time I will recall something that she would

have said and it will always give a little more strength and a little more

hope to carry on.>>

Hi Marielle,

I try to gain courage from others' trials, too. When I'm coping with a

flare, it's hard for me to look outside myself. I become very focused on my

struggle. Nonetheless, I try to read about others who have endured much

harder trials and grown from them. I was watching the movie " Bill Porter "

on TNT last night. It was about a salesman with Cerebral Palsy. It was

such a good example of someone who " made lemonade " when life gave him

lemons. I hope someday I can get to that point.

Hugs,

Carol

Re: [ ] Re: Need to work!

Oh thanks Carol but the credit belongs to the hairdresser I had spoken

to..she was such a nice lady too.... I hope she is still doing well.

Ironically at that time I was looking after a wonderful lady who had RA in

the advanced stages. I can remember having conversations with her that at

the time seemed quite ordinary but when I look back of course, I can now see

that she gave me insight and understanding into her disease process that

would later almost save my sanity. From time to time I will recall something

that she would have said and it will always give a little more strength and

a little more hope to carry on. I have been blessed with the opportunity to

care for some unforgettable people in the years that I was able to work and

for that I am grateful. This lady in question has now passed on but did live

to be very old and wise beyond her scope.

Take care

marrielle

[ ] Re: Need to work!

> At any rate, when I was working in long term care there was ALWAYS

a lack of professional hairdressers that would come to the hospital

[Guest guest]

<< Of course, with RA you probably wouldn't want to be in

classes with the young ones. >>

I'm a Sunday school teacher for 9 year olds. I love it (I mean REALLY love

it!), but after 2 hours I'm just beat. Substitute teaching would offer a

lot of flexibility, though. You only take assignments if you feel up to it.

Another great idea.

Hugs,

Carol

RE: [ ] Need to work!

> Hi ,

What about substitute teaching. You do not have to

have an education degree. When I was out of work, I

substituted for several months.

Of course, with RA you probably wouldn't want to be in

classes with the young ones. I did one day with a

kindergarten class and I have never been so exhusted

at the end of the day. They wanted me to take that

class for the rest of the year but I said no way! I

liked the fact that you work from 8-3 and you can move

around.

Good luck in your search. Iris

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

i watched that movie too. it was called door to door. i thought it was

really good. of coarse i just felt even more like a baby after that. how hard

that man worked. it was his entire life. kathy in il

[Guest guest]

Hi Marge..I would definitely have to take courses in hair dressing!! As I am

now, I can't hold and cut with scissors for my sewing without alot of pain so it

probably wouldn't do very well. Also a mobility problem as far as travel goes

so...not in this life time...

my hands, elbows and feet are most affected by my RA. You must have found your

work very rewarding..sounds like you enjoyed it.

Take care

marrielle

---- Original Message -----

From: Marge

Sent: Thursday, July 18, 2002 9:38 PM

Subject: Re: [ ] Need to work!

Great idea! I worked in mental health for 20 years...we loved it when we

would find a hairdresser or barber who would come to a group home to give

discounted haircuts...they would discount because they could do 10-12 in one

house in one day....maybe.this is an idea for you...??? marge

Re: [ ] Need to work!

> At any rate, when I was working in long term care there was ALWAYS a lack

of professional hairdressers that would come to the hospital or nursing

[Guest guest]

Carol..I know just what you mean about becoming focused on one's self in

flares. The same thing happens to me and I hope, as you do that I will reach a

point in my new RA life where I am " making lemonade " too. I think I'm starting

to squeeze a few lemons but that's about it for now. Oh well, all in good time

I suppose.

marrielle

RE: [ ] Re: Need to work!

Hi Marielle,

>I try to gain courage from others' trials, too. When I'm coping with a

flare, it's hard for me to look outside myself. I become very focused on my

struggle. Nonetheless, I try to read about others who have endured much

harder trials and grown from them.

[Guest guest]

in WA;

This would require using your hands...But what about applying acrylic nails

....My nephews wife does very well moneywise doing this.....Also she's tipped

graciously too. There's always a need for pretty nails.

just a suggestion. :-)

Gail

[ ] Need to work!

I am at my wits end, I need to go to work and have no idea what I can

do, maybe some of you have some suggestions. I have been a

hairdresser for 33 years and am not going to go back to it, I can't

stand long enough (having trouble with legs, ankles, knees and feet)

and my wrist are sore. I can still give a mean haircut but the

perming isn't going to work with sore hands and shoulders. I have

done a few things when my children were in elementary school with the

PTA group.

I am having trouble thinking of something to do that requires less

lefting, standing, seating and using my hands. This RA is not a fun

thing as you all know.

My family says to apply for disability, but I look healthy, although

over weight, which I would change tomorrow if it was that easy. What

a pickle!

Any Ideas!

Hope this doesn't sound whiny, I am frustrated.

in WA

[Guest guest]

> in WA;

>

> This would require using your hands...But what about applying

acrylic nails ...My nephews wife does very well moneywise doing

this.....Also she's tipped graciously too. There's always a need for

pretty nails.

>

> just a suggestion. :-)

>

> Gail

>Thanks for the suggestion, but in the shop I worked in we had a nail

tech, she was really good, but the smell was awful. I worried about

her because she wouldn't turn all her fans on that stuff is hard on

your liver and your lungs. I used to watch her because she truelly

was an artist. My hands will not hold a brush that small, I have

been having trouble with the left one shaking if turned just right.

There is money in that career though. Thanks for thinking of me,

everyone has given some really good suggestions.

in WA

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I just received ssd, it was a long process but worth it. Everyone says I

look fine too. But you can't see pain. I have even had doctors write on

reports that I walked into the office and look absolutely fine until the

started to examine me. So don't let the fact that you look okay stop you. I

always take it as a compliment when someone says I look good. I like it that

I can hide the fact that there are problems. Just get a ss lawyer and give

it a try, you have nothing to lose.

Lynn (MeMom)

grannyfellx6 wrote:

> I am at my wits end, I need to go to work and have no idea what I can

> do, maybe some of you have some suggestions. I have been a

> hairdresser for 33 years and am not going to go back to it, I can't

> stand long enough (having trouble with legs, ankles, knees and feet)

> and my wrist are sore. I can still give a mean haircut but the

> perming isn't going to work with sore hands and shoulders. I have

> done a few things when my children were in elementary school with the

> PTA group.

> I am having trouble thinking of something to do that requires less

> lefting, standing, seating and using my hands. This RA is not a fun

> thing as you all know.

> My family says to apply for disability, but I look healthy, although

> over weight, which I would change tomorrow if it was that easy. What

> a pickle!

> Any Ideas!

> Hope this doesn't sound whiny, I am frustrated.

> in WA

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> Hi ,

> I just received ssd, it was a long process but worth it.

Everyone says I

> look fine too. But you can't see pain. I have even had doctors

write on

> reports that I walked into the office and look absolutely fine

until the

> started to examine me. So don't let the fact that you look okay

stop you. I

> always take it as a compliment when someone says I look good. I

like it that

> I can hide the fact that there are problems. Just get a ss lawyer

and give

> it a try, you have nothing to lose.

> Lynn (MeMom)

>

>I think that is part of my problem I really can't think of what I

can do for any amount of time. I won't do anything to make it worse

anymore, I even ache from using the computer, which is not

surprising, those hands you know. I read some of the links a put

on the site and it tells you that you need to be able to perform the

duties of the job, that is what is expected when you are hired. I

haven't got a grip and have to pick a milk jug up with both hands and

my knees and feet ach everynight when I go to bed. I am sure you

know the feeling. It is hard to accept sometimes.

Thank you. in WA

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

<< I think that is part of my problem I really can't think of what I

can do for any amount of time. I won't do anything to make it worse

anymore, I even ache from using the computer,>>

I was just telling my rheumy the other day that the pain keeps me from doing

so many activities. And if the pain isn't too bad, then I avoid other

activities so I don't cause the pain to come back.

Lousy situation.

Hugs,

Carol

[ ] Re: Need to work!

> Hi ,

> I just received ssd, it was a long process but worth it.

Everyone says I

> look fine too. But you can't see pain. I have even had doctors

write on

> reports that I walked into the office and look absolutely fine

until the

> started to examine me. So don't let the fact that you look okay

stop you. I

> always take it as a compliment when someone says I look good. I

like it that

> I can hide the fact that there are problems. Just get a ss lawyer

and give

> it a try, you have nothing to lose.

> Lynn (MeMom)

>

>I think that is part of my problem I really can't think of what I

can do for any amount of time. I won't do anything to make it worse

anymore, I even ache from using the computer, which is not

surprising, those hands you know. I read some of the links a put

on the site and it tells you that you need to be able to perform the

duties of the job, that is what is expected when you are hired. I

haven't got a grip and have to pick a milk jug up with both hands and

my knees and feet ach everynight when I go to bed. I am sure you

know the feeling. It is hard to accept sometimes.

Thank you. in WA

> >

> >