Guest guest Posted June 29, 2009 Report Share Posted June 29, 2009 Not everyone diagnosed with RA is considered disabled... I know of Teachers, secretaries, cops, even several home depot workers who still work every day (or most days)... I think it depends on the severity of the disease as well as the determination of those dealing with the disease... I don't feel like working at least 2 out of the 5 days, but I refuse to give in... Even my Doctor occasionally says how shocked he is that I'm still working full time. I call it shear will power and the mercy of God... Bonnie > > OK here's my question for the evening... > If you are diagnosed w/RA what work if any is available for a person to do? > TTYL,MayAnn > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 29, 2009 Report Share Posted June 29, 2009 I've been trying to answer that one myself. Every time I think I could do one thing or another I have a particular kind of bad that which discounts it. The list is getting short, so far all I have left is mummy and dart board (if I'm allowed to sit). Stan Seattle, Sun, sun, sun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 Thanks Sue! I think Kate gets a double you go girl.... Navy--Wow! > > > Not everyone diagnosed with RA is considered disabled... I know of > > Teachers, secretaries, cops, even several home depot workers who > > still work every day (or most days)... I think it depends on the > > severity of the disease as well as the determination of those > > dealing with the disease... I don't feel like working at least 2 > > out of the 5 days, but I refuse to give in... Even my Doctor > > occasionally says how shocked he is that I'm still working full > > time. I call it shear will power and the mercy of God... > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 I have active RA and cannot work at all. First it takes a good 10 minutes just to get out of bed. Then the pain level is so high, I would have to be on pain meds all day. I went to the beach the other day with my husband, we took a stroll, when I got home, could not walk other than around the house for 2 days. I feel the people who can work, are in sort of a remission. I was blessed enough to get SSDI. I am truely grateful. I told my sister, I would rather be working, than dealing with this pain and stiffness. Gentle Hugs Kathy Michigan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 Ann, It depends on each individual. My dr said most people do better to continue working as long as possible. I was ready to retire at one point, but then thought about. If I retired I couldn't even get up in a chair to clean off top of refrigerator. By continueing working at my office job, I could still be productive. It takes awhile to get the right combo of medicines to be pain free, but you can get there, With all the new Meds available now hopefully it will be soon. I remember and was inspired by the reality show on TV (can't think of name) but the winner was Tina from TN. There was an article about her later in the Arthritis Today magazine and she had RA. and took Methrotrexate.. Don't give up, but it is important to get on a med that stops the progression. Then add whatever else you thing will help. -------------------------------- OK here's my question for the evening... If you are diagnosed w/RA what work if any is available for a person to do? TTYL,MayAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 The real problem is that everyone's condition is different and can be different from day to day based on flares and medication. My worst day is the day after medication. So that's one day down. Then the flares, how do you focus when you have terrible pain, and medication doesn't work because you zone out. I was a manager at my place (before leaving) and I quickly came to the conclusion that I wouldn't want to manage me. Until you have stable control over your RA I would not consider it. It's been almost a year since my Rheumatologist told me I'll be 100% in no time. Right! I'm about 60% at best but at least we're still working on it. Stan, Seattle, Sun! ---- Original Message ----- From: " swinney_family " <swinney_family@...> Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 4:47:36 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [ ] RA & Work OK here's my question for the evening... If you are diagnosed w/RA what work if any is available for a person to do? TTYL,MayAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 I now only work part time, partially because of the RA, partially because of the economy and partially due to raising kids. I am a massage therapist. I am contracted by a dayspa as the only LMT right now, due to the economy. I try to excercise every day and I'm seeking recipes for anti inflammatory foods. however, I took a giant step backwards today. yesterday I had my Orencia and today I can barely move. i don't know if it's the treatment or have I caught some bug my kids brought home. Time will tell. Stay well, [ ] RA & Work OK here's my question for the evening... If you are diagnosed w/RA what work if any is available for a person to do? TTYL,MayAnn ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.375 / Virus Database: 270.13.0/2209 - Release Date: 06/29/09 14:43:00 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 I am one of the lucky ones -- I work full time at a job that I love and I am able to manage just fine. First, my disease is under very good control, and that is definitely a big factor. Even so, there are times where I just need to put my head down and rest. I have my own office, and I can close the door and do that. Today is one of those long days, where I started at 9:00 a.m., and because of an evening board meeting I will be here until 10:00 tonight. But those only happen once or twice a month. And if I am really tired, I can sleep in tomorrow and come in later. When my inflammation was much worse, the fatigue and pain were also debilitating. So the challenge is to keep working at getting the disease under control. And give yourself a break - no guilt allowed. This is not your fault. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 I spend hours weekly going through job postings. I have excellent experience, education and skills. There is nothing I feel I can manage and I WANT TO Work. I want to feel useful. I want financial breathing room. simply not possible and that depresses me enormously. Raniolo From: Farchette <eafarchette@...> Subject: [ ] RA & Work Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:48 AM That's a great question. I am currently job hunting as I was just laid-off from my job about a month ago. On my feet all day is out of the question as a lot of my problem is in my hips with knees and feet flaring often. Typing for long periods of time are difficult as my hands try to rebel. My work experience all lies in either an office setting or restaurant work. I MUST job hunt if I expext to collect unemployment benefits. I don't feel that I am at a point yet where I would qualify for ssdi. I'm only just now to the point where I'm willing to throw in the towel and admit that sometimes I do need a cane. Of the two, I think I'll lean towards office, as it gives me more of a chance to rest. Betsy in the VI Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 I currently am working a full time job. It wasn't easy to find something knowing what I have to go through everyday just to get up and get myself there. I then work my butt off at my job I am constantly walking, giving direction, and making sure my individuals stay in line and not getting into trouble. Its not easy to keep up with them somefimes, I give them everything I got then come home and take care of 2 kids aged 4 and 6 along with my boyfriend who is blind. some days are easier then others. I am far from being in remission but I'm not on any RA drugs either, I gave them up when enbrel stopped working for me and I have noticed the deformities already setting in and I have since changed insurance through work to hopefully find a new Rheumy who is willing to work with me and take care of me properly. My old one would not even change me from the enbrel and wanted to put me on MTX knowing my first time around on it made me sick and at that point I couldn't work. I am 3 years into having RA and I'm trying to make the best of what time I have before the progression gets to much for me then I will be off to the SSI/SSDI office in order to make sure my family is taken care of. [ ] RA & Work Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:48 AM That's a great question. I am currently job hunting as I was just laid-off from my job about a month ago. On my feet all day is out of the question as a lot of my problem is in my hips with knees and feet flaring often. Typing for long periods of time are difficult as my hands try to rebel. My work experience all lies in either an office setting or restaurant work. I MUST job hunt if I expext to collect unemployment benefits. I don't feel that I am at a point yet where I would qualify for ssdi. I'm only just now to the point where I'm willing to throw in the towel and admit that sometimes I do need a cane. Of the two, I think I'll lean towards office, as it gives me more of a chance to rest. Betsy in the VI Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2009 Report Share Posted July 1, 2009 Adjusting to not working is very difficult. Especially when you've had the carpet pulled out from underneath you like so many of us with Rheumatoid Arthritis. My answer was to focus my treatment, getting my condition under control as much as possible, and do the things that I can do. Then perhaps I can determine what I can do and if I can work. Stan Seattle, Sun! [ ] RA & Work Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:48 AM That's a great question. I am currently job hunting as I was just laid-off from my job about a month ago.  On my feet all day is out of the question as a lot of my problem is in my hips with knees and feet flaring often. Typing for long periods of time are difficult as my hands try to rebel.  My work experience all lies in either an office setting or restaurant work. I MUST job hunt if I expext to collect unemployment benefits. I don't feel that I am at a point yet where I would qualify for ssdi. I'm only just now to the point where I'm willing to throw in the towel and admit that sometimes I do need a cane. Of the two, I think I'll lean towards office, as it gives me more of a chance to rest.  Betsy in the VI Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2009 Report Share Posted July 1, 2009 Hi Stan: Enjoyed your post, as it is so true. Glad you are having sunny days! Hope you are feeling better. Wishing you many pain free days ahead. Hugs, Barbara From: stanpfister@... <stanpfister@...> Subject: Re: [ ] RA & Work Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2009, 3:00 AM Adjusting to not working is very difficult. Especially when you've had the carpet pulled out from underneath you like so many of us with Rheumatoid Arthritis. My answer was to focus my treatment, getting my condition under control as much as possible, and do the things that I can do. Then perhaps I can determine what I can do and if I can work. Stan Seattle, Sun! [ ] RA & Work @gro ups.com Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:48 AM That's a great question. I am currently job hunting as I was just laid-off from my job about a month ago. On my feet all day is out of the question as a lot of my problem is in my hips with knees and feet flaring often. Typing for long periods of time are difficult as my hands try to rebel. My work experience all lies in either an office setting or restaurant work. I MUST job hunt if I expext to collect unemployment benefits. I don't feel that I am at a point yet where I would qualify for ssdi. I'm only just now to the point where I'm willing to throw in the towel and admit that sometimes I do need a cane. Of the two, I think I'll lean towards office, as it gives me more of a chance to rest. Betsy in the VI Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2009 Report Share Posted July 1, 2009 I'm having a " good " spell after coming off one of the worst flares I've had in months. The sun helps. Stan Hi Stan: Enjoyed your post, as it is so true.  Glad you are having sunny days! Hope you are feeling better. Wishing you many pain free days ahead.  Hugs,  Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2009 Report Share Posted July 1, 2009 Hi Stan: I pray your " good spell " lasts a long time. You need it and so deserve it. Enjoy your sunny days. I too love the sun. Wishing you many pain free days ahead. Hugs, Barbara > > > > I'm having a " good " spell after coming off one of the worst flares I've had in months. The sun helps. > > > > Stan > > > Hi Stan: Enjoyed your post, as it is so true.  Glad you are having sunny days! Hope you are feeling better. Wishing you many pain free days ahead. >  > Hugs, >  > Barbara > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2009 Report Share Posted July 1, 2009 Stan, I'm so glad to hear your feeling better. I hope you have some great days ahead. The sun does help a lot. Best wishes, Tawny in REAL sunny OK -- In , stanpfister@... wrote: > > > > I'm having a " good " spell after coming off one of the worst flares I've had in months. The sun helps. > > > > Stan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 > > I have active RA and cannot work at all. First it takes a good 10 minutes just to get out of bed. Then the pain level is so high, I would have to be on pain meds all day. I went to the beach the other day with my husband, we took a stroll, when I got home, could not walk other than around the house for 2 days. > I feel the people who can work, are in sort of a remission. > I was blessed enough to get SSDI. I am truely grateful. I told my sister, I would rather be working, than dealing with this pain and stiffness. > Gentle Hugs > Kathy > Michigan > Kathy how long have you had RA? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2009 Report Share Posted July 3, 2009 Its a very hot 101 today, very sunny!!! Your state is very beautiful, I know you have a lot of rain though. I am hoping your having a wonderful day. Your friend in OK, Tawny > > > > The real is in OK, I'm moving! > > > > Stan > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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