Going back to work
I have not worked since December 2010. I was diagnosed in July of 2010 and started having problems to the point I couldn’t work. I’m now ready to re-enter the work force but do not know what to expect or what to do to prepare myself. Can anyone give me tips and advice on what to do to prepare myself, how to handle work with RA and any other information anybody can think of that would help me? Thank you
first let me say congrats at returning to work! I know it may feel overwhelming after so much time off, but you can absolutely succeed. Here is a thread about changing jobs due to RA: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/disability-job-change
A really great discussion about changing careers or retiring due to RA: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/forums/has-ra-forced-early-retirement-or-a-career-change
Community-sourced tips on working in RA: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/workplace-adjustments
I hope this helps! Warmly, Reggie, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member
Hi,
Congratulations on being able to return to work. As you have mentioned, you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis since 2010; are you undergoing any treatment for the same? Being a person with rheumatoid arthritis for a long period of time, I find it difficult to maintain the balance between my work life and personal life. It was my husband who suggested that I approach physiotherapy treatment https://www.physiomobility.com/orthopaedic-physiotherapy-toronto/ . The constant physiotherapy treatment along with various medications and exercise has helped me a lot to overcome my situation. Within a few months of treatment, I could feel the relief as I went to work. The tips and advice given by the physiotherapist seemed to be very fruitful in my case. Some of them were using heating pads as it increased my blood flow, taking food rich in Vitamin D, and regular exercise for strengthening of muscle. In my opinion, consulting an expert physiotherapist would be the right choice before you start returning to your work!
Hi
. Thanks for sharing what has helped you. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), was diagnosed at two, over 40 years ago - before modern treatments. She had a lot of early damage, both hips and knees replaced as teen. She has relearned to walk multiple times in her life and none of it would have been possible without PT. She wrote here about how returning to physical therapy once in a while for refreshers and new exercise ideas can make a world of difference in maintaining and maybe even improving abilities: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/return-to-physical-therapy. Good physical therapists really can be a vital part of one's medical team. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
TY so much for this information. I’m going to look into physiotherapy or physical Therapy
Working with RA is tricky. Yes, there is the ADA and the laws (in the US at least), but the reality of the situation is much more complicated. I always worried that if I don't do enough or am absent too much I'd be fired - and I was, several times. I think the best thing to do is just do your best to always be prepared, save up sick days, and try to rest when you can. It's up to you whether or not to tell your employer - you know them best. Other than that it might be worth looking into SSD or SSDI. You can still work (to a degree). Let us know if you need anything we can help with! Keep on keepin' on, DPM
