Having a hard time coping with my RA
Hello
I have recently been diagnosed with RA
And i am in so much pain i am just so frustrated!
I have been a retail store manager for 23 years
And got out of doing it due to my contant pain.
I just got another job back in retail management,
But am questioning whether i can do it again.
My right hand fingers just lock up and my hands hurt
🙁. My knees and my ankles hurt and so does my nack
Im in pain all the time 🙁
I want to go back to work, but just don't think i can do it .
Any advice for me ?
This RA has interfered with my life in so many ways .
Im an artist too but i cant paint anymore, my hands just cant hold the brushes for too long 🙁. I am so saddened that i got this.
Hi Sandy ~
I am sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. Learning you have RA is a difficult transition for all of us! Luckily, there are lots of good treatment options out there that can vastly improve your quality of life and get you back to doing the things that you love - so I encourage you to work with your rheumatologist to find the best option for you!
As for working, keep in mind that most employers are required to provide reasonable workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act - and RA qualifies as a legal disability. These articles may be of interest to you:
https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/workplace-accommodations-under-the-americans-with-disabilities-act/
https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/ra-and-workplace-accommodations/In the meantime, I'm glad you have found our community. Hang in there and remember that we understand what you are going through and we are here to support you.
Best,
~Mariah~ (Site Moderator)
