Finding Balance At Work With RA

By CommunityMemberf55a7e

2 min read

Hello, my name is Ruby. At 34-years old I was diagnosed with primary Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and CPS. It took a few years of appointments to discover the source of my severe pain in the sacrum area of my pelvis.

Discovering my limits with rheumatoid arthritis

At the time of my diagnosis, I was working at the London Ambulance Service. It involved a long daily commute into London from Kent. The drive progressively became more difficult for me, and I couldn't drive comfortably. I considered taking the trains, but I couldn't do that either. Eventually, I decided to look for a different job that was closer to where I was living. In hindsight, I didn't recognize that I was also going through early menopausal issues. After the breakdown of my 18-year long marriage, I decided to leave Kent and moved to Middlesex.

Finding a fresh start

I was able to find a wonderful job with a Biopharma after my move. The drive to work was only 20 minutes, so I ended up taking the job. During my time there, I was put on meds to help my autoimmune conditions. However, they affected me negatively, and I didn't have a good experience. At times I thought I noticed a difference, but it only lasted a few days before I was in agony again. Since that time, I have always worked in private healthcare. I like that it provides a lot of support and allows me to work from home when I absolutely need to.

Hybrid work keeps the door open

As of September 2024, I'm now 49 and taking a plethora of both RA meds and other related meds. I'm not sure how helpful they are because I still suffer with severe flare ups that render me unable to walk or stand. Despite the severity of my symptoms, I feel fortunate to work for the companies I have been working for. They are flexible about hybrid working, so I've been able to stay in work. If it wasn't for their flexibility, I don't think I'd be able to work at all.

My life revolves around RA

In 2020, my medications were increased and I had to stop driving completely. Now I have to taxi everywhere I go. My life revolves around these awful conditions, and I have no social life at all. Daily chores alone are quite difficult for me, especially on my bad days.

I have also stayed childless after experiencing menopause in my mid 30s. This really affects me because I was desperate for a baby of my own. I live my life one day to the next, not knowing if I will be able to stand or walk without severe pain. Meds help a little, but not enough to help give my life the real boost I need.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The RheumatoidArthritis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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latoya.juniel Community Admin
<inline-mention username="CommunityMemberf55a7e" user-id="9779617"/> It takes incredible resilience to navigate these challenges and share your story. I know it's incredibly challenging to have your life so impacted by RA to the point where it affects your mobility, daily activities, and social life. I hate that RA has this amount of control. Not to mention your experiences with menopause and your desire for a child. It's completely understandable to feel a sense of loss there too. Living day by day, uncertain of your physical abilities, is a heavy burden to carry, but you are doing it and giving your very best. We know this journey is tough, but you continue to show remarkable strength and resilience in the face of these challenges. We appreciate you being apart of this community and want you to know that you have our support! Stay encouraged. Kindly, Latoya (Team Member)
Richard Faust Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberf55a7e" user-id="9779617"/>. First, let me echo Latoya's kind comments (probably said much better than I could. I see so much of the stories of our patient leaders reflected in what you wrote. Many don't know that early menopause is more common for those with autoimmune conditions like RA. I happen to be the husband of one of the patient leaders here, Kelly Mack. I want to share with you this article she wrote on having a different kind of family: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/different-sort-family' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/different-sort-family</a>. Our decision not to have children was due to other physical considerations, but thought you might recognize some of your story here. Also, Kelly has used a wheelchair since childhood, so definitely gets the mobility issues and I know she and others have a great appreciation for telework and hybrid work. It really is enabling her to maintain her career. Finally, know that others here understand the frustration with the trial and error method of trying to find an RA treatment. I know Britain tends to do step therapy, so curious if you have been tried on different biologics or JAK inhibitors? As I noted, many here have experienced similar situations, so know that you are welcome here for support, information, or just to vent if need be. Best, Richard (Team Member)