Hi

[Claireb1985]

Hi im new to this.

Ive lived with RA for 11 years now and still struggling to cope with it when it comes to work etc, no one seems to understand and it gets me down, joining this forum will hopefully make me feel better.

[sylvi]

Welcome darling Claire, there are a few on here who try to work while having RA,sadly i am not one of them. You will find a great group of people here young and old alike, We have a good sense of humour well you need it with this diseases and the others it brings to the party with it. Feel free to rant if you are frustrated and if you have anything funny to share we could all do with a good laugh,me especially at the moment.xxxxx

[Ceddy123]

I too struggle to work and they act like having this disease is not a big deal I am afraid of loosing my job because no matter how early I get up I'm still between 15-30 minutes late . I sometimes think about going out on disability but I don't want to give into the disease but I'm afraid if I don't do it soon that the quality of life when I finally have too will be not good.

[Shazz10]

Hi Claire and welcome. I am brand new to here and to RA after just recently being diagnosed but sick since January. This place has been so helpful to me already and I'm sure you will find it the same. I have laughed and cried and have only been here a week.

I'm trying to return to work soon and am bit anxious and afraid of not getting the understanding/support I'll need so can understand your frustrations around work but I know I need to work both financially and mentally.

Try to Keep posting, keep replying and if you can't just keep reading there is always something you can relate to☺

Sharon x

[Hidden]

Another member joining the The Arthritic Boat 😉 Welcome aboard.

Laugh. Cry. Shout & Rant. Do whatever & whenever you feel the need.

Ruth x

[rawillbebeaten]

Hi Claire, I really hope that this forum makes you realise that you are not alone. I've only fairly recently joined but have had RA since 2001. There is a great level of understanding and support here plus you can ring or e-mail the team. I got a quick and useful reply when I did. We all have our ups and downs, that's part of the "joys" of this condition. I had a very difficult year last year but there was always someone I read that was worse off than me and those suffering similar woes. I'm much better now, thank goodness but the battle continues!

Wishing you all the very best with work and everything

Michele

[Matilda_1922]

Hi claireb1985

I struggle with work and reduced my hours from full time to 22.5.

I have had 3 lots of sickness in the last year all related to my RA. I recently had a meeting with my manager who told me that HR are considering dropping my hours further. I about manage financially now. I feel they will be breaching the equality act if they make me reduce my hours further.

But here we are a lovely bunch of people who understand us.

Matilda

[Hedgehog16]

I do understand how tiring it is to work with this disease. I can just about do a part time job. Hope you feel a bit better soon

[Gnarli]

Hi Claireb and welcome to the gang. You've found a brilliant forum crammed with informed, intelligent and downright lovely people only too happy to listen and offer a helping hand because they have been there, done that and got the t-shirt. Hugs

Jan

[Hidden]

Yes, joining this forum will cheer you up! It's been my life line as no one understands this disease but those who suffer with it.

[Eiram50]

I would second all that buttonhater and suzannedale have said!

And welcome.

Marie

[JEM95]

Welcome!

I live on my own (now) and thank my lucky stars I found this site. I don't feel I'm battling this on my own - there are so many lovely, helpful, informed people going through the same challenges, sharing advice and offering support.

I don't post that often but I read all the posts.

RA is such a pain of a condition - I look fine, so I am fine is the attitude I find. My boss says I hide it well! If only he knew!

Up until October I worked (struggled) with a full time, very busy job. I decided dropping to four days would help me plus hopefully enable me to carry on working for a few more years.

It has helped and I can just about afford it - I can even afford s few luxuries like food and heating!!

I hope you find the forum as helpful as I have. We are all members of the RA club unfortunately - let's make the best we can of it xx

[Stats12]

Welcome huney

I've felt this forum has been really good for helping me to understand RA, lots of info, help and understanding from everyone

Sue

X

[Claireb1985]

Thank you everyone for your kind welcome, i have read all your replies and feel overwhelmed with all your support.

Not enjoying work as they dropped my hours and have a home to pay for every month with boyfriend, i struggle so much with the work as well as getting there and worry that my RA is going to be the reason they let me go. They don't understand as today i was asked to sort out an ice cream freezer forgetting i have this condition and there was no one else there to do it, my hands were in so much pain after and they assumed i caught a bit of arthritis, um no I've had it for years and they knew, really gets to me when managers don't care enough about their staff, they pay us to do the work- give us work we can actually physically do!!

[CloudTreeDrive13]

Oh ,you will definitely feel better - that i am sure. With regard to work - give out R A leaflets to colleagues and tell them to read. It is very frustrating for you when nobody seems to understand or sympathise. Hope you've had a good day. Take care xxxx