Hi

[Michaelwestport]

Hi

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid approx: 2 yrs ago , the first year was the worst , the pain in my hips was unbearable of which took me out of work for 5 mths , last year was pretty good not much pain and very little time off work. This year as been a struggle immune system very low been in and out of work all this year , my doctor and consultant both say its about time i considered giving up my work as its starting to get me down as im not able to do the job i have been doing for 40 yrs , well thats where i am at the moment.

[Hessie5]

Hi there - just wondered what your eating is like? Have you changed what you eat? Do you take supplements? Wishing you all the best.

[Mickmanu in reply to Hessie5]

Hi

Yeh i have changed quite abit , i do eat alot more healthy now ie: more fruit and veg and try to stay away from process foods etc .

[Gnarli]

What a dilemma! You seem to love your job and I can understand why you would be reluctant to stop. The satisfaction from getting the job done, the social interaction with co-workers and having status. Our work does seem to identify us whereas not working is viewed as "less" somehow. As both your consultant and your doctor have advised you to finish I would think they are right. I suspect they don't give advice like this unless it's necessary. I won't ask, 'cos it's none of my business, but if you are in a financial position to retire I would. You would probably find your quality of life improves, especially if you can get out with friends, take up hobbies or exercise plans. It's a hard one but I can recommend it. Wishing you well

J

[Mickmanu in reply to Gnarli]

Thanks for your comments yeh I kinda know it’s time . Sometimes after work I drive a 10 min journey home and then takes me another 10 mins to get out of the car . Kinda says it all

[Gnarli in reply to Mickmanu]

I can't 'like' your comment. All I can offer are great big cyber hugs and wish you better

J

[lornaisobel in reply to Gnarli]

You are so right about working - being less if you dont work - volunteering can help fill a 'gap'

[helenlw7]

I gave up a job I loved when I was 59. I just woke up one morning and decided I couldn’t do it any more. The stress of the job was having an adverse effect on my joints, and I also have a lung disease which made the job harder (I was a teacher). I’ve been retired for three years now and love it. I still have joint and breathing issues, but my day is my own and I work round the issues. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Mickmanu in reply to helenlw7]

Yeh I’m 57 I kinda think I’m too young for retirement but I suppose if your body tells you it’s time .

[Pamelah5]

Hi Michael,

Can I ask what meds your consultant have put you on also are you Vitamin D Deficient That contributes towards pain as immune system is low your not absorbing nutrients.

I wondering maybe they have not got your RA under control which is why your still in pain or maybe they are not suitable.

It's such an easy option for consultants and doctor to say "maybe it's time to give up" my question would be "why" ? Are they saying they cannot get your pain under control ?

I wish you well

Sending {hugs}

Best wishes

Pamela

xx

[Mickmanu in reply to Pamelah5]

Hi Pamela

Well at the minute I’m on enbrel Injection’s once a week and plaquenil daily , I was on arava and amitriptiline as well but came off them a couple weeks ago as I was awful tired 24:7 plus my immune system was very low , causing me to catch every cold , sickness bug going around but now the pains back at me , so now it’s a case of finding something else which works for me ?

Unfortunately I’m on 12 hr shifts days/ nights and it’s getting very difficult, I am in discussions with my work to try and help me out until I can try and get this under control , ???????

[Pamelah5 in reply to Mickmanu]

Hi Michael,

Amitriptyline is a antidepressant which doubles up as a pain killer, which makes you tired. I was given them for pain in shoulder years ago once knew stopped taking - I am not saying that is what you should be doing, it is a cheap option of medication!

Have you tried Methotrexate ? It took 6 months to kick in in between was having a cortisone injection in the butt area for all joints which works extremely well up to six months

If you haven't maybe you could ask. Plaquenil I take daily along with Celecoxib 200 which is an anti inflammatory. Not sure what arava is .

You should of been given Folic acid 1 5mg table for six days not on same day as injection it helps with absorption along with vitamin D that I understand is the norm.

If your feeling sick rheumatology nurse, consultant or gp can prescribe anti sickness drug.

Also with immune system being low it can affect other things.

Since being diagnosed in October 2016 with RA now have Coeliac disease October 2017 intolerance to Gluten which again affects the immune system.

I would however say that persevering I have recently been able to play golf again also able to use cross trainer I now have energy.

I do believe it can be the food being gluten free I believe has helped , it has not been easy ride adapting and I am still learning.

If you write down all questions you want answering

See your rheumatology nurse he/she will listen. It's pointless seeing gp they only have small general knowledge in all fields!

Think and remain positive

I wish you well,

Let us know please how you get on.

Best wishes

Pamela

[CloudTreeDrive13]

I'm sorry but I wouldn't give up work. Cut hours down, make amendments and come to some agreement with my employer. It would seem the end to me - even to volunteer is better than nothing. Of course only you can decide and consider all possibilities. I wish you well. Take care xxxx

[Someonesmother]

I feel your pain. I think I would like to give up work, I will 59 this year and every year I am taking more and more time off due to infections or operations to fix things etc, but I think I would go insane. I love working I just can't do the hours any more. I do not have any finances behind me so I have to keep going until they decide to sack me I guess and then I will probably be homeless.