I have arthritis and tendonitis in multiple joints and have lived with terrible pain for the last 12 years. I'm 41 and single and don't have many friends to help.
I've had many problems at work as I've needed time of for multiple operations and recovery from tendonitis problems, but the last few years I am finding it so hard to work due to my memory. I'm a seive, I can't absorb information, my vocabulary is terrible, and I am constantly forgetting. I work part time but I can't work less hours as I have a mortgage and as I'm the only one paying the mortgage I need to be in work.
I'm not eligible for any benefits either unfortunately, which might have eased the financial burden somewhat. Although I appreciate that the benefits available often don't go far enough to meet people's needs for good quality of life.
I recently changed jobs as I had a bad experience with my NHS employer who did not believe that I had any problems as 'i was so young, and didn't look I'll.' my new job is interesting but I am struggling as it's so hard to concentrate. I use lots of online tools, my mobile for lists etc but I can't hold information needed for my job. I feel so trapped.
I've not been diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis as I don't meet the diagnostic criteria, but one rheumatologist said she thinks I probably do due to my family history and symptoms. I was checked for vitamin and mineral deficiency but nothing showed up there either
I wanted to ask if anyone with rheumatoid arthritis is struggling with memory and work and wondered what possible options you considered. Thanks
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Stillsmiling_Just
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Sorry you’ve had so much difficulty and a heartless response from nhs employer. RA can affect any age; it’s a shame you can’t get more clarification on that. Have you thought of trying for PIP, not means tested & can work and claim
I have been diagnosed with RA and symptoms of tendonitis in the front of my shoulders. My rheumatologist tells me this is my arthritis. I have to take care not to lift heavy objects at work as my shoulder tendons at the front would ache next day. I have had the pain since my RA arrived so I take naproxen which realy helps. Also I get brain fog so Im in this new job which is mechanical so I have a note book to wright down every thing I need incase I forget. I have just turned 50 therefore it could be just getting older is the cause of memory loss. I had to force myself back into work after I discovered I have RA but with the help of a good rheumatologist and understanding doctor this made it easier. If I were you I would pay to see a private rheumatologist and get a proper diagnosis, it cost £200 but it was well worth it.
This is what I did then they passed me onto the nhs with no long waiting time to sort my medication. I hope you all the best and this forum is great for advice.
I’m so sorry your nhs employer was so uncompassionate about your health. That’s a sad state of affairs from a so called caring profession. I have terrible brain fog and my memory is horrendous at times but I have a really understanding boss who knew me prior to RD so knows my capabilities. I tend to leave post it notes everywhere and use my phone and calendar to set reminders. I work part time as well.
I claim PIP so this does help a little. However you really need to get a firm diagnosis so you know exactly what you are dealing with. I agree with Frankie, if you can afford it, a visit to a private rheumy to get a definitive diagnosis may be money well spent. In the meantime I think you need to be upfront with your current employer so there are no surprises for them. They might surprise you and be a compassionate employer. Good luck and let us know how you get on x
Hi
My employer didn't really have a clue about RA and found it difficult to believe and understand my symptoms. But they did refer me to occupational health to get their advice. OH were great, they were like the go between experts who understood me and could translate my needs into recommended adjustments, making my working life far more bearable. There's a whole list of possible reasonable adjustments on the government Equality section of their website Gov.uk. I'm sure they can find a solution to help you stay in work.
You’re definitely not alone with this, I have Rheumatoid arthritis, and in the last couple of years I feel like I’m becoming an idiot! I don’t have much advice I’m afraid, sorry, but hope it helps to know you’re not alone in this! I’m older than you at 50, and found my brain fog massively increased when I entered a surgical menopause a couple of years ago, so possibly hormones might also be affecting you, although you’re young for that, it’s worth considering. I agree about the private consultation suggested above, it could help. Take care
I feel it for you , don’t think too much into your memory being a problem just make s note of things , or put in your note book in your phone. I have had 3 jobs I work as a bank nurse now so I can pick my hours depending on how I feel, I don’t think I will be working much longer , I hope you get sorted soon , good luck .
I really feel for you and can relate to ppl saying to me “you look fine”. I’ve been suffering for years and im 46 now. Both knees need full replacements and arthritis all over including feet, hands etc. Awful pain everyday they have made a pigs ears of trying to diagnose me... for years.
When I worked my boss said to me after a period of extreme pain “don’t think you can come back to work and rest out the back and put your feet up as you will be here to work”. She later denied saying it. I think some ppl read too many Dickens novels and think they are in charge of the “workhouse”. Anyway I didn’t go back to that job even tho I had given14 yrs to public service.
They think ive got psoriatic arthritis but to be honest I’m past caring it just hurts all the time.
You should make a claim for Pip whether you have arthritis or inflammatory arthritis it’s about your symptoms and how it limits your ability to do things. Have a look at the descriptors online .
Sorry it's taken a while to get back to you. Things have been really difficult as my pain in my joints flared badly and I felt awful.
I'm sorry to hear that you all have been affected by memory print in addition to living with the pain and joint problems from RA, which is tough, but your responses did make me feel comforted in that I'm not alone.
I do hope that in time more research is carried out to look at how people's memory/ congnitve function is affected by inflammatory arthritis, so that more can be done to help.
Thanks also for the suggestions around PIP as it's definitely worth looking into.
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is this psoriatic arthritis?
Struggling 😥
Early days...diagnosis:seropositive rheumatoid arthritis. Ready for some team - work! 
Seronegative inflammatory arthritis are they right?
