I’m 38 and have been on methotrexate for just over a year and it has worked wonders for but recently, I have been experiencing wrist and foot pain. When I walk I can feel slight pain in my joints but nothing so serious that I can’t walk at all. Wrist pain is upsetting . However, consultant advised and prescribed another 2.5mg and suggested steroid injection to tide me over until the MT kicks in. I am worried to say the least about increased dose and having to drag my self to work when actually, I just need time to take care of myself. GP has said that she will sign me off for 4 weeks from work as I am highly in need of rest. My main concern and reason for writing is that, I need advise on whether I should take the sick note or not. I am worried about the backlash from HR and how my employer will react upon my return back to work should I take time off? I have been thinking about it for 2 weeks and still not brave enough to take it. I’m still waiting for my permanent contract which should be anytime now but I’m thinking, if I take time off they might not give it and the temp contract will just roll over...
I have also decided to apply for PIP for a little bit of help- what do you guys think- Is applying for PIP the right move? Will I be scrutinised for not being immobile? Has anyone been to a PIP assessment and passed?
Your thoughts will be greatly appreciated...
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Black2
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It is hard to make these choices but health must come first if we want the best control of what is termed, for work, a ‘life limiting disease’ and for which employers are obliged to make provision.
I have not had RA while in paid employment but others may be able to further advise.
Is the job so worth hanging onto that taking four weeks off and risking a temp contract continuing would be worse than ending up with a really bad flare?
Can you cope with work re pain in wrists and feet? It helps if you are not the sole household earner.
Could you cope with increased pain due to pushing yourself when rest is recommended?
At some point, an employer should be informed about your health condition or maybe your contract won’t be valid?
You have my sympathy if not the best advice! Good luck sorting it out for the best outcome.
I can’t really tell you whether you should carry on at work or take time off sick but if your dr is giving you a four week sick note then they must really think you need to be resting and giving the mtx a chance to start working. You said yourself you just need time to take care of yourself so I think you know really what you need to do 😊You don’t say whether your employer knows about your diagnosis but if they don’t it might be helpful to discuss this with them and they might be a bit more accommodating. NRAS have some useful publications on their website that might be helpful nras.org.uk/publications/all
Adding another 2.5mg to your dose of 10mg is still a low dose of mtx so I’d try not to think too much about it, you don’t say why you are worried about it. I hope it makes things better for you as you responded well to the 10mg dose.
As for PIP there are a lot of us on here who have applied and been awarded it at varying levels. If you look at the Benefits and Work website they have a self test you can try to see if you might qualify. Even if you are borderline I would give it a go as once you start to fill in the forms it really makes you think about your everyday life in detail and you may qualify so it’s worth trying. Let us know how you get on and do ask any questions you have as there’s lots of people here who can give you advice.
We are all different, but I found that although MTX worked wonders to start with after a while I started getting niggles and aches reappearing. So I had to increase doses. Your 10mg is a low dose, so a single dose increase may be all you need to stabilise again.
Presumably you’ve only got 2 weeks left now on your sick note? So to me any employer should be ok about someone taking 2 weeks sick - but of course only you know their general attitude. Your health is so important, and getting this back under control is critical if you don't want things to get worse.
As for PIP, try the self test kittyJ has given you a link to as it’s quite a high threshold.
Morning it’s a very hard balancing act and one we shouldn’t have to think about in this day and age. I know from my own experience that I struggled on at work for 3 years after being diagnosed with RA before having to retire at 52 and I think it made my health worse as I’m on mtx 20 mgs and Amgevita (Humira) but I understand everyone’s different and and have. bills to pay,try for pip nothing to lose and your entitled to it good luck
I am coming up to a year at my work and felt very nervous telling my boss about my RA diagnosis but actually saying I don't know what the future holds, I dont know what will happen but I want to work and I love my job made a world of difference for me. I am sole provider as hubby has been off for 6months due to undiagnosed illness. However work know this too and know how important the job is for my sanity too.
We are all different but look at the company and see how they work and you should know how they treat the team/staff to help you make the right choice for you.
Hi, why don’t you go off methotrexate for a while to see if this is what is causing your problems. This is not going too hurt you. I took methotrexate and went off of it because of hair falling out, nail problems, blurred vision to name a few. I would not take time off, never know what employer might do. Hope this might help, keep us posted!
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I don’t think going off mtx will help Black2’s work situation and it definitely could have a bad effect on their joints to be taking no meds especially when they are already struggling with work because of pain in their joints. What works for one doesn’t necessarily work for all sadly.
Thanks for your reply Kittyj. You are right when you say going off methotrexate will have a bad effect on joints. GP and Rheumy have told me from the offset not to stop taking meds.
I am defo thinking of what the future holds but for now, need the income at surely a sick note shouldn’t result in negative situation at work? There must be legal implications if employers mistreat employees for taking time off work?
I was medically retired from work but to be fair I had had 6 months off sick and could never have gone back to doing that job. The publication might be a good place to start talks about what your employer could do to help you. I hope you get something sorted out soon.
If you can do it, how about a crafty compromise? Why don’t you take a week or two off as holiday? Your company doesn’t have to know you’re ill and you get a much needed break.
If you are new to applying for disability benefits I recommend a website Benefits and Work. For a small annual fee, you can access their PIP and other Guides which take you through each question step by step in a thorough manner, pointing out what the DWP are looking at/will assume from your answers etc. They also give advice on going through MR (mandatory reconsideration) and appeal processes.
Hi I don't normally post but I am in a similar position. Due to issues with work and having had to take time to look after myself I have been signed off work for the last few weeks. My employers are aware of my situation but that is where it seems to stop, been referred to occupational health and various other things. But I rang the NRAS helpline this week which is always a helpful thing to do as they do understand our situation. The person I spoke to suggested speaking to the helpline at the Disability Law Service, dls.org.uk it is free and easy to use with a section of employment law. They might be able to give you some advice. We also have protection under the equality act and should not be discriminated against because of our condition
Hi Black2, I was initially put on Methotrexate & steroids aged 34 & that worked for 26years. I also worked full time all through those years, with occasional time off for flares. I used to get up @5am & have a hot bath to loosen my joints so I could walk. It was still painful & I worked in Facilities walking around 2 buildings with 2k employees to help most days. I got crafty though, stopping to talk to people or look at notice boards just to rest along the way. I was lucky the medication worked & I even tried indoor snowboarding on a red day letter work team building event, my consultant dined out on that story! I was bad for several days after though! I also knew when to rest & would have a bath & go to bed early some evenings & sometimes spend at least 1 day on weekend resting in bed to recharge my battery & rest my joints, because people dont realise that pain is exhausting! I applied for DLA initially aged 50 & now get PIP. Just a tip, take a copy of your forms so you know what you said-when on DLA I had to attend a private clinic to be examined & questioned! You must also put the worst case scenario when describing symptoms-but I did put "some days are better than others-depends on the flare". It's well worth applying. When I went part time in my late 50's I did declare my arthritis & was assessed by my works health company who recommended a nearby handicapped parking space. I didn't take them up on it as don't consider myself disabled & have never applied for a blue parking badge either, although walking is difficult & painful some days, but there are truly handicapped people out there who need them more than me. I retired at 62 & it's great not getting up early for work, as don't sleep well, but is a bit lonely-I miss meeting people, & boring & each day is a bit like ground hog day! I'm on fortnightly Abatacept Biologic injections & 7.5mg Methotrexate, which seems to wirk for me, I'm lucky I tolerate Metho. I would discuss you're RA diagnosis with you're employer, as by law they have a duty of care towards their employees (look it up), especially as you have RA. They have to help make you're workstation & surrounding area more suitable for you're limitations of movement, if you suffer neck,shoulder, elbow, wrist & hand problems like I did. I think honesty is best policy.Definitely apply for PIP, but describe worst flare up symptoms ok. Good luck-sorry for long reply!!
Thankyou thankyou for that reply! It has boosted my spirits knowing that working with RA is doable. I was just anxious reading the questions on pip form as not all days are really bad but it can be. The MTX is working for me but my body right now just needs a break as i am mentally tired hence the need for taking time out of work. I do not want work to think I am disabled and am unable to work as that is far from the truth. But, my employer will try and find any reason possible to claim I am unfit as she is anti-absence in the work force minded. I’m just trying to convince myself that I deserve the time out and should just fo for it. I have tonight to think about it...
I sympathise, but, the problem is that your RA is not going away. As with any chronic condition, sooner or later, you will have to tell your employer. My advice would be to do it sooner rather than later. If you are offered a permanent contract without having notified them it may well invalidate your contract if something goes wrong. I know it's very difficult but if you tell your employer now at least you will know where you stand and you won't have to worry about it every time RA rears it's ugly head.
Hi black2, Please be aware that the law is on your side and you don’t have to disclose details about your health regarding contracts. As long as you’re doing your job correctly.. For now I would advise if you need time off to take your holiday entitlement and have a good rest. Hang on in there and get that full contract. Also I think worrying about the situation isn’t helping your condition. Wishing you all the best X
Another thing I meant to say is that you may be able to get help filling in you're PIP form, ask you're Rheumy nurse, I'm sure someone on my local council helped with checking my 1st DLA form I submitted?? I think you need to remember to be kind to yourself & allow you're body a rest when you're feeling exhausted & low, then you can tackle work refreshed. Its very important to remember 'Stress' is youre enemy & will cause flare ups-so try to pace yourself & de-stress you're life as much as possible. Learn to say 'No' to people if you're trying to push yourself to fit too much in, cos you know you'll be the one to suffer with a flare up? Its a lesson I've found it very hard to learn, because I'll put myself 2nd to help anyone, which infuriates my husband cos he says he has to pick up the pieces! I rush around helping my daughter & grandkids who are 1hours drive away & come home exhausted. My husband gets cross with me because they don't realise ( or don't want to admit) I'm not as fit & healthy as them & can't do what I used to & now have to pace myself & rest inbetween! I hate to keep reminding her, but if I don't she'll push me to the limit, cos she's desperate for help with 2 kids, my lovely 9yr old (going on 21) Granddaughter & my wonderful 12wk old baby Grandson. Shes just moved house as well so I've been going over to help unpack & clean. Going again tomorrow & staying overnight, but know I'll come back completely drained & have to rest for a day after! I hate the limitations RA puts on you physically, but it's not going away so got to adapt & live with it. I hope you decide to have time off to rest. Does you're company have an Occupational Health dept, or private health package? If so you could speak to them 1st about you're RA & get them to come with you so you can have a meeting to tell you're boss together? They will make sure you're condition is taken into account & youre looked after within the workplace? Good luck & remember..be kind to yourself.
Thankyou so much for your advice. I have decided now that I need to look after me and so, went GP a couple of hours ago and got a fit note. I was anxious about handing it in to work but finally emailed HR a long email about my condition and reasons for absence- so far no reply! I wasn’t expecting too much to be honest because I’ve known for a while that my boss doesn’t care about her employees and is not a very nice person. Either way, I’ve had a lot of lovely ppl on this forum giving me confidence and reassuring me that I have rights in the work place so for now, I’m going to rest up, get some Pampering done and eat lots of ice cream and relax as much as possible. Im lucky that hubby doesn’t expect much from me and is always telling me to rest so hopefully, I will do exactly that until I have to go back to work and face the consequences of my absence! I hope you rest up too and be kind to yourself, sometimes saying no is ok, loved ones will understand and eventually you will get to enjoy more quality time with them because your body is well rested and will be more accommodating towards your lovely grand kids. I hope you don’t over exert yourself. Thankyou again.
Woohoo ice cream and rest now that's the way to do it! Nothing wrong to be kind to yourself.
I'm so glad you've given in & decided to rest & also explain to work about you're RA. I really hope they treat you well & are understanding cos it makes life so much easier. Good luck & let me know what happens when you go back. But for now just relax & enjoy the rest & the Ice cream! That's my favourite too! I've told my daughter I'll stay to help for 2 nights-that way I can pace myself & have time with grandkids & I'm not rushing to get it all done & then driving home on top of a heavy day. Unfortunately I'll be on the z bed as the new bed hasn't arrived yet, but it's better than the bed settee I've had to sleep on when staying for the last 13years in the lounge. At least now there's a spare bedroom for me so I get some privacy & dignity in the mornings, not having her husband traipsing through going to work when I'm lying in bed!! A girl needs her dignity, especially at my age & the fact I'm still having hot flushes 14years in! I'm now wondering if it's the medication having read other posts? Hey ho..another cross to bear. I'm glad you're husband is caring & sympathetic & I hope he looks after you & you get a good rest. At the end of the day you're health is more important than work, altho I know how important it is to earn £ as I had to pay for my mortgage & bills +my daughter's education through University, as I had divorced her father after 21years!! It's been tough but I got through it & it made me determined to keep going, no matter what. Chin up & have a lovely pamper rest time.
Hi Black2 sorry I've not been in touch-but I've been in hospital-broke my right thigh falling after shower leaning on my wash basket (stupidly) which collapsed..doh! I've been home a week & trying to get around a bit with crutches. Luckily my husband has been home to help me-but going back to work after my staples come out next week. Getting up & especially down stairs is the worst! I go on my bum once I've managed to go down 1 step to sit. Unfortunately my RA flared up in my right shoulder badly so putting weight on it to hang onto banister on stairs & getting in & out of bed or chair is more difficult! Fortunately the hospital sent me home with a prenorphine pain patch. I actually took 1st one off after a very hallucinatory dream but Doc supplied more so I've put another one on. It's slow release & you keep on for a week. I have to say it's been fantastic in helping with my shoulder pain, which has practically gone!? I need to let he NRAS know about this as could be a good pain reliever for RA sufferrers???? Please don't use until cleared with you're Doc or RA nurse on my say so though! So unfortunately I cannot arrange any meet ups as I dont know when I will be driving again!? I cant put weight on it for 6weeks from op. Frustrating thing is although they're trying to arrange a bone density scan urgently theres been no word about physio to get me walking again!? I've just been left hanging as if its not important that I walk again. I've contacted my RA nurse & shes going to ask their Physio dept whats the way forward. But I shouldn't have to chase!? They say from xrays that my other leg has had 2 fractures that have healed (which I didnt know about) so if I can't get the drug to strengthen my femur (see my message to Black13-(apologies got confused who to contact & sent to wrong person) but Ive explained about long term taking of Ibandronic Acid tablets causing my break. I may have to have my 'good' leg pinned even before it's broken as they say it's unstable, but Dexa scan will show extent of bone damage from drugs!!! Just hoping can get the scan soon but have said probably at least 6wks wait...argh!! Meantime I'm hopping on crutches & can't go anywhere or do anything much & I'm a prisoner in my home again! It's bad enough when you're life shrinks cos of flare ups & limited movement, but at least it passes & you can resume life again. This time without even physio on the horizon I don't know when I'll get back to normality!? Very frustrated & a bit angry that drugs that they've given me which should have strengthened my bones have caused the weakness & break, plus they've left me on them for years without checking!? I don't remember being told of this small % risk either??? Has anyone else?
Oh my! I don’t know whether you sent message to me by mistake but either way, I am so sorry to hear that you have been going through such a hard time. I can only say that, you seem like such a strong person who is still fighting for every bit of normality in any which way, shape and form. I wish you a speedy recovery and please do update me of your how you get on, even if it is by mistake. All the best.
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