Overworked and exhausted

[Frankiefocus]

Well its finally happened I am off work from my new job that I have been at for just 3 months as Im flareing up bad in one knee joint. I was working a 50-60 hour week and it was climbing the stair case that got me. Im in the middle of a six moth trail period so they will probably let me go at the end of it. What really makes me angry is the boss complained I was too relaxed at my job....I was gobsmaked as I hardly sat down and was doing all that was expected as a plant technician and I didnt inform them of my RA until now. Good news is I got a supportive partner and I will be looking for driving work or desk job as a job running around all the time is not for me anymore. The weekly mtx 15 injections may have to change aswell. One thing I have learned... a job is not worth your health. 😕

[oldtimer]

I hope you asked your boss what "Being too relaxed" meant? It sounds putting down, but could have meant that he thought you were coping with it well!

But those hours and too much energy expenditure don't sound a good combination for someone with RD - or any other condition including good health. I can remember taking a job which was 'part-time' at 37 hours a week, including some weekend work, so people can easily be exploited.

[JFlay]

Oh painful, I've soldiered on through knee flares in the past (didn't know I had RA at the time) it's not fun ☹️ I had to as I ran my own business at the time and needs must, but I gave it all up two years ago due to stress. Take the positives from it, as you say it's not worth it! All the best 😊

[rab1874]

Your health comes first and your only a number to employers. I had to retire 3 years ago after struggling at work for a few years with having RA,OA and angina, it’s the best thing, I’ve done and am not any worse off as I have my works pensions plus get pip and ,esa, good luck

[Hidden]

It’s so difficult if you don’t tell your employer you have a health problem you have no rights but if you are going for an interview and tell them you have RA you won’t get the job it’s a viscous circle.

Working too many hours can lead to other problems. I myself got a chance to work extra hours with the intention of getting taken on permanently( really loved this job). Determined to make a good impression worked through a major flare ( don’t know how I managed) with a chest infection. I ended up going into anaphylactic shock. I was told I had just pushed myself too far and my body said enough!!! Doctors told me too reduce my hours which I have but lost my dream job.

Look after yourself. I think you need to speak to your HR.

[TPaine]

Hi Frankie, I too struggled with work when I got diagnosed with RA. I was a district nurse so I had to leave, I was only 37, so didn't want to retire!! Wasn't sure then what I would be able to do in the future so wanted to keep my options open. I did manage to find work in a college in training and assessing part time, which I enjoyed mostly, but the flares still featured but I could manage overall, so there is hope, it's just finding what works for you. The flares are a clear sign we are pushing it so I guess we have to listen to our bodies as we experiment with the work/life balance we need so badly living with RA. I am now retrained as a counsellor and hoping to see clients privately and fingers crossed (not too tight mind) that the less Physical nature will help me sustain this. It took adding in biologic benepali therapy with MTX before I got into remission with RA so maybe look at your treatment options with your rheumatologist?

Good luck 🙂

[Frankiefocus in reply to TPaine]

Hi T I agree on what you are saying and part time work is the way Im going to go as this is the second job that I have had that made my knees flare because of constant walking. Thanks to everyone who replied to my post.☺

[Bookworm55]

As someone who was diagnosed the month after I retired I am in awe of anyone who manages any job with RD. You’re all amazing tbh but it is true that no job is worth your health and the benefits system should reflect this imho.