Returning to work

[Eden1]

Just wondering if anyone can offer any advice on returning to work after a RA diagnosis. I’m at the point of making a decision about returning to work and am so conflicted about what is best I was diagnosed with RA in November and prior to this I had a hip replacement in September, so I have been off work about 4 and half months now - obviously a lot of this was due to hip surgery and recovery. When I was diagnosed I had what I now realise was a very aggressive RA flare up following the trauma of hip surgery - and all my joints were affected with a lot of inflammation and pain. My rheumatologist believes I had RA prior the hip surgery and it was this that caused the hip problems and not rapidly progressive osteoarthritis as originally diagnosed by an orthopaedic consultant 🙁. I’m now on week 11 of methotrexate which was increased last week from 15mg to 20mg and in the intervening period I have had steroid injections. I do feel a good bit better from where I was at but I’m still not fully at myself - but I don’t know what that will actually mean now in RA terms or what I should be expecting. I am still stiff and get pain in my shoulders, knee and feet mostly - although def better than I had been previously and I take one or two tramadol a day to keep pain at bay, as well as naproxen. I had worked full time in a fairly stressful job (which I enjoyed) and I’m now thinking about going back to work on a phased basis initially- possibly 2-3 days a week but inc part working at home - so in the office initially a max of 2 days only. I could possibly do this over next 6-8 weeks although I know it will be very difficult for me to just keep it at that and not get sucked back in. I also have a fairly long commute each day. One part of me is very keen to get back and to feel ‘normal’ again - I was so down when first diagnosed and in such pain that I thought then I might never be well enough to go back - but another part of me is scared as to whether I will be fit enough going forward and perhaps it’s too soon. I do get 6 months paid leave so it’s not the money that’s making me want to go back right now as I have a few more weeks left. My close family and friends have offered differing views but I know it’s down to me ultimately. I am also due to go on a work related trip mid March which would mean being away for 4- 5 days - whist I’m keen to go on this, again a lot of self doubt is there as to whether I will be ok. Sorry for long post but I’m just so undecided at moment and I want to make a decision in next couple days. So just wondering what experience anyone else has on returning to work after diagnosis or being off - and also what I should be expecting in terms of ‘recovery’ so to speak. Thanks!

[Hidden]

In retrospect, I should have applied for disability rather than retiring early. I was certainly qualified, but didn't really know at the time. Investigate your possibilities.

[Ali_H]

Get HR advice and ask for an Access to Work assessment. That should help with securing any kind of reasonable adjustments including some working from home if it’s viable and specialist keyboard, chair etc for your work desk.

All the best

Ali

[Hidden]

Morning Eden.

I understand where your coming from. The need to get back to normality. After my diagnosis I was determined life would continue as normal it did for a while but in retrospect I was probably in denial and pushed myself too hard. You are still new to your diagnosis and on top of major surgery you might be ask yourself to do too much just yet. ( stress just loves RD)Me I would take the full 6 months . Your RD is obviously still not controlled give yourself more time to let your meds work then a phased return. As Ali H said get HR involved. I reduced my working hours although I still struggle but my RD has been a right Bugger these last 12months but trial and error on different drugs I’m now on a Biologic bit early to say for definite yet it looks promising. I applied for PIP and got it (struggle) it’s not means tested . Hope this helps

[Mmrr]

The first thing is to take care of yourself and not go back too soon, as it could be counterproductive. Has your workplace been supportive of you since you have been off ? Do they understand what RD is ?

Maybe a chat to them and has been said by others, a workplace assessment might help you decide.

Best wishes.

[Eden1]

Thanks all for your replies. Work has been very supportive (I have been employed with them for 20 years and I don’t think I have had one sick day over past 10 years) - so that’s positive. I work for a large organisation and via HR and Occupational Health they are happy for me to come back on a phased basis inc part working from home and other adjustments such as later start times if needed. It’s really me that will need to adhere to all this however as I have pushed myself a lot in the past doing long hours etc. But I def don’t want to end up back where I was health wise a few months ago so I know I will need to pace myself. I am therefore intending to phase myself back in from next week on but just a couple days a week for first few weeks and then gradually increase and see how I get on. So fingers crossed I do ok. Thanks again.

[Hidden in reply to Eden1]

Good luck