Social distancing - Meds

[Beanie1971]

Not sure what is best for me now, consultant is telling me to Socially distance at work even though I'm taking methotrexate and Prednisolone I was advised by Rheumatology nurse prior to this to be very careful around others and stay away from family, I'm so nervous about going back to work at the hospital.

[lactaki]

Same here.I work in a public hospital and currently l'm on sick leave due to my arthritis but I'm going back to work in a week and I'm really afraid of what is going to happen .I'm on Humira since August and a second immunosuppresant drug is on the table...The thing is that I'm not able to avoid people because of the nature of my job. Haven't discuss it with my doctor yet but I feel terrified in the thought of getting sick and have to stop Humira for any reason.I was thinking seriously to change my job once for all in the future.😩😩

[Beanie1971 in reply to lactaki]

Its such a scary place to be at the moment, I'm currently off sick also and definitely thinking of changing jobs due to the stress and work load, that I'm sure has impacted on my health the last few years.

[lactaki in reply to Beanie1971]

Yes,me too!!I think I'm not able to do this anymore. Had crohn's for 10 years under control.When I went in this hospital before 2 years ,it flared up like hell plus the arthritis that made me suffer a lot.For me it's all because of stress ,sleeplessness and tiredness of the job. The thing is that nobody can understand how do you feel. We have to take care of other people while ,as for me,I feel more sick than anyone !!🤢

[Beanie1971 in reply to lactaki]

Bless you! that's tough!

Yep stress!! There is certainly plenty of that in our jobs

Think I'm going to call the helpline and get some advice

[lactaki in reply to Beanie1971]

Hope it will help.For now I haven't any choice but to be patient .I wish in the future be able to seek something different ,at least to change the hospital. Wishing you good luck!!💪💪💖

[Beanie1971 in reply to lactaki]

Thank you for your messages lactaki

wishing you good luck too xx

[wishbone]

I feel for you all. Is it possible your hospitals can give you a job with less risk of infection?

[lactaki in reply to wishbone]

For me definitely not. It's really understaffed already. But I will give it a chance to discuss it with my doctor once more .Maybe I will be able to make a difference in the future.

[wishbone in reply to lactaki]

So much for that idea.

[AgedCrone]

I think a rheumatology consultant trumps the nurse!

But now all staff in hospitals are going to be wearing masks....so that should make you feel safer.

[Karen12]

Have you had a risk assessment? I work for the NHS and all staff were given a risk assessment. I work with patients but have been advised not to be patient facing for the foreseeable future and to do only home working and office work if considered Covid safe. This unfortunately leaves my team short staffed but I have no real choice in the matter and managers have to go with occupational health recommendation. I am only on Methotrexate , Sulfasalazine and Hydroxychloroquine. I am over weight though and this added to the risk factor. Maybe worth asking for a referral to occupational health if you have concerns.

[Beanie1971 in reply to Karen12]

Thank you Karen

Occupational Health are involved now so hopefully i will have some answers today

Hope your keeping well x