Time off

[HelenaK]

Hi. I’m new to this group. I have been diagnosed with RA 9 years ago. I started methotrexate this week. Been on hydroxychloroquine before. I have also first time taken time off work due RA. I have been very tired for months, and joints are inflamed too. I have line for two weeks. I’m on my second week off now, and don’t feel I should go to work next week. But feel guilty for not going… I work in care and do shifts. What kind of length have people been off with flair up/new medication?

[MadBunny]

Hi Helena K and welcome to the group. I've had RA for 14 years . I was a teacher and I struggled at times. Like you, I felt guilty taking time off. To be honest, I can't remember any long absences, only a few days at a time. I know I often struggled in when I shouldn't have. Teaching is different though, there were still things I could do without too much trouble and for most of the time I could still do my job, although the stress didn't help at times and I had my struggles. I was fortunate that my meds worked well on the whole. I would imagine care work is very different and it's full on all the time.

I gradually went part time and gave up the Head of Dept job which helped a lot.

As you've only just started the mtx it will take a while for it to work.

Sending you best wishes 🤗

[HelenaK in reply to MadBunny]

Thank you very much for your reply MadBunny. Hopefully my new medication will work as well. And hopefully I can get something sorted with work. All just feeling a bit overwhelming at the moment. Thanks again 😊

[MadBunny in reply to HelenaK]

Your welcome. I understand well how overwhelming it can be. I had a meeting with the local authority's HR department and they were supportive, and very good at recommending adjustments the school could make for the benefit of both parties . Maybe something like that would help? If no HR access maybe a discussion with management ? The NRAS website had some good information about work. I assume it's still available, if you have t seen it.

[HelenaK in reply to MadBunny]

Hi again. Information is still there, I'm looking into all that. I think I am in all my tiredness maybe not taking everything in... Thank you

[MadBunny in reply to HelenaK]

Take care and make sure you rest 🤗🐰

[Amandaazz]

Hi...I was diagnosed on the 26th October and was in incredible pain and swelling (which I now know to be a flare!) And started methotrexate. I have been off work since then (but had a cold and cough in between which knocked me again for 2 weeks). I had a call from Occupational Health last week, the nurse actually recommended I remain off for another 4 weeks to give my body a good chance of adjusting to the drugs without any other stress or concerns that could mask my recovery, then return on 25% normal working hours with a phased return to work. It does put me down to half pay, which is a concern, but we can get through, my health is more important right now, and as she said, if I go back too soon and only half recovered I'm more likely to relapse and be off again, which helps no-one. She also said to use this time to rehabilitate and do some movements and exercises that will help me out, so for once I am listening and doing what I am told (though I am going a bit stir crazy!). 😊

[HelenaK in reply to Amandaazz]

Hi Amandaazz! Thank you for your reply. I’m glad they have advised and give you plenty time to recover and get used to things. I’m sorry to hear that it has hit you so bad, but for me, selfishly, it’s kind of good to hear that it’s not just me. It was helpful for me to read your reply, so thank you for taking the time. I hope you start feeling better and back to normal (whatever that may be) soon. Take care of yourself.

[Knip in reply to Amandaazz]

❤️ Hope the rest helps you, take care. x

[Carolsos]

Hi there I was diagnosed in 2013 and I had 3 months of work, I couldn't move my arms above my waist and my tablets of mtx were making me very ill, I also had stress from work! I phased back into work and was put on light duties, but they were not light duties. That is the longest time off in my life. I also had 2 weeks off before I was diagnosed with swelling on my knees and and my doctor insisted I have time off. And wrote a sick note for 2 weeks there and then. Hope everything works out ok for you. Take care

[Knip in reply to Carolsos]

I'm sure your reply will be very helpful. This site is so valuable in helping us not to feel alone when it's hard going! I have always found that the fatigue is the thing that is least understood by others...RA really is a hidden disease for the most part. x

[HelenaK in reply to Carolsos]

Hi Carolsos. Thank you for your reply. Hoping I am not needing that length of time off work. But I am definitely now taking things easy, and listening those people around me. It’s been great to get support of this group as I felt quite overwhelmed with everything. Thanks again and hope things are ok with you.

[Angels-delight]

Sorry but some people I know it works great but for me the side effects were horrendous. I am going through a terrible time right now. I wish you all the best. It is trial and error to find the meds that are right for each individual. Everyone reacts different good luck, I have been on many meds that works great but they stopped working after I had to stop taking them for various reasons other health issues. I wish you all the best.

[HelenaK in reply to Angels-delight]

Thank you for your reply Angels- delight. I'm sorry to hear you're having hard time just now. And hopefully you will feel better soon too, and will find something that works for you.

[Angels-delight in reply to HelenaK]

Thank you for your reply, no-one likes being in hospital but they are sorting out my meds. I have seen so many different Dr for different reasons, I have had loads of tests so hopefully they will all get together and sort things out.I am retired for several years now, I hope you will feel better and enjoy retirement.

Enjoy as best you can, take care, Sue, xx

[Mmrr]

Welcome to the group.I went off sick whilst waiting for a diagnosis, and never got back to work. I'm now medically retired.

Don't rush back too soon if you don't feel ready to go back to work, it kinda suggests that you are not ?

Look after yourself and let the meds take their time to work.

[HelenaK in reply to Mmrr]

Thank you for your reply Mmrr, for your wise words. I think I have delayed admitting to myself that I need to take it easy for a little while.

Hope you're ok, and thanks again.