work and pain

[heatherthornton578]

so I got a job working in A&E doing admin which on paper felt like a good compromise of keeping me mentally busy without physically over doing it. 3 months in and I’m finding my body is struggling to keep up. I spend most of the day sat down typing on a computer, with regular breaks to make sure my joints don’t go too stiff. By the time I get home I can’t walk, I’m shaking and on the verge of tears. I don’t want to give my job up because I’ve finally found something I enjoy but the balance is the part I’m struggling with. I’m on dyhydrocodeine and etoricoxib for pain which I take at night, has anyone got any tips on helping manage my pain at work without feeling drowsy

[rabbits65]

Hello Heather, I can’t actually help you but I just felt like giving you a reply as I feel so sorry for you. Do you actually enjoy your job and are the people you are working with supportive in any way. Maybe you need a change in your medication , maybe it’s not working very well. Try not give up your job as it sounds like a really good job, I am retired myself but I would have loved a job like yours when I was younger. Good luck to you , I hope you find the help you so need.

[benjijen]

Are you able to stand and work every now and again? There are adjustable desks which allow this. Have occupational health looked over your work station to make sure that your chair, leg support etc are correct? I used to just 'march' under the desk to keep my legs moving. There does come a point when it's too much to do full time but you may well be able to job share. I regret giving up work completely even though I was past retirement age!

[Runrig01]

I would ask to be referred to occupational health, or you can even self refer. The NHS occupational health kept me working as a trauma nurse for many years with their adjustments. They are very supportive, and the nhs have the funds to purchase any equipment needed.

It might also be a good idea to also contact your rheumatology team for a review of your medications.

I had to retire at 52 due to my health. I’d got to a similar point, where once I was off the ward, I’d be in tears. The pain was excruciating, and I couldn’t rest my back against the car seat to drive home. Then once home I’d dry my eyes, and pretend to family everything was fine. My hubby always worried about money, so I didn’t want to add to his worries. Unfortunately it was taken out my hands when I had a severe stroke due to an adrenal crisis. I wasn’t aware I’d developed severe adrenal insufficiency, where my body no longer produced the stress hormone cortisol, and essential for life. I was advised to avoid stressful situations, and told nursing was out of the question.

I hope you have a supportive team, as it makes all the difference. 🤗

[Madmusiclover]

Is your drug working? I felt very much like you when I was going through my trial and error stages but once I found a drug that worked I only needed paracetamol for my osteo. Is part time working or job sharing a possibility? Yes, occupational health is a must! Get a referral. I retired on ill health aged 59. I went part time for the last year.

[Angjoplin]

Finding a pain killer that doesn't turn your brain to custard is the holly grail. I too work full time and really struggle. I totally feel you when you say you're on the verge of tears on the way home.

I asked about pain killers on here and got loads of helpful responses. Several people recommended paracetamol. I was very skeptical but gave it a try. The full dose of 8 tablets throughout the day consistently. It's worked really well for me. I'm not pain free, but I feel less like I'm going to cry. It's totally taken the edge off.

Obviously check with a pharmacist, gp or your rheumy team that paracetamol doesn't clash with any of your other meds if you decide to give it a try.

[JenniferW in reply to Angjoplin]

Just to warn anyone reading this, paracetamol can cause liver damage, so it shouldn't be taken in large quantities over a long period. It is great to help with pain relief though, I use it in conjunction with naproxen when something gets pulled.

[Angjoplin in reply to JenniferW]

I've been told it is safe to take as prescribed for a long time by my gp? I also have a good friend that has taken it continuously for 6 years. I'm not disputing you though. Always happy to learn more. Where did you get the information from? I'd like look it up if I've been told wrong.

[JenniferW in reply to Angjoplin]

Hi Anj

If it's under GP advice that's totally fine. I got the information from the papers a while ago when there was a very sad case of a young girl who had been taking it over a long period due to headaches when using a computer and she died, it builds up.

I've just checked on the NHS and they say you can take the max dose over a long time so long as you don't take more than that and you leave four hours between doses

nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamo...

It looks like I have been worrying too much about it, sorry to have alarmed you.

Jennifer

[Angjoplin in reply to JenniferW]

No worries at all. All information is good. 😊

I feel sorry for the young lass, maybe she was taking too much for her age / weight. Very sad.

[AgedCrone in reply to Angjoplin]

Make a list of your medication & ask your pharmacist if there is any reason you should not mix paracetamol long term with anything you take.

Although your GP has prescribed it - a pharmacist will be able to advise you…like most meds…what one person can take quite safely…another maybe advised not to.

[Hannah-NRAS]

Hi heatherthornton578,

Big thanks to every who's already replied and just to echo many of their sentiments. There are two fronts that I would encourage you to attack this problem from.

Firstly, I would ask to be referred to an occupational therapist who can offer support in adapting your work environment and habits to help reduce these issues. Find out more here: nras.org.uk/resource/the-ro...

Secondly, I would get in contact with your rheumatology team ASAP to request an "urgent medication review" as it could be that your medications are not working optimally to control your RA.

Here are some other resources you may find helpful:

- nras.org.uk/resource/work/

- nras.org.uk/resource/managi...

- nras.org.uk/product/an-empl...

- nras.org.uk/resource/i-want...

- nras.org.uk/resource/medici...

- nras.org.uk/selfmanagement/

I hope you find this information useful and wish you all the best. Should you require any additional information or support please contact our helpline on 0800 298 7650 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4.30pm) or email us at [e-mail]

Kind regards,

Hannah - Information and Support Coordinator

[Madmusiclover]

you guys! The best.

[Hidden]

Working less hours worked for me; but in the end I did have to medically retire.

It took me a while to find hours that ‘suited’ me. Trial and error may be the way to go. The travel to and from work will play a part to, as will a shower, getting dressed and food prep. Ensure you factor all of these things in too.

As others have said, get an appointment with Occupational Health. I would also look at ‘Access to Work’ either through HR or online.