Hi,
I have just informed my boss that I have RA and she wants to know if I want to tell my work colleagues. I think I should so she suggests I tell everyone at our next team meeting but can anyone suggest how and what to say? I want to keep it as light hearted as possible .......Thanks to all you for suggestions/ideas x
hiya kezza i had to have my boss tell everybody in a meeting about my condition. i know they were only tryin to help but it made me feel old and incapable of doin my job. mayb its just me who hasn't learnt to accept what is happening to me. i hope it helps you and makes yr life easier in yr job xx
I told my boss too and then spoke to each of my close colleagues (3 people) myself, over a coffee to keep it light, explaining that it was an auto-immune disease, I was going to have to go to a lot of appointments and tests, that some days I would be fine and then others I might be barely able to move for pain. I thought it was important to tell them as they might have to pick up my work if I needed to stay at home. I work in a department of about 50 people and in the three years since I was diagnosed I have told more and more people - usually when they ask me what I've done when they notice my limp!
My experinece has been good - everyone has been very understanding and no-one has treated me any differently.
Ju x
Ive had the opposite. When I mentioned it I was looked at blank. As RA is not on show my colleagues dont understand as they can't see anything wrong. Ive now given up on saying anything. My line manager is aware but he doesnt understand it either despite being given information. He seems annoyed as they will have to be careful if they need to get rid of me at anytime. H
Hope you have better luck than me.
Good luck their response sounds encouraging. I've just sent a similar message to step motherin law about the weekend allotment picnic. She was under the impression that it was an allergy that I had!
Are there any people in your workplace with relatives and friends who have ra? They might be supportive provided that they understand that treatments are different and that there are no longer deformed joints so often
Good luck I'm sure we'll all be interested to hear about your experience
Xxxxx c
Hi Kezza, I was lucky in that my team leader's mother had RA as well so he understood what it was all about. I did give him the very helpful booklet from NRAS about work and RA. I told my closest colleagues who were all very helpful and as I was in court a lot, the court staff had to know and I had a special chair made available for me in each court room (no one else allowed to use it and it was taken away if I was not there!). When working in the police station each week, again a special chair with arms which raised or lowered (the chair I mean), a rest for my feet and a special mouse to use to save my hands and fingers. I found my colleagues did everything they could so I didn't over do it and the support staff were equally as helpful fetching and carrying for me. The word soon got round the office by itself. If the lift broke down and I couldn't manage 3 flights of stairs, I was given a desk on the ground floor for the day and the staff brought my files down to me to work on.
Where I am now at CAB, they all know I have RA and are very supportive and make sure I don't overdo things. I do tend to rush from one client to another but soon get told off if I don't take a break and have a coffee! They also understand if I can't go in at the last minute because of a flare even though it puts more work on others. they really are a very good bunch.
Hope it all works out for you. Good Luck. LavendarLady x
What a supportive crew you have there.
Thanks everyone -sounds like a mixed bag then. I was going to try to keep it lighthearted and maybe answer some obvious questions in advance such as: "I thought arthritis only affected old people" so I can set the facts straight right from the start stopping any misconceptions before they start?? My boss is very supportive so that's good for starters. THanks again xx
Hi kezza, it does appear that your boss is understanding of the situation so that can only be a good thing. Explaining to work mates and friends is a difficult one as you don't want their sympathy just their understanding of the disease and sometimes this can be confusing. That's the problem with RA you cant' see it, only when your walking is affected like Julie above said.
You just need to explain that your still the same person but now have RA to cope with and really don't want to be treated any different you just want them to understand a little about RA and perhaps a little more support when you need it. Some days will be good some will be bad., just keep it light and simple. If they want to know more you could always get some leaflets from the NRAS or hospital and take them to work for them to read on breaks etc.
I wish you good luck
Take care
mand xx
Kezza good luck with your staff meeting - you have had some really good suggestions there - my colleagues, management and board of trustees are all very supportive with the exception of one. I told them all individually and give the management the nras work booklet. I usually know when they keep nodding automatically that i have went into too much details on my current symptons, they are too polite to say, so i try to keep it short.
thanks everyone - you've been fab - I'll let you know how I get on next week xx (usual RA fingers crossed! ;-))
good luck with next week.. my support had been somewhat variable unfortunately and now as seen as weaker have had some bullying at times too unfortunately
Hope you have better look than me 2 I told them, (You have too) but because you look ok they assume your are and nobody actually gets what it means, the only one in my organisation that understands is some one who has it or a relative that has it, all the best Roger
Ali, (Summer) if you have been subject to bullying, this needs to be reported to senior management. It is unacceptable and in breach of god knows how many Acts.
If you have union representation, have a chat with them - it is confidential and they will do what they can to help. If not, is there a senior staff member you could talk to? This needs nipping in the bud before it becomes serious. You are not required to put up with it. Need any help? Let me know and I'll get out some info for you.
If necessary, go onto the CAB Advice Guide website - there is some good info which you can download about workplace bullying.
As if you don't have enough to put up with at present. Love LavendarLady xx
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