Feeling sorry for myself ...

[lisarob]

Well after 12 weeks off work I went back yesterday! Got up this morning and I dont think I have stopped crying yet! I have asked at work if I can drop from 4 days to 3 a week as I feel I can manage this, but was told probably not, as two many of my work collegues are part time and it causes problem finding cover (I am a TA in a school). So I am feeling very sorry for myself today.

[Hidden]

Poor you Lisa. Remind me are you new to RA? If so you may well find the DMARD medicines make a huge difference when they start working for you so it maybe worth explaining this to your employers and getting support from ocupational health and HR if you haven't already. Tilda x

[lisarob in reply to Hidden]

I was diagnosed in December, so far meds have made no difference, but I know it is still early days xx

[Dotty7]

Also this may count as a "reasonable adjustment" under the terms of the disability legislation contained in the Equality Act, formerly the DDA. Have a read up, and get some advice. They don't HAVE to make the reasonable adjustments but they have to have sound reasons for not doing so. Get your doctor to back you - it can go on a Fit to Work note. Make sure your headteacher is aware that rheumatoid is covered by the Equality Act, as many people don't realise that a disability is any kind of illness which is longlasting/permanent which substantially affects your day-to-day life. Rheumatoid is specifically mentioned in a number of places, particularly as an example of a fluctuating condition.

Definitely get all the advice you can.

[Hidden]

Seeing as you have had twelve weeks off work, I would have said that your Head should have suggested a phased return to you at your 'Return to work discussion'. Any time over four weeks you are entitled to a phased return this way you would get your three days. Speak to your HR. I used to work for local government so I know that this is in place, I only left in May this year, I don't think the rules would have changed in that time. Also look at the ACAS work site, there is loads of info on that site which is really useful.

[lisarob in reply to Hidden]

I did not have a back to work discussion. Just came in and started!! Thank you for the advice.

[helixhelix]

I would really try to fight your corner on this one, as dropping to something manageable for you could make a huge difference. As others have said, RA is a disability so is a valid reason for making changes. Quite likely that the people at your school know nothing about it, so may not realise the implications. NRAS also have a leaflet for employers called "when an employee has RA". I've put the link below and you could print it out and staple it to your work colleagues foreheads....

nras.org.uk/help_for_you/pu...

Pollyx

[pippylongstockings]

we all have down days, im having one today myself.....i had my methotrexate monday , see your gp to see if you are suffering depression...r/a causes changes life an we all need to learn to adjust to a new way of life cheer up an look forward to tomorrow

[claireyj]

Hiya sorry you have had a bad day ... I am very new to all this and in summer hols diagnosed with RA and now on methotrexate ...I am also a TA in a school and went back to work yesterday and spoke to them straight away re my condition. I explained that although my RA is early stages I am having treatment that can make my immunity low (as I understand) and I may have days where I just can't get in as the fatigue is so bad or simply pick up an infection! I said that in early treatment side effects are quite poss and that certain things I am asked to do like cutting out 60 stars (yesterday) ....is not ideal as my hands are screaming at me Noooooooooo!!!!! They were really good and are referring to occupational therapist just to ensure that all is in place for days off sick and also to make sure that I am in the best classroom ie running up and down stairs all day ,hours and also the fact we are working with children with not a fab immunity...maybe you could contact an occupational therapist re your situation?! Dont be sad lovely good luck and hope you get sorted with work and have a better day tomorrow .... Claire xx

[lisarob in reply to claireyj]

Were you told top be careful of chicken pox and shingles, it is something to be really vidulant about when on methotrexate.

[claireyj]

Heard or read something about chicken pox n shingles it's always in schools isn't it??!! Don't stand a chance do we?!

[Kaz1]

Hi, i am a T/A too, and have been off work since January. Since being diagnosed with R/A and Fibromyalgia in Oct 2010 i have struggled with medication and side affects and have had to take so much time off work. As you all say our immune system is affected so i was constantly picking up infections from the kids.

I got access to work involved and they came and assessed the work place and wrote a report saying i could only manage ground floor classes and not much writing and needed movement breaks too, also i saw occupational health and the doctor to get a phased return last time i was off.

Sadly it looks like i am not going to be well enough to return to work at school as i have still not got any relief from medication.

I hope you manage to get some help, Karen x

[claireyj]

Hi Karen so sorry you are still suffering .....have taken on board what you have said thank you. Hope you improve very soon xxxx