How many of you guys are working? Ive been off work since Feb and wonder if I'll ever get back,

[cinders]

I'm new to the community. 2.5 years diagnosed, but off work for 8 months. Had 2 infusions of tocizamab, still taking Methx,Sulf, Hydrox, and 12.5mg daily steroids. Still no improvement. Getting really fed up

[sylvi]

Cinders,fed up is a friend of mine. I got made redundant nov 2009 and i haven't worked sinc. There were a team of people who where helping to try and find work,but they decided i wasn't fit for work and they put me sickness and now i am on esa. I would love to work,but who would employ me the way i am. Hope you soon get sorted out.sylvi.xx

[cinders in reply to sylvi]

Thanks Sylvi. My work have been understanding but its hard for those whoare having to cover for me.

[nottsexsportfanatic]

I was diagnosed with ra in Feb this year. I am moving over to mtx via injections when prescription sorted. My ra is still active but I am back at work part time via phased return policy. Its tough going but am just about coping.

Hope your ra settles enough to allow u back on phased return soon.

Tina

[cinders in reply to nottsexsportfanatic]

Thanks Tina. I hope the return to work continues well

[juddo39]

Hi Cinders, I was diagnosed in May 2011, been on Mtx,Sulpha,Hydroxy since..

I gave up my part time school office job in Feb 2012 as I was struggling too much. I eventually started to feel so much better not working (still some bad days but not nearly as much) then along came the chance in August of returning to my original post (on a supply basis) and I thought yes,I can do this. I lasted 2 weeks doing a 15 hour post before 'hitting the wall' again. Really sore joints not sleeping etc etc.

I was gutted to say the least with the realisation that this horrible RA will not go away and I am now resigned to the fact that I won't be working for a while yet, I'm lucky I guess to have an employed other half (we're not rich but manage - just!)..

I have really struggled this time coming to terms with not working but right now ME, my family and home have to come first, don't always put it in that order mind ;)..........

Hope your 'fed up' feeling passes soon, I totally know how you feel.

Judith x

[cinders]

Thanks Judith. Im not coping with the idea of being only 46 and not working again, or just doing bits. Work has been supportive saying if I get sorted on drugs I should still be able to work for 20years so its worth hanging on in there!! But I just cant see it happening. Im still being paid, but that wont go on much longer, and it will mean some adjustments financially. The wait for the drugs to kick in is so frustrating!!

Thanks foryour reply

Cinders

[Hidden]

HI Cinders,

I was diagnosed Feb 11, I was still on maternity leave at the time so that helped me but when I was due to return my RA still wasn't quite under control for another couple of months.

I was on the same 3 dmards as you but after 6 months with them not working I was put onto an anti-tnf (enbrel) By November that year I was working 3 days without too much trouble as by December thanks to my new meds I was then in remission.

I work part time with only the odd off day mainly due to infection, thankfully RA has not given me any bother.

Hopefully with a bit of 'tweaking' your meds will work better for you. How long does tocizamab take to work?

[Ozzy]

I had RA now for 4 years, but luckerly I work with my husband in our own business. I start at around 10am after a long hot shower to get me moving, and work until around 5pm, Mon to Fri. It is getting much harder though as I do the accounts and my fingers/ wrists are getting more painful so that some days I cannot write. I have started using a trackball on the computer and I find it less painfull on my wrist. The thing that keeps me going so far is my 3 children but some days I feel I am wishing their lives away when I think only 4 more years and they should start to be more independant. Anyway we live in hope that there will be a brighter future and meanwhile keep plodding on.

[earthwitch]

It can take up to 6 months for the anti-tnfs to have full effect, so hang in there. Things could still get a lot better.

[Scarlet-Poppy]

I am 40 and have had RA for 12 years. In that time I left my job and became a self employed contractor. I suppose at the time I did it the RA was under control, but now the work I do really makes me worse. I work on projects for 3-6 month stints of long, stressful hours and then find I need to take about 2 months between each job to recover. Also the fact that I have no employment rights means I am constantly pretending that I am fine so as not to jeapordise my position.

If you are currently an employee I would take the opportunity to get well whilst having a supportive employer and hopefully you will be able to get back to work. Perhaps you can negotiate part time days (mornings are so hard aren't they!) or a 3 day week? It is hard though at work because some days I am ok and others I can barely walk - people just don't get it and it makes me feel like a fake!! I do still enjoy the fact I can work but think I need to slow down soon.

[Loura]

Hi cinders

Like you, in my forties but I'm in my late forties. Had RA for 45years. I work part time and drag myself there (literally) three days a week. My employer is putting pressure on me to do more. My head says ok. Bit my body screams no. Like you am really struggling an work have been fab. I get it, because people can't see it and you try to be positive you almost feel a fraud and extremely guilty for those covering you. But think about the bigger picture. Realistically, it's work which you have a life outside of. Don't feel guilty. Rest up and do what only you feel you can do when the time is right. Have a lovely day and enjoy the sunshine. X