|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 856
|
Hi Julia
I sometimes wonder about my positive attitude and whether I don't rest enough and will be doing more harm than good.
anyway- you were asking about meds. I started off on sulfasalazine 2 yrs ago when I was first diagnosed. I was also taking dilofnac and paracetamol on top of this, but graually decrased them until I only took them when I needed to. I must confess that I always take them before I go on a big trip out.
The sulf was working well up to about 2 months ago when the pain started returning and about a month ago I had a massive flare and couldn't get out of bed. The gp gave me meloxicam (am)and tramadol (bedtime and as needed) which have helped a lot (alcohol not allowed though). The rheumy has said he will start me on a low dose of methotrexate as the sulf doesn't seem to be working so well.
However- I haven't started it yet, and the last couple of days I've been relatively pain free. I'm a teacher, and on the Easter break, and I'm becoming more and more convinced that it's the stress of the job that has caused the recent bad flare as I had a rather unpleasant time with a colleague recently and it kicked off shortly after that. In fact the RA is always worse in term time- especially in the last couple of weeks before a break. Also, I've been through a tough few months with my elderly ailing parents recently, so it has all contributed. My rheumy is always saying that stress is a major factor -it certainy seems to be the case with me.
Maybe I need change of job!
Take care
Maria
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 872
|
I agree with you about this Maria, definitely work related stress seems very significant to RA in my experience - workwise maybe we are more likely to feel "controlled" rather than "in control" sometimes, definitely when times are difficult - ....i think "types" of stress are relevant here.
Even the stress we've had with my Uncle's health problems and rushing here and there supporting him through major life changes, hard times etc etc seems to be somehow different to work stress, can't quite put my finger on it but i know what you mean....
I'm thinking the best jobs would be with a charity such as NRAS - someone that really understands RA, maybe one day...... ;)
Hope you continue to improve during the break from work and that when you return you can keep up with positive thinking and support from the forum - we need that sometimes just to get us through the working week,
Take care, best wishes to you and yours ~ love Liz xxxxx
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/18/2010 Posts: 1,098 Location: farningham kent
|
Maria_R wrote:Hi Julia
I sometimes wonder about my positive attitude and whether I don't rest enough and will be doing more harm than good.
anyway- you were asking about meds. I started off on sulfasalazine 2 yrs ago when I was first diagnosed. I was also taking dilofnac and paracetamol on top of this, but graually decrased them until I only took them when I needed to. I must confess that I always take them before I go on a big trip out.
The sulf was working well up to about 2 months ago when the pain started returning and about a month ago I had a massive flare and couldn't get out of bed. The gp gave me meloxicam (am)and tramadol (bedtime and as needed) which have helped a lot (alcohol not allowed though). The rheumy has said he will start me on a low dose of methotrexate as the sulf doesn't seem to be working so well.
However- I haven't started it yet, and the last couple of days I've been relatively pain free. I'm a teacher, and on the Easter break, and I'm becoming more and more convinced that it's the stress of the job that has caused the recent bad flare as I had a rather unpleasant time with a colleague recently and it kicked off shortly after that. In fact the RA is always worse in term time- especially in the last couple of weeks before a break. Also, I've been through a tough few months with my elderly ailing parents recently, so it has all contributed. My rheumy is always saying that stress is a major factor -it certainy seems to be the case with me.
Maybe I need change of job!
Take care
Maria
Evening Maria Many thanks for your reply basically without rambling on, I am sure that stress has been a big factor with my flare ups, and now I try my hardest to keep stress to an absolute minimum. I have had a huge amount of stress in my life, divorce etc. and I really want as little as possible now. My work pattern has changed, I used to drive two hours every day to work, and now manage to work from home, so very lucky. I understand it is so difficult to achieve a stress free life, but certainly the less the better ! I hope you continue to remain relatively pain free, please keep in touch and let us know how things go. Take it easy, if you can  Julia x
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 856
|
Thanks both of you.
I felt much better today- so much that I went to Cambridge on a shopping trip -the sun was shining and it was lovely. I usually go to London, but find Cambridge less frantic plus I don't have to cope with the underground. Didn't buy much but had frequent coffee stops.
take care
Maria x
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,110 Location: London
|
Hi Maria, just a quick word, teaching is one of the most stressful jobs, at least I believe so. I was a senior teaching asst in a special needs school. Management weren't very understanding, and refused to allow me to go part time. I think also its hard for colleagues to understand your problems, which makes it even harder. You say you had a run in with someone, this will definitely cause a massive load of stress for you. I ended up doig childminding, although its still physical, at least i am my own boss. I fam also on 15mg pred, as when I lower it I get lots of pain, at the moment I have pain inmy feet permanantly, and it spread to wirsts hands and knees etc. On this dose it keeps me working, its very hard to know what to do for the best. Good luck, let us know what you decide  BARBARA
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 856
|
Hi Barbara
Thanks for your kind words- really appreciated it.
I think you're right about teaching- looking at the state of some of my colleagues who are in good health, I'm actually doing quite well!!! I agree about the lack of understanding-my line manager certainly doesn't have a clue, although he pushed me to the limit the other week and I let him have it big time!!!! He was speechless but has been treating me very cautiously since... 1-0 to me!! The colleague I referred to before is unbelievabe in her attitude. When she first joined my dept I took the time to explain how RA affects me, but it seems to have fallen on deaf ears. I wish now that I'd kept a log of the difficulties I've been having with her as there have been times when I've come close to putting in a formal compaint. I guess it's not too late to start. However, I'm fortunate that I work with some lovely people- 3 of them have relatives with RA. And the kids are great on the whole.
Although I still love the job I think it's only a matter of time before I feel it's time to call it a day.
Look after yourself
Maria x
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/26/2010
Posts: 271
Location: hampshire
|
Hi Maria, just wanted to add some words of support. I really hope you get things sorted, some peoples attitude beggars belief sometimes doesnt it? When you're feeling sore from the vile horrible illness, the last thing you need is anyone especially a colleague adding to you burden!
Take care
Heather xx
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 856
|
Thanks Heather- your support is much appreciated.This is going to be a hard one to get sorted as she is very manipulative and good at worming her way out of things. She's not a 'team player' which I just have to try to come to terms with. It's reassuring that I'm not the only one who finds her hard work. If I was in good health I'd have no difficulty dealing with her!!!
hope you're well yourself
Maria x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
