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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/23/2010
Posts: 5
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Hi there, I was diagnosed with RA in 2002 I am now 57. at first I was very scared and I had seen my Grandad with this disease and how he was so disabled. However eight years on and a fantastic medical team I am well and it is undercontrol. I have had to make some life changes and I am not able to run around like I use to and it can still catch me out. I was made redundant in Septemeber last year and I believe it was because I was battling for equipment to do my job. So I have taken my former employer to tribunal for unfair selection as there were people who came after me in the department. This is this week and I am having to remind myself why I am doing this. The one thing I am fed up with is people who think RA is sign of old age. The misconceptions peole have about RA in the work place. To be disabled you have to look disabled. I was told at work to get a walking stick so they could see I was disbaled. I have nothing against walking sticks I have used one when I was first diagnosed but if you are able to walk without it which one of us wouldnt. Being asked why have you always got a cold or sore throat. ( I seem to get every bug about due as you all know to medication and low immuntiy). Any how I hope I will have a good outcome. Thanks for listening to me ramble 
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 351
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Welcome to the Forum Alison. Well done for going to Employment Tribunal - I did in 2000 for disability discrimination & won. Glad your disease is under control. I've had it for 39 years, since I was 6 and managed to work for 22 years, but admit it wasn't always easy, but had two small children and a mortgage. Some people just don't understand that a person can have a disability but not be disabled, in the sense they don't use a wheelchair all the time. Carol
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/8/2010 Posts: 914
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Hi Alison, I'm Lorna and I have had RA for 3 years, mine too is under control due to a superb doctor and consultant who really knew their stuff. I will never be able to thank them enough. Go you for taking your employers to the tribunal. There is so much unfair play in the work place and I hope you get satisfaction when you are heard. Sorry you have RA but glad it is under control. Post soon and let us know the outcome GOOD LUCK Lorna x 
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/6/2009 Posts: 74 Location: North Lincolnshire
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Hi Alison, My name's Hannah, I'm 16 and was diagnosed with RA in 2008. Welcome to the forum! I can sort of see where you are coming from, I've just left school but when I was first diagnosed I had to use a wheelchair for a few months. People would then realise something was wrong, but it didn't make me feel any better - I hated that thing and wanted nothing more than to get out of it! Then when I eventually was under control with meds, people assumed I was cured! It is frustrating that people can't get to grips that you have a disability unless it's obvious, but at the same time I suppose it's better to cope with that than having deformities etc. Hope you get plenty of support on here, Hannah x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 312 Location: Surrey
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Hannah-L wrote:Hi Alison,
My name's Hannah, I'm 16 ....... Crikey, you look at least 21 in your photo! Now, I suppose Doreen's going to come on and say she thought the exact same thing about me after she saw my photo!  Hi to Alison as well! A friend is someone who knows all about you but loves you anyway!
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 2,237 Location: nr Southampton
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hi and welcome
I am jenni, I am now 34 and have had ra for about 14 yrs now. Married to lovely richard and have 3 children, michael, 14, Gemma, 12 and Bernice is 2.
I have severe RA so Im afraid I do look disabled now- but i still have trouble even with the walking stick/ wheel chair as I park in disabled bays (with my badge) and have children brazonly on show!!!!
you wouldnt believe the comments I get.
ANyway- do have a look at this website and the spoon theory it really helps explain chronic invisible disease to people.
spoon theory
there is a member called Bob who is a disability employment expert-it is a quick phone call to the helpline and then you will get some support on the job front too. isnt NRAS brilliant?
Jenni xhow to be a velvet bulldoser
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,110 Location: London
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Welcome to the site, lots of help and advice here, everyone is so friendly and supportive. I am Barbara, diagnosed last July, still not under control, on triple therapy, mtx hydroxy, and sulfa. Married to Roy with 2 adult sons and 1 adult daughter and a 17yr old daughter doing her A levels. Keep posting!! BARBARA
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/7/2010 Posts: 441 Location: Bristol
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Hi Alison,
Welcome to the forum!
I'm really glad your RA is under control ... it certainly gives us all hope to hear that this dreadful disease can be brought around to a point where a reasonable quality of life is possible.
Best of luck with your tribunal!!! You are doing the right thing and deserve fair treatment!
Looking forward to getting to know you better.
Joanna
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/19/2010
Posts: 384
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Hi Alison,
Welcome to the forum, I was only diagnosed 5 weeks ago and joined straight away as I needed to speak to people who could give me advice and answer all the questions that were running around in my head. I have found as you have that when you tell people you have RA there seems little interest and slight ignorance to this awful condition and the pain we suffer. We don't need sympathy in the work place just understanding and maybe slight adjustments in order that we can cope better.
Wish you every success with your tribunal, let us know how you get on.
Anne x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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hi Alison,
Welcome to the forum!
Good to hear that your RA is under control, and good luck with the tribunal.
Love, Doreen xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 856
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Hi Alison A big welcome from me too. I'm 53- was diagnosed in 2008 after almost a year of docs trying to work out what was wrong. After a year on Sulfasalazine it was well controlled but now sadly no longer so I'm being tried on methotrexate. Like you, I also have times when I get caught out- like a long shopping spree last Friday, which I suffered for all weekend (I did have a good time though  I'm sorry you've had trouble at work- sadly I'm havng a difficult time as well, as a member of my dept is being absolutely awful to me- even though I sat down with her and explained my situation and difficuties. It seems as if she does things deliberately. She either ignores me, or speaks to me like I'm a piece of dirt on her shoe in front of others. I try to behave with dignity and ignore her but it's not easy.The last straw was when I had to go into work the day after my dad's funeral because she refused to cover for me- even though she was able to! She certainly adds to my stress which makes the RA worse. Unfortunately she has the same line manager as me and he thinks the sun shines out of her rear. (I discovered that she trained as an actress!). I'm keeping a log of her behaviour and may just take action one day ,if pushed far enough.I'd rather not though, as I prefer just to get on with my job and to be honest I don't feel I could cope with it at the moment. I have also been leaned on heavily twice to step down as head of dept- no way. I'm sticking with it as long as I can still do the job! I really admire you for going to tribunal- fingers crossed that the outcome is positive for you. No need to thank us for listening to you ramble- that's what we all need from time to time. Take care All the best Maria
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/23/2010
Posts: 5
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[size=9][9size] Hello All, Thank you for all your support and best wishes, it really has meant so much to me. I am pleased to be able report my former employer buckled after the first cross examination and has settled. I call that a win and am hugely happy and have been celebrating. To all of you if you are suffering at work and I know some of you are keep in there, it is hard I know and people are so misinformed about RA. I felt like I have made a huge step forward and I am now glad I made the stand. I look forward to getting to know you all over the coming months.
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/8/2010 Posts: 914
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Hi Alison, Fab you did it and I am so pleased for you. This will give others hope and encouragement, as well as getting RA better known. I hope you are feeling well and continue to stay well. Congratulations again love Lorna xx
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/23/2010
Posts: 5
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[quote=Maria_R]Hi Alison A big welcome from me too. I'm 53- was diagnosed in 2008 after almost a year of docs trying to work out what was wrong. After a year on Sulfasalazine it was well controlled but now sadly no longer so I'm being tried on methotrexate. Like you, I also have times when I get caught out- like a long shopping spree last Friday, which I suffered for all weekend (I did have a good time though I'm sorry you've had trouble at work- sadly I'm havng a difficult time as well, as a member of my dept is being absolutely awful to me- even though I sat down with her and explained my situation and difficuties. It seems as if she does things deliberately. She either ignores me, or speaks to me like I'm a piece of dirt on her shoe in front of others. I try to behave with dignity and ignore her but it's not easy.The last straw was when I had to go into work the day after my dad's funeral because she refused to cover for me- even though she was able to! She certainly adds to my stress which makes the RA worse. Unfortunately she has the same line manager as me and he thinks the sun shines out of her rear. (I discovered that she trained as an actress!). I'm keeping a log of her behaviour and may just take action one day ,if pushed far enough.I'd rather not though, as I prefer just to get on with my job and to be honest I don't feel I could cope with it at the moment. I have also been leaned on heavily twice to step down as head of dept- no way. I'm sticking with it as long as I can still do the job! I really admire you for going to tribunal- fingers crossed that the outcome is positive for you. No need to thank us for listening to you ramble- that's what we all need from time to time. Take care All the best Maria [You sound like me when I was working. It is horrible when you feel like you are being pushed out especially if you are good at your job and you sound like you are. Keep in there keep the log daily and keep loads of evidence. That is what I have learnt e-mails etc. Thank you for your reply let me know if I can help just keep going. Take care Alison]
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,689 Location: Durham
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Hi Alison, Welcome to the forum - plenty of support and info here when you need it. Good luck with the tribunal! Kathleen x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,740
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Hello Welcome ohh those kind comments dont you just cringe at them.hug to you welcome to nras. lv melly cuddly cats make my world seem so much more fun
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Hi Alison Congrats on your result and welcome to the forum My employer 'disposed' of me at the very first opportunity ... but heyho, that was 20 years ago so things are definitely looking up! Doubt I was well enough to do the job anyway but it does leave you feeling rather worthless. Look forward to getting to know you, Lyn x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/5/2009 Posts: 216 Location: Leicester, UK
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Welcome to the forum Alison - and CONGRATULATIONS on biffing the big boys on the nose.  Atta girl We look forward to getting to know you. Ann "I cannot do everything. I accept that. Not being able to do everything is no excuse for doing nothing." ~ Helen Keller
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Welcome Alison
Sorry you have RA but you will get good advice on here and gain many friends.
I joined in April and have found it soo useful. I work full time but signed off
work since mid March. My job is manager in a sales position selling insurance
and very stressful. It all fills me with dread now about going back. I have been
on mtx but stopped and started just 5 days on leflumoide. So fingers crossed.
I am 56 live in Somerset.
Rose
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