Hi Louise

As long as your employer knows you have RA then you are definitely covered under disability discrimination laws.

Have you talked to them about any adjustments they could make that might help, e.g. working less hours for a while etc. They are legal obliged to make adjustments for you unless they have a very good reason why they can't.

My employer lets me work from home 2 days a week which really helps.

If you have concerns you could always call ACAS. I found them very helpful plus they keep your call on file incase you have to call again so they can just refer to it instead of you having to repeat everything.

Hope you feel a bit better soon

Amy xx

Really frightening I'm sure but you might need to think drastically about moving and renting.

It's a tough jobs market but I do think you need to consider different scenarios and how you would manage doing more part time

I was the breadwinner here and it's been very hard loosing that
But I've got good at juggling things
I got a bit of pension for teaching even though it was only 9 yrs

Also Richard works for the NHs so we got money towards a home on key workers
Things will come right
But you need to have a think about managing differently
I'm so sorry the ra has done this to you

Much love xx

Hi Louise & Jen - I can't offer much advice on your work issues, except to say how sorry I am that you're having such worries on top of feeling so rough.

Jen is right when she says that you will need to make adjustments to your lifestyle to allow for the RA but it's hard to think of such things when pain is at its strongest. So that has to be your first priority - get lots of rest and get to see your GP and ask for a sick note so you can really have time to allow your body to recover. Focus on relaxation as a part of your treatment plan. Explain to your boss that you're having a flare, give him/her the leaflets and say that the quickest way for you to get back to work is to take more time off now so you can really get the pain under control. Use the time to contact the rheumy and get your meds checked - but bear in mind there are no quick fixes and life will never return to exactly how it was before. Give yourself time to rebuild your strength and try not to worry until the flare subsides, keep focussing on the positive thoughts and believe that you'll find a solution.

I am thinking of you both - hope today is kinder to you - Sylvia xx

Thank you for your advice, really helps. I had workplace adjustment made last year, so i do have a special chair, keyboard and a recently a headset. I think I'm worrying because it was after all this that i was then referred to Occ Health in August. Ive just been looking at my records and Ive had time off nearly every other month!! so guess thats why i was referred and at the end of the day guess they have to protect themselves. The occ health report advised i can do my job but there will be times of absence.

I saw my GP last night, not my usual GP but he was really good and supportive and listened to me. I do hate it when Dr's look at the desk and don't look at you when you are talking!! He has signed me off for 2 weeks!! I told him that i feel guilty about work and said what every one else keeps telling me that if i sit at home worrying about work it will not help.

I've called my TL this morning to let him know, he seems ok and said to take care but then asked me for the dates of my last record of sickness as his forms are not up to date, he is pretty rubbish at doing return to work updates! I said i would call him Friday to update him and said that if things improve that maybe i could come back next week. But now Im thinking i should just stay off the two weeks and really get over this & rest!

Jen, sorry to hear that you are unable to get an appointment thats terrible. I'm sure you did but did you explain to the receptionist how much pain you are in? Have to push them sometimes don't we! I think you should call your Rheumy nurse, they are there for advice & support, they may suggest different pain killers or they may arrange to see you earlier? My nurse has done that before, especially if you are so much pain. When i was first diagnosed i did used to worry about calling, but they have told me so many times that i should call if there is a problem, so i do now.

I've had a telling off from hubby and my mum about worrying about work, it will still be there when we get back which is true but like you Jen i worry about losing my job but reading some of the info i think with our condition we should be ok hopefully, our health is more important isn't it. Right both of us should stop worrying! I've just thought of a plan, when i start to think of work i will pick up my book or do something to distract me.

Take Care
Love
Lou xx

There was your quote and here is a quote from the Direct.gov pages:




I would also get into chronological order all that has happened and start recording your own sick days .. That's the practical side to this ..

and you are right you can only do as much as your body lets you .. so rest up and read your book :)

Rich

Thanks Rich
I hope you don't mind, I've saved your links to my home screen to have a good read through regarding to being at work with disabilities.

Thank you again.
Jane
X

Thank you all for our replies and support. Thank you Rich, thats is really helpful and interesting.

Think i will stay off next week as well, I'm so tired as well. I will take your advice Jane, next week will be me time!!

Take Care
Love
Lou xx