I can't believe the effect stress has on my RA.

You may know that I've had to apply for my own job as part of the civil service cuts that are taking place. I've been stressed about this and have finally got my application in today. Then found out that Julian has been told that he needs to justify his job in his company as they have just been taken over and and the central ops team are looking into whether it would be cheaper to farm out the transport management to a specialist company,

The depo I had in May would normally last a lot longer but all the lumps and bumps are back on my wrists and hands and my hips are so bad today I don't know how I have managed to go to work. I daren't be off sick as they are counting sick leave in this job application procedure. (Also finish for the 6 week holidays at the end of next week so really don't want to be off anyway.)

I've been told twice now that I qualify for Humira but found out that after the first time, they forgot to order it. I spoke to the hosptial last week and the nurse said she would order it and I would get a letter telling me what to do next. Still no letter I feel like everything is out of my control and the pain is getting worse every day.

I know I'm not supposed to apologise but sorry - I just needed a rant as people forget what I am struggling against because, until hobbling round today, I just don't look sick.

Julie

Oh that old saying 'but you don't look sick'---it's one of our worst enemies.

In my job I have been helping out in the Nursery which has meant 32 children to look after, play with, change wet clothes,mend bumps and bruises etc. I do the job just like everyone else but what makes me different is the fact that by the time I get home I am hobbling in pain, i eat lunch, go to sleep and my joints hurt.
Everyone else is going out tonight for the heads leaving party-not me-all my energy has been used up in the job.

i would be givin that up i think i hate stress christine

I know what you mean ladies - Julian and Jim have gone out without me - again. At least I have a break to look forward to - unlike you Barbara. Have to find things to do with Jim but it's a lot easier now he's 8.

Julie xx

Thinking of you Julie, I'm going thru' very similar times,

Keep that 6 weeks in the back of your mind, not long now,

What are your stress busters? Make sure you treat yourself to daily dose - one of mine is music, often does the trick
I know when Im really down as i cant even bother switching on the radio but do switch it on, important to take mind off things

plus finding at least one thing everyday to smile about, even when im down usually find more than one,
i think it helps a lot to think about the important things in our lives, puts work probs into perspective,

I know its not easy tho' specially finances which are a constant worry but most important is your health ~ hope the medics are getting things sorted for you?

Keep chin up Julie, & keep ticking off those days,
lots of love ~ from Liz xxxxx

So sorry to hear this Julie, stress is terrible for RA, try and relax this weekend and take some pain killers not long now for the summer holidays , i agree the nurse needs to get her act together , i know how hard it is to work with this disease and i am truly sorry for all you ladies , i worked as a manageress in a clothes store for the first 9 years of getting dx with RA and when i think back i just dont know how i got through it, hope your feeling better tomorrow,

Sophie x

Dear Julie,

What a worry for you for yourself and husband job - Stress is definately a key marker to re-light
the old RA. Try and enjoy the week end and remember not long to 6 wks off - great. Are you going
any where ?

I had a steriod depo on 12th May and I had another today it appearred to last about 5 wks and grad
got worse. I would ask your doctor for another to tide you over for your 6 wk break

Rose

Oh Julie,

Im so sorry for what you are facing at the moment.....good luck with your application, I pray it goes well. I know exactly what you mean about looking well and feeling dreadful, a work collegue said to me....I know you have this nasty disease, but you would never know looking at you!

Its soooo frustrating isnt it.......

I hope you feel better soon and for gods sake stick a rocket up someone's behind and get your humira, cant you get your gp to fight for you with the hospital?

Hugs Ellie x

Hi Julie

Totally relate to the stress affecting RA. At the moment I am applying for jobs and finding that quite stressful. Hopefully this exercise will not be prolonged and you know where you are. Roll on your holidays so you can have a respite from all this pressure.

Wishing you the best

Mari