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Constantly being off work with RA or infections Options
gillian-H
#1 Posted : Tuesday, February 15, 2011 11:19:10 AM Quote
Rank: Newbie

Groups: Registered

Joined: 9/14/2010
Posts: 4
Hi Everyone
Since September I was off work for 3 months with my RA. Went back for 8 days and then got the flu. Went back a further 9 days and got a chest infection. Had more antibiotics, steriods and chest x-rays. X-Ray was clear. Ok for another 2 weeks and now got another chest infection and bad asthma. Has anyone else had these sort of experiences. I am on Sulfasalazine 2 tablets 3 times a day now and on new asthama inhaler and 14 days of antibiotics. I am sure work are going to sack me as I have had so much time off. Not sure where to go now. Life is very depressing and haven't been able to do much in the last 6 months. Any comments would be of great help.
Michelle9
#2 Posted : Tuesday, February 15, 2011 11:24:08 AM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member

Groups: Registered

Joined: 6/20/2010
Posts: 62
Location: Manchester
Hi Gillian,

I have had a a bad time since i returned to work in September after being off work for 10 months.

What have your company said to you about it, are they supporting you? Have you had any adjustments done to make work easier for you?

Let me know how your getting on.

I know how hard it can be, I have had to raise a grievance at work because of wrong doing in the workplace, and ive had the response back from the investigation and they are going to be taken no action against the perpetrators although they agree that the wrong doing has happened in the workplace, I have had to go through the appeal process which i have done on Friday, but all of this stress has now caused me to be off work since yesterday, due to the stress, I have an appointment with my GP on Friday.

Thinking of you.

Michellex.x
gillian-H
#3 Posted : Tuesday, February 15, 2011 12:20:34 PM Quote
Rank: Newbie

Groups: Registered

Joined: 9/14/2010
Posts: 4
Hi Michelle
They have been supportive so far. I have just finished a phased return to work. They have said they will talk to me again when I get back to work. Most of my work colleagues do not appreciate what I have got and don't see why I still should be getting paid whilst off sick or on a phased return to work. I should get paid 4 months full pay and then four months half pay and then on SSP. Not sure when I go back if I should only go part time. It is a financial worry. My GP just keeps telling me I am run down but still thing the medication and conditon do not help.
Travelgirl
#4 Posted : Tuesday, February 15, 2011 2:36:48 PM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member



Groups: Registered

Joined: 3/23/2010
Posts: 32
Location: Stratford on Avon
Hi Gillian
I have been lucky so far and have not had any bad infections; but even when i have had a bit of a cough or cold i know how much it can affect you. I have found myself being late for work because the stiffness and pain in the morning doesn't allow me to get going as quickly as I should. to cut to the chase i have been warned about being late and have been so worried that I used the helpline at NRAS and have had a reply within the same 24 hours. I have been given the details of the disability at work sceme and have talked over my problems with someone who really understands.

Please do give them a call or email helpline@nras.org.uk

I hope this helps a bit and goodluck and I do hope you get better soon.
Best wishes

Tricia AKA travelgirl

life is too important to be taken seriously Oscar Wilde
Quote:
LynW
#5 Posted : Tuesday, February 15, 2011 7:50:26 PM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member

Groups: Registered

Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
Hi Gillian

Sorry to hear of your problems. Unfortunately RA and its medications can leave you very vulnerable as far as infections are concerned. It sounds as though you need an urgent review of your medication by rheumatology. RA is a chronic condition but it can be adequately controlled with suitable medication. Your first port of call should be either your rheumatology nurse or a request for an urgent appointment.

Your second port of call should be to NRAS to get your user name changed to something other than your email address!!! ThumpUp

Lyn x
My son, Ian, completed the BUPA Great North Run on 15th September running for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). You can read his story at http://www.justgiving.com/ianlukewilson

Rose-B
#6 Posted : Tuesday, February 15, 2011 9:49:58 PM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member


Groups: Registered

Joined: 4/20/2010
Posts: 1,749
Location: Somerset


Hello Gillian

Sorry that things are not good with you at the moment with your medication and numerous infections.
It is a worry I know.

I was off last year for 7 half months. and now on graded return to a very full time job as a Manager
in Sales, which extremely stressful. My Firm engaged 'access to work at home' via the job centre
and I was visited at my office to see how they could help me. It was said that due to morning stiffness
I start later on a very part time basis 6 hrs pw (I am now up to 12 hrs pw) but cannot see me doing
anymore the fatigue and stress is about all I Can manage on 12 hrs let alone 40 plus hrs pw. I was paid
full time for 13 weeks and 13 at 75% , and I do know how you feel,. I also wonder what my colleagues
think, well like you I know really. At the end of the day you must think of yourself . So get that RA
appointment, ring the RA nurse and see GP .

Good luck


Rose x
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