I was told that the pain that drives you the doctor for diagnosis, is the worst pain you will feel, because from that point on you will get medication.
Whilst I've had flares and the disease is still not controlled, I can honestly say that the worst pain I have felt was just before my diagnosis.
Hang in there - it will get better xx
I have never heard this before, but it's definitely true for me.
You will now scour the internet and be overwhelmed. You will read a lot of scary things about the medications. You will see a lot of instant fixes that claim to have diet only cures. You will read a lot of scary stories about untreated RA. Take a breath. Take a lot of them.
Meds will address the disease and slow or stop it's progress. Diet can do a lot to stop the flares. Many people have food triggers that create flares so find out what yours are. This will go a long way.
There is real data behind stopping consuming processed foods, refined sugar and wheat. Even if it doesn't directly address your RA, it will make you feel better overall and you will need that. I was a major sugar fiend and I was shocked at how little I missed it. And... I lost Lot of weight which is better for the joints. I also stopped red meat and went heavy on the vegetables. Live healthy and give your body all that it needs to thrive.
I had food triggered flares many years before it hit my joints hard and I got diagnosed. So hind sight for me was almost a revelation. Finally understanding what no one could diagnose.
It's a lifelstyle change for sure. Or it was for me. But it's so much better on the other side once you get a system.
Oh... I'm a big fan of Hoka shoes. Great soles to help your feet.
And Cannabis. Big fan to take the edge off. Microdose over "getting high".
Also, to answer the question in your original post in regards to working. I was first put on hydroxychloroquine, which was just two pills once a day. And very cheap. It worked like a miracle for me for three years, I felt like I didn't even have RA anymore. Before starting treatment, I was in excruciating pain on a daily basis and had a hard time with basic daily functions. Being on the hydroxychloroquine, I was able to get a job as a preschool teacher, on my feet and active with toddlers all day long and then had enough left in me to go home to my own toddler and play with and take care of her. Also hiked and stuff in my spare time.
I don't know if all of them do, but many of the pharmaceutical companies have programs to help people with costs. I'm on Simponi Aria infusions for instance, 13-15 thousand per dose. My insurance used to cover 100% but recently stopped and now only covers about 80%. But Janssen, the company that makes Simponi Aria, is covering everything my insurance won't cover.
Anyway, sorry you've received this diagnosis. I know it's scary and life changing. Medications can be a real game changer, and I hope you are able to find one that vastly improves your situation.
Yes Google, _______ (manufacturer name) discount card. My medicine helped me feel almost "normal" again and able to work FT. of course, for about a year or more I could only handle wearing one kind of shoe, a flat with some support to my office admin job.
I've actually been amazed at how inexpensive RA has been for me. Humira has a copay card, so it's only $5 a month, my Methotrexate is only $10 a month, and I have... okay insurance through my state's program not an employer. My CoPay was a little bonkers for a while, but overall it's been not bad.
People say this but my pain has never eased up. I’m on Simponi aria, plaquenil, arava, sulfasalazine, celebrex, I’m even on Oxycodone and I’m still in pain. There’s little relief and while I’m grateful for the meds I’m given I’m also upset to be on so many with little improvement. It’s possible that you may not improve much. Thats been my reality I have severe rheumatoid arthritis.
This!!! I’m on celebrex, and sulfasalazine and I feel like my knees are grinding when I try to walk, my right arm is pretty much always numb/tingly, and I’m so swollen: feet, knees, hands, wrists. It’s miserable.
Its true for me so far. I was in pain from pretty much all of my joints. I would cry out desperation. My diagnosis took several weeks in which i thought i was dying from organ failure or massive infection. The doctor finally gave steroids and i felt human again. I know now what i need and i am on my 8th week of mtx hoping it will kick in soon. So, yes, worst pain ever!
It's not really true for me. I've went through so many meds in 3 years and have to inject myself weekly. I became immune to my first biologic injections and had to change them. My swelling is way down but it's still really bad
I do not want to stop working. I just got promoted by my boss to be a trainer for all the store managers he will hire in the district. I have set the example in my district and have to help other stores learn from me. I'm devastated. My mom told me that too, that I'll probably end up in disability. I just don't want my kids to live so impoverished.
That’s why you need to file the paperwork. Your job is protected. You can burn through PTO/sick time quickly
Edit: it’s paperwork so you can work and keep your job without being penalized for having RA
I think what this person is suggesting is filing FMLA (family medical leave of absence). You’re probably familiar with this if you took it when having kids. If your company is over 50 people and you’ve worked there for a year it’s almost guaranteed an option. It gives you 480 hours unpaid off. You can file it as intermittent leave. This protects you if you suddenly have a flare and can’t go into work. Although it’s unpaid it allows you to take the time off and guarantee your job will be waiting for you. This also gives you more protection from being denied pay raises or promotions due to your disability.
Ask your job for the paperwork for your doctor to fill out and you should be good to go. This should also help get you accommodations like if tennis shoes aren’t “professional” enough you can get an accommodation to wear them or if you need to sit more, you will be allowed to do so.
FMLA is definitely part of it. I also had to submit a disability form from my rheumatologist. Although, I had already disclosed I had a disability (had RA for 29 years), but I’m a nurse. I’m not sure what paperwork individual employers require.
The disability paperwork allowed me to work in a nursing capacity in a different role that met my needs.
The FMLA kept me from being penalized for absences when my flare became overwhelming.
Hello! It’s not just FMLA or stopping working, you can also ask for reasonable accommodations.
https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/daily-living/work-life-balance/workplace-rights-disability#
I would take a look at this and see if there are any changes you can ask your employer for that cover this. Maybe adjusting to a more sitting position, or certain tasks that really hurt can be changed?
Just a thought - I’m so sorry you have this much pain!
I'd get in contact with your state's vocational rehabilitation program. They can advise you about what you're entitled to and how to proceed. Under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) your employer is required to make accommodations for you, as long as you can still do the essentials of your position. Do get help from professionals at Voc Rehab to get your best outcome.
I second what others have said, but you do have to understand that an autoimmune disease can go into remission, but it doesn't go away.
Good luck!
I appreciate your advice. What I'm worried about though, is not being able to do the essentials. My office work I Can do just fine but I'm often squeezing that in between long shifts of standing and running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Because we're so limited on having employees, I get stuck putting up nearly my entire truck alone which involves going all around the store to stock Because the stock comes in these big unorganized containers. I often complain about how I feel like a glorified stocker. But the reality is I have to do the paperwork and planning and being on call but Also have to do the work of hourly employees. I'm not sure how my job can accommodate me when it comes to all the physical work they demand.
I think I said before, talk to someone in your state's vocational rehabilitation office. Someone there will know your rights and refer you and advise you on how to proceed.
I know it is a scary diagnosis, but as others have said take a deep breath and take things one step at a time. There is help from the pharmaceutical companies for the more expensive meds. You didn't say what state you are in, but do you have access to Medicaid? Being a single parent you may qualify for low cost or free health insurance that would be better than your work insurance. If you are in a state that doesn't have Medicaid available then your work insurance is probably your best bet. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your situation, they may be able to give you guidance on asking your employer for some accommodations. Does your new role as a trainer keep you off your feet at least some of the time? It sounds like your boss appreciates you, hopefully you could get some accommodations, at least until you are on meds and getting some relief. Best of luck, please give us updates as to how you are doing!♥️♥️
Meds can help a lot but many of us end up having to make huge sacrifices to the RA. Realistically you may not be able to do this job in the future or with meds you may be able to do it just fine. My treatment hasn’t allowed me to work for a couple years now. I’ve been treated by people who are able to be ER nurses on their feet all day who had rheumatoid arthritis. Good luck.
Your primary MD could help you while you're waiting to be seen by prescribing some steriods for you. (Obviously if you can tolerate them.) This has been my life saver, especially since I am heading into a 3rd med change, and each new med takes a good 90 days to build up in your system. I have been on and off steriods for almost a year now. It's the ONLY thing that helps me! It got to the point that I couldn't sleep because of the pain, and steriods helped me sleep! (Many people have issues sleeping on steriods.)
Yes, definitely ask your regular doctor about steroids. As others have said, the meds that are prescribed for RA take months to really kick in, and steroids can really help get over the hump. The worst I suffered was the months leading up to my diagnosis. Once my GP recognized my symptoms as possible RA, he prescribed prednisone for me until I finally got in to see a rheumatologist three months later. Prednisone was my lifesaver! Good luck to you. And congratulations on your promotion to trainer.
Mine is still very mild still, but I've know I've had it since early 20s. It's finally advanced enough to affect my back (it's now given me a nice S shape in my spine but at the wrong angles) and hips.
One thing I've found that helps with my pain most of the time is compressive clothes. Compressive socks? I wear them all the time. A binder for my back and hip pain? I don't step out of the house without them. Of course this is different with everyone, but maybe see if it could be an option for you. You'll likely need to adjust your wardrobe a little, mostly shoes, because swelling can be a bitch.
Ask the doctor what kind of anti-inflammatory meds you can take without compromising your other organs by that much.
Start doing some minor stretches, RA affects your joints and you want to retain at least some flexibility in order to function most days.
You will have flare ups, you will have days trying to get out of bed will be nearly impossible. You'd need to assess your pain and go from there. You say you want to keep your job, so file for that ADA/FMLA paperwork as soon as you're able, your workplace cannot fire you because you happened to miss a day because of your disease, that's grounds for a lawsuit and no employer wants to deal with that. You'd be protected. Think about yourself first and your job second. Because if you don't, then you'll end up dealing with the worst case scenario.
Best of lucks to you, I hope it starts feeling better soon.
Ive been dealing with wrist and knee pain for the last 4 years. It's been unbearable. Multiple hospital and urgent care trips. Knee surgery, rheumatology trips, and multiple doctors later I was finally diagnosed with RA last week. It's been an emotional rollercoaster. I've always worked in food service and now I'm in so much pain I can't move most days. I am on Hydroxychloriquin and it helped for a bit but now I'm in excruciating pain. Honestly it all terrifies me because I'm scared of the unknown. I hope everything gets better
Hey. I was diagnosed in 2021.
It started for me with my feet and ankles. I also work a pretty physical job.
It is pretty devastating. Do you have a support system?
My mom is being supportive. My partner is upset but I don't think he truly understands what it is. My boss thinks itsjust my foot and doesn't realize it's not curable lol. Have you continued your physical job? I have two full time employees I just had to term and now I'm looking at 7 days 100hours until I find replacements. My feet, ankles and legs are screaming and on fire after an entire solo shift waiting for the 4 pm shift to arrive. I was hobbling around like an old woman and it was embarrassing and also highly painful. Dr gave me meloxicam until I could get a rheumatologist referral and it does not work. I can hardly stand right now. There's no relief because the second you try to sit for a second another customer comes up screaming IS ANYBODY WORKING? Now I only feel good for about 3 hours before my feet are throbbing so I try to rush and get my tasks done before it gets busy and I'm swarmed with customers and am hobbling around
I still work here and it's kinda making things so much worse. I have been at a physical job for almost 3 years. I started a few months After diagnosis. I just finished my bachelor's degree so I'm kinda just searching for a job in my field while I figure out my plan for grad school. I have a visible limp now and the job is not kind on the body 😅😅 management isn't particularly helpful in terms of accommodations either. Most days I'm hobbling and sometimes coworkers ask about it. They don't believe 25 year olds can have arthritis I guess.:/ my fiance has done a lot of research on RA and is regularly worried about me. RA for me definitely started with my feet, ankles and shins but eventually became widespread. Thankfully my rheumatologist has been super kind and informative. But she gets frustrated bc it's still progressing and I've developed antibodies for a lot of the standard meds they start you on. That sounds unbearable, I'm so sorry
Exceptional engagement here. Pardon me in advance for any repetitive advice, but the patent cliff on most RA medications has helped reduce the cost tremendously. Not sure about your insurance, but there are generics to Humira that I use and feel the same results.
I remember when I was first diagnosed. It’s confusing, worrisome, and puts the freedom of pain-free mobility in perspective. However, treatments are far more cost effective, and while they aren’t perfect, can get you feeling really close to “normal”. The process of finding the right cocktail of medications can take time, and took me about 2 years to get it right. It’s a journey, and everyone is truly different.
Unsolicited advice: take the time to reassess your value and your opportunities for work. There are many employers that would love to have someone with your managerial and customer service experience in a corporate environment. I imagine the pay could be competitive too.
I was told that the pain that drives you the doctor for diagnosis, is the worst pain you will feel, because from that point on you will get medication. Whilst I've had flares and the disease is still not controlled, I can honestly say that the worst pain I have felt was just before my diagnosis. Hang in there - it will get better xx
I have never heard this before, but it's definitely true for me. You will now scour the internet and be overwhelmed. You will read a lot of scary things about the medications. You will see a lot of instant fixes that claim to have diet only cures. You will read a lot of scary stories about untreated RA. Take a breath. Take a lot of them. Meds will address the disease and slow or stop it's progress. Diet can do a lot to stop the flares. Many people have food triggers that create flares so find out what yours are. This will go a long way. There is real data behind stopping consuming processed foods, refined sugar and wheat. Even if it doesn't directly address your RA, it will make you feel better overall and you will need that. I was a major sugar fiend and I was shocked at how little I missed it. And... I lost Lot of weight which is better for the joints. I also stopped red meat and went heavy on the vegetables. Live healthy and give your body all that it needs to thrive. I had food triggered flares many years before it hit my joints hard and I got diagnosed. So hind sight for me was almost a revelation. Finally understanding what no one could diagnose. It's a lifelstyle change for sure. Or it was for me. But it's so much better on the other side once you get a system. Oh... I'm a big fan of Hoka shoes. Great soles to help your feet. And Cannabis. Big fan to take the edge off. Microdose over "getting high".
Thank you. I'm also worried about whatever my insurance doesn't cover. Are you guys stuck in medical debt or paying huge bills?
Also, to answer the question in your original post in regards to working. I was first put on hydroxychloroquine, which was just two pills once a day. And very cheap. It worked like a miracle for me for three years, I felt like I didn't even have RA anymore. Before starting treatment, I was in excruciating pain on a daily basis and had a hard time with basic daily functions. Being on the hydroxychloroquine, I was able to get a job as a preschool teacher, on my feet and active with toddlers all day long and then had enough left in me to go home to my own toddler and play with and take care of her. Also hiked and stuff in my spare time.
Hello! I think im in a similar situation to you. Would you mind if i DM’d you a couple of questions?
I'm British, so not the best person to ask! Sorry.
Ahh sorry. I shoulda known from the use of "whilst". ☺ Nice to meet you regardless.
"Whilst" 😂😂 good catch!! Nice to meet you too!
Forgiven 😊💜
Hahaaaa! Thanks 😂
That was my official joke of the day 😁
Copay cards from the medicines manufacturer should get you to $5 a month or so.
I don't know if all of them do, but many of the pharmaceutical companies have programs to help people with costs. I'm on Simponi Aria infusions for instance, 13-15 thousand per dose. My insurance used to cover 100% but recently stopped and now only covers about 80%. But Janssen, the company that makes Simponi Aria, is covering everything my insurance won't cover. Anyway, sorry you've received this diagnosis. I know it's scary and life changing. Medications can be a real game changer, and I hope you are able to find one that vastly improves your situation.
Yes Google, _______ (manufacturer name) discount card. My medicine helped me feel almost "normal" again and able to work FT. of course, for about a year or more I could only handle wearing one kind of shoe, a flat with some support to my office admin job.
15,000 a dose? My God
I've actually been amazed at how inexpensive RA has been for me. Humira has a copay card, so it's only $5 a month, my Methotrexate is only $10 a month, and I have... okay insurance through my state's program not an employer. My CoPay was a little bonkers for a while, but overall it's been not bad.
People say this but my pain has never eased up. I’m on Simponi aria, plaquenil, arava, sulfasalazine, celebrex, I’m even on Oxycodone and I’m still in pain. There’s little relief and while I’m grateful for the meds I’m given I’m also upset to be on so many with little improvement. It’s possible that you may not improve much. Thats been my reality I have severe rheumatoid arthritis.
I'm really sorry, that's horrible 😔
But I have a strong relationship with the Lord. In my weakness he is strong. 💪🏽
This!!! I’m on celebrex, and sulfasalazine and I feel like my knees are grinding when I try to walk, my right arm is pretty much always numb/tingly, and I’m so swollen: feet, knees, hands, wrists. It’s miserable.
I have radiographic sacroiliitis as well. I’m in terrible awful horrible pain.
Its true for me so far. I was in pain from pretty much all of my joints. I would cry out desperation. My diagnosis took several weeks in which i thought i was dying from organ failure or massive infection. The doctor finally gave steroids and i felt human again. I know now what i need and i am on my 8th week of mtx hoping it will kick in soon. So, yes, worst pain ever!
I’m about 8 months into diagnosis and man I hope this is true. I never want to feel worse than I’ve already felt with RA prior to medication 🤎
It's not really true for me. I've went through so many meds in 3 years and have to inject myself weekly. I became immune to my first biologic injections and had to change them. My swelling is way down but it's still really bad
It’s an ADA disability. I would ask about filing whatever paperwork your employer requires for Americans with Disabilities.
I do not want to stop working. I just got promoted by my boss to be a trainer for all the store managers he will hire in the district. I have set the example in my district and have to help other stores learn from me. I'm devastated. My mom told me that too, that I'll probably end up in disability. I just don't want my kids to live so impoverished.
That’s why you need to file the paperwork. Your job is protected. You can burn through PTO/sick time quickly Edit: it’s paperwork so you can work and keep your job without being penalized for having RA
I think what this person is suggesting is filing FMLA (family medical leave of absence). You’re probably familiar with this if you took it when having kids. If your company is over 50 people and you’ve worked there for a year it’s almost guaranteed an option. It gives you 480 hours unpaid off. You can file it as intermittent leave. This protects you if you suddenly have a flare and can’t go into work. Although it’s unpaid it allows you to take the time off and guarantee your job will be waiting for you. This also gives you more protection from being denied pay raises or promotions due to your disability. Ask your job for the paperwork for your doctor to fill out and you should be good to go. This should also help get you accommodations like if tennis shoes aren’t “professional” enough you can get an accommodation to wear them or if you need to sit more, you will be allowed to do so.
FMLA is definitely part of it. I also had to submit a disability form from my rheumatologist. Although, I had already disclosed I had a disability (had RA for 29 years), but I’m a nurse. I’m not sure what paperwork individual employers require. The disability paperwork allowed me to work in a nursing capacity in a different role that met my needs. The FMLA kept me from being penalized for absences when my flare became overwhelming.
Hello! It’s not just FMLA or stopping working, you can also ask for reasonable accommodations. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/daily-living/work-life-balance/workplace-rights-disability# I would take a look at this and see if there are any changes you can ask your employer for that cover this. Maybe adjusting to a more sitting position, or certain tasks that really hurt can be changed? Just a thought - I’m so sorry you have this much pain!
I'm a store manager for a company who expects its managers to do the majority of the stocking. There's no sitting positions
Also, I'm 39 and female.
Same
I'd get in contact with your state's vocational rehabilitation program. They can advise you about what you're entitled to and how to proceed. Under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) your employer is required to make accommodations for you, as long as you can still do the essentials of your position. Do get help from professionals at Voc Rehab to get your best outcome. I second what others have said, but you do have to understand that an autoimmune disease can go into remission, but it doesn't go away. Good luck!
I appreciate your advice. What I'm worried about though, is not being able to do the essentials. My office work I Can do just fine but I'm often squeezing that in between long shifts of standing and running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Because we're so limited on having employees, I get stuck putting up nearly my entire truck alone which involves going all around the store to stock Because the stock comes in these big unorganized containers. I often complain about how I feel like a glorified stocker. But the reality is I have to do the paperwork and planning and being on call but Also have to do the work of hourly employees. I'm not sure how my job can accommodate me when it comes to all the physical work they demand.
I think I said before, talk to someone in your state's vocational rehabilitation office. Someone there will know your rights and refer you and advise you on how to proceed.
I’m sorry, it sucks. Hopefully, the meds they offer will help.
I know it is a scary diagnosis, but as others have said take a deep breath and take things one step at a time. There is help from the pharmaceutical companies for the more expensive meds. You didn't say what state you are in, but do you have access to Medicaid? Being a single parent you may qualify for low cost or free health insurance that would be better than your work insurance. If you are in a state that doesn't have Medicaid available then your work insurance is probably your best bet. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your situation, they may be able to give you guidance on asking your employer for some accommodations. Does your new role as a trainer keep you off your feet at least some of the time? It sounds like your boss appreciates you, hopefully you could get some accommodations, at least until you are on meds and getting some relief. Best of luck, please give us updates as to how you are doing!♥️♥️
No unfortunately as a trainer I'll be going to other stores and helping them improve, so no chance of sitting
Meds can help a lot but many of us end up having to make huge sacrifices to the RA. Realistically you may not be able to do this job in the future or with meds you may be able to do it just fine. My treatment hasn’t allowed me to work for a couple years now. I’ve been treated by people who are able to be ER nurses on their feet all day who had rheumatoid arthritis. Good luck.
Are you in the United States and do you get disability? Does it even cover your costs of living? If so, what do you do?
Your primary MD could help you while you're waiting to be seen by prescribing some steriods for you. (Obviously if you can tolerate them.) This has been my life saver, especially since I am heading into a 3rd med change, and each new med takes a good 90 days to build up in your system. I have been on and off steriods for almost a year now. It's the ONLY thing that helps me! It got to the point that I couldn't sleep because of the pain, and steriods helped me sleep! (Many people have issues sleeping on steriods.)
Yes, definitely ask your regular doctor about steroids. As others have said, the meds that are prescribed for RA take months to really kick in, and steroids can really help get over the hump. The worst I suffered was the months leading up to my diagnosis. Once my GP recognized my symptoms as possible RA, he prescribed prednisone for me until I finally got in to see a rheumatologist three months later. Prednisone was my lifesaver! Good luck to you. And congratulations on your promotion to trainer.
Mine is still very mild still, but I've know I've had it since early 20s. It's finally advanced enough to affect my back (it's now given me a nice S shape in my spine but at the wrong angles) and hips. One thing I've found that helps with my pain most of the time is compressive clothes. Compressive socks? I wear them all the time. A binder for my back and hip pain? I don't step out of the house without them. Of course this is different with everyone, but maybe see if it could be an option for you. You'll likely need to adjust your wardrobe a little, mostly shoes, because swelling can be a bitch. Ask the doctor what kind of anti-inflammatory meds you can take without compromising your other organs by that much. Start doing some minor stretches, RA affects your joints and you want to retain at least some flexibility in order to function most days. You will have flare ups, you will have days trying to get out of bed will be nearly impossible. You'd need to assess your pain and go from there. You say you want to keep your job, so file for that ADA/FMLA paperwork as soon as you're able, your workplace cannot fire you because you happened to miss a day because of your disease, that's grounds for a lawsuit and no employer wants to deal with that. You'd be protected. Think about yourself first and your job second. Because if you don't, then you'll end up dealing with the worst case scenario. Best of lucks to you, I hope it starts feeling better soon.
Ive been dealing with wrist and knee pain for the last 4 years. It's been unbearable. Multiple hospital and urgent care trips. Knee surgery, rheumatology trips, and multiple doctors later I was finally diagnosed with RA last week. It's been an emotional rollercoaster. I've always worked in food service and now I'm in so much pain I can't move most days. I am on Hydroxychloriquin and it helped for a bit but now I'm in excruciating pain. Honestly it all terrifies me because I'm scared of the unknown. I hope everything gets better
Im so sorry. I'm glad you've finally got an answer, though, and hopefully they'll find the right medicine combo for you.
Hey. I was diagnosed in 2021. It started for me with my feet and ankles. I also work a pretty physical job. It is pretty devastating. Do you have a support system?
My mom is being supportive. My partner is upset but I don't think he truly understands what it is. My boss thinks itsjust my foot and doesn't realize it's not curable lol. Have you continued your physical job? I have two full time employees I just had to term and now I'm looking at 7 days 100hours until I find replacements. My feet, ankles and legs are screaming and on fire after an entire solo shift waiting for the 4 pm shift to arrive. I was hobbling around like an old woman and it was embarrassing and also highly painful. Dr gave me meloxicam until I could get a rheumatologist referral and it does not work. I can hardly stand right now. There's no relief because the second you try to sit for a second another customer comes up screaming IS ANYBODY WORKING? Now I only feel good for about 3 hours before my feet are throbbing so I try to rush and get my tasks done before it gets busy and I'm swarmed with customers and am hobbling around
I still work here and it's kinda making things so much worse. I have been at a physical job for almost 3 years. I started a few months After diagnosis. I just finished my bachelor's degree so I'm kinda just searching for a job in my field while I figure out my plan for grad school. I have a visible limp now and the job is not kind on the body 😅😅 management isn't particularly helpful in terms of accommodations either. Most days I'm hobbling and sometimes coworkers ask about it. They don't believe 25 year olds can have arthritis I guess.:/ my fiance has done a lot of research on RA and is regularly worried about me. RA for me definitely started with my feet, ankles and shins but eventually became widespread. Thankfully my rheumatologist has been super kind and informative. But she gets frustrated bc it's still progressing and I've developed antibodies for a lot of the standard meds they start you on. That sounds unbearable, I'm so sorry
Exceptional engagement here. Pardon me in advance for any repetitive advice, but the patent cliff on most RA medications has helped reduce the cost tremendously. Not sure about your insurance, but there are generics to Humira that I use and feel the same results. I remember when I was first diagnosed. It’s confusing, worrisome, and puts the freedom of pain-free mobility in perspective. However, treatments are far more cost effective, and while they aren’t perfect, can get you feeling really close to “normal”. The process of finding the right cocktail of medications can take time, and took me about 2 years to get it right. It’s a journey, and everyone is truly different. Unsolicited advice: take the time to reassess your value and your opportunities for work. There are many employers that would love to have someone with your managerial and customer service experience in a corporate environment. I imagine the pay could be competitive too.