What to do? Please help!

Decky

Hi im new to this.
My post is about my options not sure what to do are where to turn. :???:
My Arthritis is getting harder to hide and im becoming more tired. Im 24 got a job in a factory when i was 16,
I thought i was only going to be there for the summer but however im still here.
I didnt tell them of my RA. :oops:
It wasnt as bad back then but now its taken its toll,
What can my employer do?
How do i begin to tell my employer?
should i get a doctor to write about my RA because they can explain it better?
Has anybody here been in my situation?
Any feed-back would be fantasic!!!!

Poppyg1rl

Hi Decky,
Nice to meet you and welcome to the forum when do you next see your rheumatologist? You could ring them (if your not due to see them soon) and ask them to write a letter or send you some information to give to your employer? The best thing might be to ring the helplines here, (their number is at the top of the page) as they can send you information too, it could help you also to talk things through with them, I can guarantee a sympathetic ear and good advice. I have PA, similar to RA and am on a lot of medication, methotrexate, anti TNF enbrel, Celebrex, oromorph the list seems endless what medications are you on?
I hope I've helped Decky, it's good to meet you and hopefully we'll see you posting again soon. All the best X

traluvie

Hi decky

Welcome to the forum. . If you are struggling at work it is in your best interests to tell them. You can speak to occupational health and they can help make things more comfortable in the workplace also do you Have union you can talk to ?

Decky

Thanks for replying folks!!!!

i've to go back to my rheumatologist in afew weeks to get injections in my joints.
And the medication im currently on is Lansoprazole and Naproxen.
These dont seem to be doing much good tho. :sad:

We do have a Union but how do i begin to tell them?
Can the Union tell my employer without my go ahead? (even if it is in my best interest)?

Yous have been very helpful!!!!! Thanks

Poppyg1rl

Not sure on the union side Decky as I was self employed for years, but I think you do need to stress to your Rheumy that you might need a change in medication if you think it's not doing enough. Also, ask your Rheumy for advice re work, I asked mine and she was emphatic that i give up work, and although I was incredibly sad to give up my business, I know it was right decision. Nice to meet you Decky, Good luck at the rheumy's do let us know how you get on? Hugs ()

Decky

No problem Thanks for all your info poppy!!!
I'm sorry to hear you had to give up your business
I wouldnt like to give up my job either.
Have you ever had the injections into your joints?

What type of jobs do you guys have?
Mine involves heavy lifting and standing for 8 hours.
Going to look for somewhere else to work a lighter and less demanding job!
Will be hard the way things are with so many people looking jobs!

Poppyg1rl

I know what you mean on the job front Decky, I was a Registered Outstanding grade Childminder for 15 years, I loved my job and was so upset at giving up...I have had aspirations (draining the joint) on my knee and elbow before, and they injected steroids directly into the joints, in my case it did bring relief, but ofcourse we're all different Decky in how we tolerate medications and whether they work is up to each individual. Good luck with the job hunting, all the best x

sugarbuttie

Hi there

The NRAS (National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society) has produced an excellent booklet aimed at employers called, "When an employee has rheumatoid athritis". Click the link below & you will be taken to the page on the NRAS website or you can google it:

http://www.nras.org.uk/about_rheumatoid_arthritis/living_with_rheumatoid_arthritis/employment_benefits/when_an_employee_has_rheumatoid_arthritis.aspx

It really is an excellent booklet - you can order free copies of this (& many more useful booklets) on their website. I ordered two of these & gave one to my employer. It really does explain what RA is & the unpredicatable nature of it. My employer lets me work from home when I am having a bad time. I know this would be impossible for your job but perhaps they could find you lighter duties elsewhere in the factory? Employers are legally bound to make 'reasonable adjustments' at work to accommodate your condition.

Please let us know how you get on. I really feel for you having such a physically demanding job. I know I could not cope with it.

Good luck x

vonski

Hi Decky
Welcome to the forum from me too I can tell you two things that may help and the first is Working Matters a forum still on this site that will know more. The other one is at the top of this page is Living With, if you click on that there is some info on working with arthur.
I hope you get the answers.
Love
Vonski

tjt6768

Hi Decky, welcome from me too..
Sorry that things are on the wain, not nice...
I can't really offer any advice regarding work, I had to pack it in a long time ago..
However I just wanted to wish you well and I hope that 'things' slow down for you..

The advice already given is great, try the helpline on here, could be good for you.

We are always around for info and support though.

Best of luck

Ankyspond

Hi,

Welcome to the forum, sorry you had to find us. You need to let work know as you can't keep going on like this, not sure on unions etc. I teach three days a week but not sure a heavy lifting job is the right one for you. I hope you get sorted, keep chatting. xx

Decky

All these messages ive got back from all yous means alot......THANK YOU!!!!
I'll get back to all you when i get my injections and have a talk with my rheumatologist... 8)

I WISH YOU ALL GOOD LUCK TOO!! !!!

dreamdaisy

Hi Decky, I cannot help either as I too am self-employed but my working days are drawing to a close. I think honesty is the best policy, after all you have been there for a good few years now and I would have thought that your employers should have some responsibility towards your work health - but please remember I know nothing about these things. My boss is wonderfully understanding. :roll: and I hope yours prove to be too. DD

Decky

Hi.. (Here is an update)

i've spoke to my Union about having RA and i explained that i cant remember if i told my employer about it when i first started because it wasnt giving me any trouble back then....

They said am i looking to change anything.
I said no not at this stage.
That i just wanted the company know for the future.

They told me that telling them is the right thing to do.

Tho in the passed he said some people havnt told the company about there health problem.
Then they come in saying they need changes. But the company hasnt been told so they have been shown the door.. :eek:

But in my case im telling them i have a RA and not demanding any changes as of yet.

I also told him that i had RA when i was 14 but went away before applying for the job and that its just coming back now he said not to metion that i had it just to say that its progressing...
So i went to see the manager and they have let the health dotor know so its just a waiting game now!!
THANKS FOR READING IF YOUS ARE STILL HERE

Fedup

Hi Decky

Welcome to the forum from me too, I am new here too and have to say the people here are so nice, I have had some really great advice in the short time I have been here and hope you will too.

As for work I cant really help much, I also have Crohns and have recently been diagnosed with Enteropathic arthritis, I am a nurse and I have been quite lucky with my employer, I have decided to change my job as I was working in a spinal unit which was really heavy and very hard work, I am starting out in the community in a few weeks which will be much better for my joints as I will get more to rest the reason im saying this is maybe you could look at changing your job to something less heavy on your joints or maybe talk to your employer about the possibilty of doing the job you do now a couple of days a week and then maybe something less hard on your joints for the other days, I also have cut down the hours I work as I have found 5 days a week is just too much for me so I now only do 4 days which gives me a day off to sleep so I dont spend my whole weekend shattered, again maybe this could be something you may be able to look at doing.

Just my thoughts and im sure others will be along to give you some great advice.

Take care, and good luck with wahtever you decide.

J x

Poppyg1rl

Hi Decky,
I'm so glad your union could help, well done for contacting g them and being honest.
We're always here for you Decky, please keep in touch Xxx

Decky

Im so glad i found this page i've got great advise from all yous...
Its really helped me
The union guy was understanding and was easy to talk to he even said he had arthritis in his back.
I just hope my company are as understanding.
And i hope that the dont find out i had it before i put in for the job otherwise i could be shown the door :sad:

I'll try sort this all out 1st before i start asking for any lighter jobs or a change in my hours.

really am greatful for all the advise and support THANKS
Hope yous are all keeping well!!!!!!!!

hileena111

Hi Decky
I'm sorry I havent read through all the replies so this has probably been mentioned. Have you tried the Working with arthritis forum.....AS WELL AS THIS ONE not insetead....not trying to get rid of you

Love
Hileena

Decky

I'll try it again but more people seem to write here but Thanks

hileena111

Hi
Thats OK if you get more help here just post here.
I havent been in the working with arthritis...well just skimmed it....so I dont really know....just a thought
Love
Hileena

ritwren

I just wanted to add my welcome to the forum. It's great you've found it and are posting. It seems like you've gotten good advice already and I've none to offer but I wish you best of luck with your employer.
Hopefully you'll get your medication sorted out when you're at your appointment.
Best of luck. Rita.

Decky

THANKS FOLKS!!!!!!!!!!

Decky

Got the letter to see my the health doctor from work not looking 4ward to this!!! :roll:

wallysatt

Hi Decky.

I'm sorry you've had this problem. I'm 29 and as I've had arthritis for almost 20 years. I have never really worked although I did go to uni and did very well and even got into teaching for a couple of years but unfortunetly I had to stop.

I just wanted to come on and say well done for gaining the courage to talk to the union, I always admire someone who is honest and I'm sure they will too. Good luck with everything and stay positive.

Decky

thanks!!
Sorry to hear you had to stop teaching.

Decky

Injections in an hour wish it was over an done with