Saying Hi

Mrboss

Hi all,

This is my first post. Recently been diagnosed with RA and have been put on sulfasalazine and hydroxy . Not really sure as been over a month and still struggling. I do suffer with other chronic issues such as ibd and asthma so have been on steroids for couple of years now and recently started tapering down steroids as was told can't continue with for long term. Been signed off work for few weeks now and been referred to OH. Not really sure what to do. Struggling to keep up with meds as well due to side effects. Also on amitriptyline for nerve pain and causes terrible side effects. Had an apt with consultant but due to strike was cancelled and now waiting for another couple of months. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as struggling to manage work (secondary school teacher) and really enjoy what I do but I'm worried that I might lose my work as not been able to really live up to the expectations. Work is very supportive. Got an OH apt so any advice or experience, please kindly share. Many thanks.

Anna

Hello @Mrboss and welcome to the online community,

Receiving a diagnosis of RA and beginning treatment can be a challenging and confusing time. The meds that you’ve been prescribed - Sulfasalazine and hydroxichloroquine- are considered a first line treatment and many of our members find that they really help control the symptoms and deal with the disease. However, it can take up to 12 weeks before you begin to feel the effects, so hopefully it won’t be too long before you start noticing a difference. By then, some of the side effects may also settle down as your body gets used to the medication. Also by then you should have your appointment with your consultant and can discuss with them how you’re progressing and what the next step is. Sometimes it can take a few adjustments before you find the treatment that best suits you so it’s good you have an appointment in the next month.

It’s so important to make your work aware of your condition and it sounds like they’re supportive of you. The link below talks about your rights at work and might help you to prepare for your meeting with OH, particularly the section on talking to your employer.:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/living-with-arthritis/work/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI44fmtq3ghAMVeJNQBh2VEgtoEAAYASAAEgIc8fD_BwE

Best wishes, and do let us know how you’re getting on,

Anna ( Moderator)

Mrboss

Hi all. It's been a while but struggling to pull myself together. Just thought of updating. Had an OH assessment and unfortunately been told it's not sustainable as things are still pretty much not in control. I totally understand from their point of view as why would you have someone who can't do what they are supposed to do? My work place and team have supported me well in the past but this time, I think it's just bit too much and have dragged for a while (3 months) now so not sure what to do going forward? Also considering taking a career break as suggested by OH but getting pretty tough. Recently had an appointment with a specialist nurse who has advised to increase the dose of sulfasalazine to 4 a day along with hydroxy. Battling with side effects as find it difficult to get good night sleep and wake up with severe headache and fatigue. Paracetamols don't really help much but just trying to hang around. Absolutely gutted as can't work and having to lose what you enjoy is another stress but I know I am not currently in a position to commit anything full time and there's nothing part time so having to make a touch decision of putting professional stuff aside and hoping for things to get better soon.