Working with psoriatic arthritis

Kerry82

Hi all I have psoriatic arthritis very bad in my feet I have been working but recently my feet have become so painful I don't think I can work anymore while they are like this I'm really scared and worried has anyone else had to give up work because of arthritis how did it effect you how did you cope with not working and how did it effect your income/ life/boredom I'm clinging on to my job to feel normal but I'm so depressed with the pain I just can't do it anymore sorry for long post just want some advice please

annabanana

hi @Kerry82 , I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through this. Unfortunately I cannot provide any help on your specific circumstances as I haven't personally gone through this. However, I am on benefits due to my Rheumatoid Arthritis and I heavily recommend it as for me it takes a huge financial strain off of me, it definitely is something worth looking into and I've attached a link which outlines these benefits and may be worth a read.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/living-with-arthritis/working-well-with-arthritis/guides-to-working/sick-leave-treatment-and-benefits/disability-benefits-and-related-support/

It's just as important to look after your mental health as it is to look after your physical health. Have you spoken to a doctor about the depression that your pain makes you feel? They will be able to refer you to appropriate treatments for the mental toll arthritis can have. I have also attached a couple of links for this which may be helpful. I hope everything improves for you.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/september/arthritis-and-depression-what-you-can-do-about-it/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2024/april/distraction-expression-or-a-moment-of-joy-how-creativity-helps-people-with-arthritis/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2023/may/how-to-cope-with-anxiety-or-depression-as-a-young-person-living-with-arthritis/

Kerry82

Thank you 😊

Arciere

Hi @kerrie82

I have PsA and it has led to a fairly long time away from work. The big change for me was changing consultant. I first saw a private consultant who started me on methotrexate then later Sulfasalazine. In early 2024 I was actually finding hard to walk. Dealing with stairs in the morning was really hard as was getting out of the car after my commute to work.

I then saw an NHS Consultant who prescribed a biologic medication (Adalimumab). This seems to be helping and I am mostly moving freely - although I still do have hand and feet pain unfortunately. I really do hope this resolves itself - chronic pain is really difficult to handle - I would quite like a holiday from it!!

Anyway my point is, if your medication isn’t helping after the period of time your health professional said it would, then do push for a change. If your health professional isn’t helping - try and change to see someone else.

The other thing that always helps is a prescription of oral steroids. I did also buy a foot massage water bath thing from Argos. It was a bit of a gimmick. But in winter - my feet pain was relieved temporarily by using it when watching the telly etc

I’m sure it will get better for you!