Back to work- quietly terrified!

Crablet
Crablet Member Posts: 8
edited 4. Jan 2025, 14:12 in Living with arthritis

So its time to leave my Christmas bubble and attempt to get back to work and my new reality.

I am newly diagnosed with Arthritis, although that has been fairly casually done and I have yet to be given a type. It started in November with very painful left knee, then after trying to push through ( dr said wouldn’t make it worse) turned to intense fatigue and a general lack of mobility which is hard to explain- though I am sure you guys fully understand!
I am still suffering with knee pain but now both knees and sometimes hips. Still reduced mobility, using a stick if going any distance or I suffer for it later. Having a lot of trouble sleeping.
Xrays showed no bone anomaly, bloods showed raised ESR. I am waiting for a doctors appointment to discuss my results - got to wait for 3 weeks to see a regular practice doctor not a locum. Not receiving any treatment other than over the counter medication.
I am due back at work on Tuesday after a month away- 2 weeks signed off 2 weeks holiday. I work in a busy primary school and I don’t know how I am going to cope! I need to get back to work for the little girl I work with and for my own state of mind but I am anxious about what I can manage and how I am going to feel. My life seems to have changed so much!

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Comments

  • lisfid
    lisfid Member Posts: 2

    I am exactly the same as you . I work in a primary school running a nurture group I have bone on bone in my knee had two steroid injections the second has not worked . Taking pain relieve which I can,t take at work because you can not drive and it makes you sleepy . Have been referred to surgeon but it’s a 50 week wait for appointment. I am now using crutches and like you am concerned about managing at work. I do not want to go off sick through .

  • Crablet
    Crablet Member Posts: 8

    Sorry to hear that lisfid. It is such a difficult environment to be in within a school, it is so unpredictable especially in a Nurture group!
    I hope it goes well for you, I am hoping the distraction helps me!
    I am thinking about just doing part time to start with and see how I get on.
    I hope it goes well for you x

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