Rheumatiod arthritis and working
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hello, My name is Ebonyrose, i am 19years old and was diganoised with RA about 3 months ago. I have had symptoms of it for over a year but when i went to see my doctor he kept telling me i was sleeping on my shoulders wonky. He finally twsted me for RA and it came back positive with my crp being over 200. My struggle is dealing with the pain and whether or not nursing is the right career path. I was on MTX but it was harsh on the stomach and causing liver problems.
I was just seeing if there are any nurses/midwifes out there that suffer from this terribly fustrating disease that could share with me their story.
Thanks in advance xoxoxo
0 likes, 11 replies
rita37849 ebonyrose1996
Posted
Hi. My name is Rita. I was diagnosed with RA about 5 years ago. I've been a NICU nurse for 28 years, a nurse for 31 years. There are times that my RA does make working a struggle, especially during a flare. That said I find something much satisfaction from my job I can't imagine doing anything else. Right now I am also battling severe OA in my hips and are preparing for a bilateral hip replacement in December. That said, if I had started out with this same struggle I don't know if I would have chosen the same path. It's an emotionally rewarding path, and emotionally challenging career and can be physically exhausting. If you decide you want to continue, my advice is being sure to be kind to yourself and plan for relaxation techniques that work for you. Develop stress relief strategies and maintain friendships as you will need a good support system. Whatever you decide I wish you the best in your journey. Keep us posted.
(((Big hugs)))
ebonyrose1996 rita37849
Posted
Hi Rita,
Thankyou for your reply. Atm i have put uni on a hold but will keep everyone updated.
I hope everything goes well with surgery! I know arthritis gets quite painfull as i can barely sleep with mine.
I hope its not causing you too much pain. Goodluck and
I appreciate your feedback, take care 😚😚
Jayjay1959 ebonyrose1996
Posted
RA not only is it a painful disease it can also be an exhausting
disease.
Rita is right let your colleagues know you are suffering or need
help
Pace your self
Since being diagnosed I have changed my job to a sedentary
Role, i was a carer when first diagnosed, I have stayed in the care sector but I now arrange care for people in their own homes
When they become poorly or infirm, I work for the local council.
I like you Rita will need a knee replacement soon due to OA
And I wish you luck in December.
Ebony rose cut yourself some slack and allowing yourself to rest
Is important too.
ebonyrose1996 Jayjay1959
Posted
Hi there
You're quite right it is exhausting and at 19 i feel useless as i feel i am suppose to be sorting my career path out but i am always so tired and nap every afternoon.
I will make sure i rest, thankyou.
Godbless 😊😊
meg83590 ebonyrose1996
Posted
Dear ebonyrose, so sorry to hear of your diagnosis, I'm 50 and I struggle but like you my diagnosis is new. I'm stil trying different drugs today I'm commencing on biological! I am a registered nurse/midwife but I am in management now. Please don't give up on your career path as Rita says nursing is a very rewarding career but it is very emotionally challenging. I find this helps me with my complaints as there are people worse off. I have enjoyed my career enormously I've travelled and met wonderful dedicated people. RA will challenge you physically but there are so many new drugs yo help you. Take your time with studying and get as much support you can
ebonyrose1996 meg83590
Posted
Thank you so much for encouraging me into doing nursing as i am very passionate about it.
Ill keep it in mind and see how i go.
Take care 😊
meg83590 ebonyrose1996
Posted
Then don't let anything hold you back. This disease can take so much away from you don't let it take away your dreams. You may need more time to get there but don't let the limitations of this horrid disease put you off unless you physically can't. Take care
ebonyrose1996 meg83590
Posted
I am literally screenshotting this comment and reading it everyday!!
So sweet!!!
😚
lyn1951 ebonyrose1996
Posted
Has your Dr tried other drugs, leflunomide or arava, has worked wonders for me, my arthritis on 20mg disappeared.
Blood pressure spiked dangerously high, had a screaming headache, and local GP telling me nothing to worry about, prescribed really strong blood pressure tablets.
Chemist when I asked for it to be filled said come into my office and we will ring the drug co, as the leflunomide was the only new drug I had been given, has queried with Dr, manufacturer rang GP and put him right, I had a rare reaction, wasn't even in MIMS at the time, has since been updated.
I now take 10mg of leflunomide which i can tolerate and it does help.
ebonyrose1996 lyn1951
Posted
Take care
lyn1951 ebonyrose1996
Posted
If you are in england, try to get on the public lists, or even in australia.
I was lucky that I am a public patient, collapsed at home after seeing regular GP, very dimissive about what was going on, lay on the floor for a number of hours as I could not get up, could not push myself through my hands and shoulders enough to be able to get up, family members discovered me and was taken to emergency room by ambulance.
Still remember young Dr saying this is not a test we should be doing in emergency dept, but I am going to order it up for you, ESR & CRP.
Both came back with very high readings both indicate inflamation.
Well you could see something was going on, hands looked like I was wearing boxing gloves swelling was so extreme.
Six weeks later saw specialist am still seeing her many years later.
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