Photograph Testimonial: Continuing to work with rheumatoid arthritis
Published 3 Jan 2019 • Updated 28 Oct 2020 • By Louise Bollecker
"I have always evolved in suffering, while wanting to be a fighter."
Claire's Testimonial
Continuing to work with rheumatoid arthritis
The disease started at the age of 33, quite young, with foot pain. I couldn’t find any shoes that would fit me anymore, I was in a lot of pain. It then spread to the upper limbs. It starts by the sensation pushing, sometimes upwards, sometimes downwards.
I consulted my doctor immediately but it took us a long time to reach a diagnosis. Medications were then put in place with a lot of effort but very little success. We operate on a trial and error basis, day by day.
I have always evolved in suffering, while wanting to be a fighter. I never wanted to stop working totally. I have taken many breaks in my career while wanting to keep one foot in the stirrup, have a professional life, contacts, a career, all combined with my family life.
I am now a young 62-year-old retiree, I have been suffering from the disease for about 30 years, but I no longer have a relapse. The chronic pains remain very present. I especially find the pain even worse in the morning as I feel very rusty. As the day progresses, the joints become a little more flexible and you feel better in the evening than in the morning.
From a social point of view, I was very fortunate to have worked in the field of special education. The human character and solidarity being much more present than in companies. This has been a tremendous support throughout my professional career.
This testimonial is part of the graduation project of Gaëlle Regnier, a student of photography at the Agnès Varda School of Photography and Visual Techniques in Brussels. She chose chronic pain as the theme of this photo report to highlight the patients and their struggle.
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14 comments
Thank you so much for your insight. I to have been working but now find it impossible to do as my employer won't renew my contract.
Claire I understand about working with RA, I found it very hard, often having breaks , I had so many periods of tiredness I had to take many breaks. Eventually I was retired on ill health in the 80s.
It is so sad that employers do not understand, they see you as a liability. At my latest employer I have not told them and never mention it to anyone at work as I'm on a contract and just know I would be out the door if they found out. I live in fear on a daily basis and use my leave for hosp spots.
Hi there I suffer from both Adults Stills Disease + Rheumatoid Arthritis, I have had both since I was 16 , I cought a Chinease Flu which was out around about 1991 quite a bad 1 it was killing old and you people with underlying issues but I was very very fit back then so I managed to survive , luckily I've had my very bad times and not so bad times , I've had both my Hips fully replaced my Right knee Fully replaced and Both Shoulders Replaced ( waiting on them getting done once more ) as I said some times I'm good then alot of the time I'm very bad with it , but I do not let it get me down the way I look at life is theres always someone alot worse than me out there ( unluckily enough for them ) but I can still walk not perfect and genera6manage day to day things which I do need some help with especially the now with the way my 2 shoulders have went again I am on lots of different medications for both Arthritis's also at the time of being not well when I was 16 hrs old I became A Type 1 Diabetic due to the meds the Hospital had to give me to survive, Methotrexate Injections + Humira Injections along with Strong pain Kilkers Oxycodone ( now OxyPro ) same tablet at 1 time I was on a really really high dose around 160mg twice a day Oxycodone and then 80mg Oxynorm when ever I needed it the Specialists were amazed that I could still function and work and stuff but now with great difficulty I've managed to get down to just 15mg twice daily Oxycodone ( OxyPro) only with some Solpadine as a Breakthrough Pain killer which isn't that strong but its helps a bit and you need to learn just to deal with your pain and get on with things as best as you can , but theres some mornings I waken up and I cannot even get out of bed I'm in pure Agony cannot move my Arms from the Shoulders down but after a few hours and when I've taken all my medication I get up and when I'm on the go I'm fine still sore but it eases of until I stop then it all starts again it's a vicious circle for me and everyone with RA or ASD , all I can say is don't let it get on top of you Stay Strong and you'll manage to do things you once thought you couldn't give it a go and keep believing people theres always unfortunately people with worse cases or illnesses out there Stay Safe and Well all the Best.
Stay away from Covid-19 as best as you can peace be with you all , and hope we all get through this carry on God be With You All.
Tatmang.
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