Rheumatoid arthritis: How do you balance work and illness?

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Somya.P

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16/04/2025 at 20:00

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Somya.P

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Last activity on 13/05/2026 at 18:26

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Hi everyone,

Hope you're doing well today!

Living with rheumatoid arthritis can make certain work tasks more challenging, especially when dealing with fatigue, joint pain, or flare-ups. Finding a balance between managing your symptoms and keeping up with professional responsibilities isn’t always easy.

So we’d love to hear from you:

How do you manage your job alongside the symptoms of RA?

Have you made any workplace adjustments or found strategies to cope with fatigue and pain throughout the day?

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Whether it’s about flexible hours, regular breaks, assistive tools, or simply pacing yourself differently, your tips could really help others navigating the same path.

Let’s share ideas and support each other in creating a work life that feels more manageable.

Take care,

Somya from the Carenity Team 🌼

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Arthur65

16/04/2025 at 20:06

Arthur65

Last activity on 14/12/2025 at 15:40

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1 comment posted | 1 in the Living with rheumatoid arthritis group

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I've had rheumatoid 30 years now diagnosed at 30 60 in Aug. I got finished on ill health 12 years ago . I worked in a petrol station in a supermarket..most of my jobs since leaving school were factory jobs or supermarket.. I've had many operations now...I can now longer work ....my health has got worse over the years and I have osteoarthritis. Bladder issues . Divicultitis.. asthma is a lot worse and so is the acid reflux I've gained weight as well as I can't do the exercises I did ... which is annoying ... I have tinnitus which I have hearing aids for x

Rheumatoid arthritis: How do you balance work and illness? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/living-with-rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis-how-do-you-balance-work-and-illness-5684 2025-04-16 20:06:23

SP3RDN4

16/04/2025 at 20:37

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SP3RDN4

Last activity on 12/05/2026 at 17:37

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I'm retired so RA doesn't interfere with work, though when I was first affected, I was one day into a new job 8 years ago. From that day there was nothing I could do. I could barely move but was prescribed meds which enabled me to very gradually return to some kind of normal life, though with frequent flare ups which have lessened in intensity.

Somya.P

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12/05/2026 at 16:58

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Somya.P

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Last activity on 13/05/2026 at 18:26

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1,095 comments posted | 21 in the Living with rheumatoid arthritis group

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Hello everyone,

living with rheumatoid arthritis can make it difficult to balance work, symptoms, fatigue, appointments, and daily responsibilities.

How do you manage work and illness in your daily life?
What has been the most difficult part for you?
And have you found anything that helps make this balance a little easier?

Please feel free to share your experience with the other members. 💛

Take care,

Somya from the Carenity team 🌼

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YorkshireJayne

13/05/2026 at 06:52

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YorkshireJayne

Last activity on 13/05/2026 at 06:52

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@Somya.P I haven't worked since 2008 when I had to give in and stop. I was coming home at the end of my 4 hour shift (cashier at Asda) barely able to move, let alone drive the 20 minutes journey from work to my home, in the dark in winter, I decided to put myself first for a change and don't regret it for a second.

I do hate telling people that I don't work these days (even though I'm now retirement age and an official OAP) because there is such stigma attached to it thanks to the last government and their tagging people on benefits as "scroungers". I worked in retail from leaving school in 1976, both full and part-time, I shouldn't be made to feel like a worthless person for putting my health first.

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Life is for living, do it, no matter what!

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