Rheumatoid arthritis: How do you balance work and illness?

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

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.

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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I was finally given my diagnosis in 2002 after a few years of worsening swelling & pain.
l worked in childcare & thought l was coping well but it came as a surprise to me at the end of summer term at the children’s party it was announced l was leaving ! This was a complete surprise to me & l couldn’t respond the way l wished to as the parents & children were present. This was only 2 months after my diagnosis. To say l was upset/ angry/ disappointed is an understatement. I did manage to find employment again working for the local council as banking staff. But after a few years of that l gave up work & l am now retired. I managed my pain by ensuring l took meds on time and as my job was from 8.30am till noon & then 1pm till 3pm my day wasn’t too long.