Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Nothing seems to be helping me. I tried Methotreaxate and it made me sick. Now I am on Humira and have had 9 injections with no relief. My boss was stressing me out so much about being at work and telling me that I should be taking the stairs etc I am now on short term disability and stressed out over money. I live alone and am deeply depressed this disease is so painful. Is there any hope? Does anyone know if there is such a thing as partial disability. I need my health insurance. I am so frustrated and cry everyday due to pain and fatigue. It seems like my life is falling apart. I feel for anyone with this disease and do not understand why (especially because I work for people in healthcare) why no one understands not looking forward to my future and feel dead already. I cannot even keep up with my laundry or house cleaning. I am wondering how much lower I can go. I don't even feel like getting out of bed. they need a emotional face that is crying

I'm so sorry to hear this. I am early in my treatment so I'm not sure of all the option out there but I wanted you to know I will be praying for you and I understand your fears of the future.

I'm afraid I don't have answers, either -- just lots of verbal *hugs* *hugs* *hugs*.

My short term disability does let me go to work part time (if so ordered by the doctor). I don't know how this effects my health insurance benefits since I never used it. Mine is private insurance as my work doesn't participate in the Social Security System.

Hang in there.

Anne

Have you talked to your doctor about all of this? Are you on pain medication? I am on Enbrel and Metho. I would not be able to work if I did not have pain medication. Could you possibly change meds and try another Biologic? I know its scary....I know what its like to feel like your life has been taken away. I think with some help from your doctor things could get better. Big Hug!

So sorry. It is an awful and painful disease. I have found there are some good days and some bad ones...for me, springtime is the worst as our barometer goes up and down and it seems to trigger my flares. There is a ton of drugs out there and it takes time to find the right combination for every individual. I'm afraid we haven't quite got a handle on mine yet. It's frustrating not to be able to do the things you are so used to doing and need to do, I know. I have no answers for you, but hope it helps to know you are not alone.

DKlammer, I'm so sorry that you are going through so much pain and job uncertainty. What meds are you on for the RA and also what for the pain? You should call your rheumy to see if they can give you something for the pain.

As far as your job, I know that there should FMLA coverage/protection. Your HR department should be able to help you. Our great Team Leader, Karen( kvnj)has given great advice to others in your situation. She is very well informed and knows what needs to be done to protect your job. I'm Canadian and I know that there are other steps you can take, but for some reason I can't remember what they are.

Good luck and I hope you feel better, really soon.

DK, can't offer any advise that the others haven't already given. Just wanted to let you know my heart goes out to you at this difficult time and I'm listening.

HI DK

You should check with your Human Resource Dept. and apply for FMLA, (Family Medical Leave Act) You can take it intermittently or in blocks of time. This means that if you have to leave work because you don't feel well, it can't be held against you. If you need to start later or leave earlier, this also can be taken into consideration.

Human Resource Dept. should have the forms for your doctor to fill out; the forms are also online check the dept of labor site.

I am currently under FMLA, without going into too much detail, you may want to read about this online.

This has helped me continue to work, it might work for you.

I hope you get some relief soon, take care of yourself.

DKlammer,

Your story is my story. Been on FMLA but the RA is still there when I go back. Don't know what to do. Must have insurance and to have insurance must work. The pain is so bad that even with meds it takes hrs to calm the body down enough to sleep, just to get up and do it again. It is terrifying to live alone and deal with RA. Not doing well and have no answers. Trying to figure it out myself. What a joke. To get disability you can't work so you can't live. If you work to survive you can't get disability.

kjv1956

Thanks for your reply and support. I am taking Humira once per week, hydrocodone APAP 7.5 twice per day, soma and hydrochloroquine and nabumetone 1500 mg day. I just cannot get out of pain. I feel pain 24/7 and all the meds due is dull it to a 7 from a 10. I am very scared but also just so sick and tired of living in pain. I try ice/heat stretching and walking (but it hurts). I had a prenidsone shot which helped for a bit but kept me from sleeping. I have the same issue with sleep. I wish they would find a cure for this for all of us.