I know exactly what you mean, I wish I could work but my rheumy said I would be out too much. My advice would be to keep your condition to yourself on the interview. If this is what you want then I would give the job a chance. Maybe if and when you flare, you will find the right meds to get you through your day or by then you will develop a relationship with your employer to maybe cut down your hours for a period of time. I would also leave out the ankle surgery. Most potential employers will only see sick days in their head and maybe discount you.
Good luck on whatever you decide.
Joanie

Ree Dee, you do not have to tell your prospective employer ANYTHING about your medical condition. Once they have hired you, then you can discuss it. Legally, they can't ask about any medical issues unless you mention it first.

I do work full time on a split shift. I teach, and I have days that if i don't get a nap sometime when I'm home during the late afternoon I have a hard time concentrating on my lectures in the evening. I also know that I have to pace myself each day and be conscious of trying not to be on my feet (or sitting in a chair, for that matter) for several hours at a time. I try to make sure that I get up and at least go check my faculty mailbox, get a glass of water, or something to prevent joint stiffness.

There's also a DVD available from the RISE network that has some terrific stretching exercises that help maintain flexibility. I particularly have liked the ones for my hands because they allow me to keep typing and writing on the board in the classroom.

Another suggestion i have is to make sure that you have a good supply of meds in your purse. I call it my walking pharmacy. I have plenty for the regular dosing and enough that if my pain ramps up, i can get stabilized again without having to leave work. If you can, see if you can get a telecommuting option or some other backup plan in place so that you can continue your work from home or simply be absent if needed. My husband works for the same college I do and teaches most of the same courses, so he's my substitute on the days when I simply cannot teach. I make sure to have specific lesson plans for every class in a consistent location and stay a day ahead of my class as far as any needed printing (tests, handouts, etc.). That way, if I need to take a day off, I have a built-in backup and prepared lessons, which my boss really appreciates.

You can do this! I hope this helped you prepare in some ways.

Ren

Hi Ree Dee,

I do work, and love having the professional outlet. I'm lucky in that I am self-employed and to a certain extent, can controls the days I work, am off, etc. Is this a full-time position? I am not sure I could work 5 days in a row, 8 hours per day. My current schedule allows me to work no more than 3 days in a row before I have a day off. I know some people here are able to pull off part time but not full time. How much will you be on your feet, etc? All of these are considerations. I do miss days on occassion - but try not to as it's a burden on our employees to reschedule my appoinments for the day.

I hope you got the job.

Everyone's story is different. I agree with the other posters how long will u be on your feet? Great idea about keeping your meds on hand. I carry two different pill dispensers in my purse. Could you start off with a part time or a temp to perm position?

I understand wantng to feel some what normal again. I returned to work in July doing a temporary assignment. It was a little challenging but it helped me to see what I was able to do. I accepted a fulltime position in beginning of September. I have done really well until the last 2 days. My fault - I did some extra activities the last 2 evenings and did not get to bed until late So today I was dragging at work. I am now trying to rest and regroup. I think the key is to stay balanced with the work and the sleep.

Another tip is to stay organized. I prepare my clothing for the entire week on the weekend.

I wish you the very best in finding employment.

I work full-time plus. In the fall , it's about 60 hours per week due to football and other stuff (I work at a uni). This is my first fall since dx and it's kind of hard! A lot of the work is done from home (responding to student emails) but it still is tiring.

I make sure to stay off my feet for long stretches, which is challenging at times. I try to always take my lunch so I am not out running around in the middle of the dayl Every 30 minutes I get up and walk around to keep my feet and back limber.

If you work in an office and have a fridge, keep a frozen gel pack in the freezer for flare and swelling emergencies. Spare meds are also a great idea.

Off work, I plan to do very little besides cook dinner, shop and do laundry. I can't wait for December when my workload goes back down to about 40-45 hours per week. Also, if any of your meds make you sick (mtx) figure out how to strategically time them to inerfere less with work (not saying ruin the weekend, but maybe ruin a weekday evening!)

Good luck! Smile like you mean it!

I'm glad you all have shared this.
I still don't have a diagnosis. I thought I did, but trusted, against my better judgment, that my doctor knew better. That even after 5 months on DMARDs, maybe I just needed more time.

I've been back in school for a year now. I have three semesters after the current one, before my post bacc clinical year.

I'm studying Clinical Laboratory Sciences and I cannot learn fast enough. I'm hoping to learn something that will help us, to help me help myself. My Cell Biology professor (A molecular biologist) reminded me that it is a slow a painful process and to make sure I master the basics first. Not to hurry through it, so I can do myself and my future patients justice.

Probably the best advice I could've received at this point in my process when I am desperate for a treatment plan that helps.

I also just went to work 2month ago. It was hard at first, but I love it. I have to stand on my feet (i work at kohls), but I also work only 3 days in a row somtimes only 2 and the I am off for 2 or 3. I would try it and if you canthandle it talk with your Boss. I didnt tell mine at the interview either.
Bigi

Hang in there RoseisRose360 - we really need more medical professionals that r intellectually curious.

I work full time, and have for the three years since my diagnosis, even though some pretty awful flares. I have had the great benefit of short-term disability insurance. A supervisor advised me to set up "intermittent short term disability", which is perfect for our situation, where we know we'll need some days off here and there, but it's unpredictable and there's no end date. My rheumy filled out a form for HR, and now I can call in when I need to without fear that it's going to count against me. The days I miss are paid at 80% (this varies depending on your employer). I don't actually miss many days, maybe 1-2 per month, and my boss knows he can count on me to get my work done.
I hope your interview went well!

I have been diagnosed and on meds for 12 to 14 years.. Had a total knee 2 years ago. I have always worked full time, on my feet in the medical field. Ironically I work in Physical Therapy as a PT assistant. I am on my feet, walking, lifting, exercising people each and ec\very day. My meds are methotrexate, arava, and Rituxan infusions and other things . Yes I have bad days but I take a tramadol for pain and go towork and soon I am not thinking about me any more. I share my story and mysekf with my patieints and soon the day is over. I feel it is good to stay active and at home I have my 2 grandkids living with me so I don't sit and rest at home either. Some how I have to continue 5 more years till our mortgage is paid off. I am currently 57.5 years old so I hope I can make it. I know with out my Rheumy I would not be where I am. He is fantastic and listens to me. For me its all about function, and damn the side effects!