Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

2,179 Members

16,355 Posts

0 Online

bigiblue 08/05/2011

Well I got the Job at Kohls, and start Tuesday for Orientation. I will be a Sales Associate. I am exited, but also scared at the same time. I did not tell them that I have RA,b/c the subject of health never came up. When I have to take a Drugtest then they'll probably find out, b/c of the Meds I am taking.
Anyway I need to know if there is anybody out there working in Retail and has any advice for me.The long day on my Feet is what worries me the most. I will be moving around, since I work on the Floor and not behind the Register, so it's probably not going to be too hard , but I'm not sure. Any advice you can give, Thanks.
It's only parttime. I'm not sure what the hours are going to be. I know he said I will be working some eve's.
It sure will be a switch from Teaching to Retail.
bigi

deleted_user 08/05/2011

Make sure you have comfortable well constructed shoes! Good luck with the new job! I am sure you will do a fabulous job!

deleted_user 08/05/2011

Congrats..and just make sure you get enough rest and don't forget to take something for pain with you. Congrats again

Gentle hugs

deleted_user 08/05/2011

My feet are horrible and the first two weeks I worked in the bookstore I cried every night. But I wore good oxfords and my orthotics faithfully. I always had some foot pain by the end of the day, but manageable. If you don't have orthotics, at the first sign of trouble, run to a podiatrist. Good luck. C

deleted_user 08/05/2011

I hope this works out for you and congratulations. I seem to remember standing all the time when I was teaching, which is why I went on disability, my feet were so bad. Congrats and good luck with the feet.

anitamaria12 08/05/2011

I have custom and Spenco orthodics. I can't wear my customs when my feet are swollen, it's like it gives too much support or something my arch hurts so bad. I LOVE the Spencos I use the ones made for women. I know everyone is different though. Congrats on the job and good luck!

deleted_user 08/05/2011

Congrats and best of luck!

I would say good shoes, use your breaks to stretch and rest, put your feet up after work when you get home. Eat well, take your meds, make sure you are prepared with pain meds you can use while you are at work.

deleted_user 08/05/2011

Congrats! Just don't kill yourself trying to impress your new boss. Other than this, wishing you the very best on your new job. God bless.

deleted_user 08/06/2011

Congrats!! I would get comfortable shoes and some of those gel inserts. Really comfy.

deleted_user 08/06/2011

Congrats, wishing you the very best! I would like add soaking your feet in espom salt. Also, if you can get some green rubbing alcohol (wintergreen or menthol is added) rub your feet with that. Both of these helped when I worked a job that involved a lot of standing and walking. Finally, if you are working a long shift - in the middle of the shift change into another pair of shoes. Of course we are talking about shoes with great support and don't forget your orthotics.
Let us know how things turn out.

deleted_user 08/06/2011

Good luck !!! congrats

deleted_user 08/06/2011

Congratulations on the new job. Don't worry about the drug screen. As long as you have a prescription for any meds that may show up in your drug screen, they cannot take any action against you. I am a nurse and until recently, I was up on my feet in my job constantly. I found that Sketchers tone ups (not shape ups) were very good for cushion and worked best for me. All my nurse friends decided that you just have to find the shoes that fit your feet the best. Some swore by New Balance, while others wore Nike or other brands. Funny thing is that all the nursing shoes always killed my feet! The most important thing is to pace yourself, take your breaks and on break rest and drink plenty of fluid.

deleted_user 08/07/2011

First of all, congratulations!

Second of all, SHOES SHOES SHOES!!!! Like everyone else has said, you must have well constructed, comfortable shoes - with inserts if you need them.

Can we all get a discount at Kohl's now???? LOL

bigiblue 08/10/2011

Thanks for all the well wishes. This group is the best. Research or no reasearch,whatever that was about. I'm in my second day an today was the test. I was on my feet for 4 hours and it was'nt so bad. They did hurt by the time I got home. I put them up and rested. I actually liked working the Register. The time goes by fast when youre busy. I take 2 aleve before I go and I'm good for the most part. The back hurts somewhat too,but I'll get used to it. So far so good.
Bigi

bigiblue 08/10/2011

Thanks for all the encouragement and advice. I 'll surely follow lots of them. I do like it and worked on my feet 4hours today. Feet hurt but not too much. I'll get me some new Nikes soon and then I'll be fine. Soak my feet was a good advice too
Bigi

Join the Conversation