I went to Seminary and finished 4 years ago. During that time, when I first started and for the first 5 years, my RA was totally under control. Then, a big med failure and a long time to get back on a med that was working. But my seminary was good, and they did give me concessions.

The first thing you need to do is go get some concessions for your disability. I believe in the US, they have to give you them, but you might need a doctor's certificate.

Second, you need to get on better meds. Like I said, when I was on meds that were really working well, I didn't need concessions. Time to see your rheumatologist and telling him you are not functioning. It is ridiculous to tape heating pads on your hands to be able to type.

You don't say what meds you are on, nor how old you are. Do you think you might be able to add to that, so we can help a bit more?

I am 2o years old and I'm on Hydroxychloroquine. I have only been diagnosed for about 4 months with seronegative RA with damaged in my hip and swelling in my hands.
The medication was definitely working ( more good days then bad), but then the weather took a dramatic change for So Cal and it has been cold and rainy for the past couple of weeks. I have really been feeling it. Not sure if it's because the meds aren't strong enough or because I'm just cold all the time.

I am also in SoCal and yes I am going through the same with the weather and hand pain ! Compared to the snowy parts of the country , they probably laugh at us. I never used to be cold here (I am from Pennsylvania originally) but it is now difficult for me. Good news I think our temps are going up a bit, this week, compared to last week for example. but it will still be raining. when i use a heating wrap on my wrists it also helps me. I have been on the same med, plus prednisone, since 2011. It helped me mostly with the stiffness part , as I recall......but it does nothing to halt progression of RA damage...meaning the hydroxychloriquine (i.e.=Plaquenil , generic) along with prednisone 5mg daily, and 400mg of the Plaqenil, I also take 800 mg of motrin a day , and RA doc told me last month , I really need to take that twice a day. When I asked my concerns about potential stomach bleeding down the road (and kidney damage) he said it's not likely and I need to take more.
I don't know what to think but when I can't function, I have to do it. He recently started me on Orencia weekly injections , we're waiting to see if this helps.

Me too! In so cal. All the plants are freezing at night it's crazy!
I graduated from school only 2 1/2 years ago. And although I wasent diagnosed yet during that time I knew I needed a little more time to complete things. Go to the office and they will direct you to the disability center on your campus. And don't even feel upset about it. Lots of people do it! Whatever helps you get through school! You can tell them it's stressing you out and they will give you extra time on tests and assignments. It really helped me get through. And I didn't even know what all my issues were at the time. Just an older college student I thought I better get help! It worked ! You got this!

My physical therapist suggested that I look into a hot paraffin treatment for my hands. Her mother has RA and has found it helpful. I Googled 'hot wax therapy hands" and found a number of products available. To be clear, I have not tried any of them, I have no first-hand knowledge of them at all. But when I can dig up a little extra $, I think I'm going to pursue this, and try it right after milking every morning.

As far as hot wax, a PT tried it on me. One arm in an ice bath the other in the hot wax. After about 2 minutes, I started screaming it hurt so much. She said some people with RA hate the hot wax, and others love it. So do give it a try.

Plaquenil is simply not enough. I will tell you that you are wasting your time, and probably getting joint damage with Plaquenil. You need to ask for mthx and then a biologic if mthx is not enough on its own. That is what worked for me after 7 years being undermedicated. I would have had to quit school if had not been on good meds. I am also taking Intermediate Biblical Greek right now. But it doesn't require typing or term papers. Just lots and lots of studying. Still, another thing is that memorizing was so difficult, which I attribute to RA brain fog. Prednisone always helped, but it is not something you want to take all the time, unless you don't get relief from a biologic and mthx. I was memorizing words this week, and it was so easy. I'm looking forward to a much better semester!

I was playing flute today, and there were certain high notes that needed trill keys, and I could not move my fingers back and forth when playing a scale. Today, for the first time in 2 years, I could move the fingers almost rapidly. I need a bit more work, teaching the fingers, but it is so nice to play without pain and to be able to move those fingers that way!

I have seen arthritis gloves online with the fingers out that are supposed to help with hand pain. I had a friend who wore them when she worked at the computer and said they helped her some. Personally, I hven't used them, but if inexpensive, it may be worth a try.

I have used the "arthritis" gloves that Mommagigi mentioned above. (They are also called crafter's gloves as I have seen them in craft stores). They are thin compression gloves.

My hands have been my main problem (well, now having wrist and shoulder problems too), and I use my hands a lot between work and other activities and hobbies. I have multiple pairs of these gloves and keep them at home and work and in my camera bag so I can use them if I feel the need. They are not bulky and with the fingertips uncovered, I can still type, etc. I do not have severe pain like many people -- but I feel they work a little and at least help me continue using my hands. I have used them at night some times as well when my hands ache and I cannot sleep.

I have used paraffin wax and have my own -- I am one who likes the heat. You can find relatively inexpensive ones, but I would recommend trying it out before buying one. Most nail and beauty salons have them and maybe you can try it there first and be sure you are not bothered by the heat, before buying something you probably cannot return.

I have also started using other strategies/devices to help me with my hands. I protect my hands like crazy. I will not even try to open a new jar anymore because it hurts too much. I have a great new electric jar opener my husband got me for Christmas (and yes I love it), and an electric can opener. I push open doors with my arm/elbow.

In addition to others' suggestion of talking with the school for accommodations...Look into whether there is a note take service at your school. Some places have it. Ask if you can record lectures, so you don't have to write or type. And look into programs (like DragonSpeak) so you can dictate your papers, writing onto your computer.

Thank you all so much for all the wonderful ideas!! I looked up those gloves and I think they might fit my purpose! I also found ones that heat up! How fun!

My college does provide disability, but I don’t think I can emotionally do that yet…. I’m too stubborn to admit that I might need some help.

I am allergic to prednisone, so that is out of the question. Along with that I don’t really want to take a more aggressive medication if I can find alternative solutions. I feel like I am doing so much better. Only my hands are still an obstacle. I feel like it just takes time to readjust and find new and creative solutions to everyday problems!

I am also in SoCal & noticed more pain with the rain & cold, but I also think I've been eating too much sugar since Christmas.
I'm not sure if you mean taking notes during class or after. If it's during class, can you record the lectures & then do notes on your own after class? Also, with all the voice technology nowadays, I would think you could get a computer that you can talk to & it would write for you?