I know how u feel I have a easy job Desk work, But somedays I can't get out of bed. I know people tells me to push the pain away I have learned its easier said then done. Just do what u can do . And don't push yourself Your body knows what it can do ,

I have severe and med resistant RA, and for that reason I am no longer working...I also chose not to return to school for a less physically demanding job because I knew I couldn't work any job, no matter how easy. My body is done for and that is the reality. Lots of people say to me, too, "you can do anything if you put your mind to it"....but they aren't the ones unable to get out of bed or using a walker/wheelchair to drag themselves around most days. You know your situation best and how bad your disease already is...if it's not too severe maybe you can have big plans for school. But to NOT factor in RA regarding future decisions at all is the same as sticking your head in the sand.

That's my two cents....perhaps others who have had a better trip with RA would feel different.

I had to go on disability from RA, and have been on for 10 years now. However, when I did get it under control, I started exercising, playing flute, and I am working on a Master's degree - very slowly, part time on-line mostly.

So it is possible to have a life and a future. But no, I don't intend on ever going back to work. I talked with my union, and they said they really don't want me. I have 9 years till retirement. I really am not strong enough to teach a classroom, with standing and all my exhaustion.

So you can make a life for yourself, but you do have to be flexible and not put too much stress about accomplishing great things. I am thinking about writing a book. Then I probably would not post so much. Anything is possible, but sometimes it is difficult.

I no longer work. I do not know if I ever will again. I would like to but my body is preventing me from making that committment.

What was once possible becomes not so possible and the reality of how the disease effects us causes many of us to change our original plans and our paths drastically change.

I know what I can and can't do and no amount of "mind over matter" or 'confidence' is going to erase or change what RA has done to my body and my ability to do certain things.

I think it is great you are currently in a job that you love , but you admit that it can get overwhelming at times and you have bad flares. It seems the RA is not completely under control.

I do not doubt that you could peck away at getting that degree, slow and steady in your own time. But what does it mean being the clinic director, More stress? longer hours? demanding? more responsibilities? What would the reality of being the CD truly be like?

I am not trying to deter you from seeking your dream, I think it is great that you have this ambition but you certainly need to consider the beast of RA before making decisions. Only you can decide on this. Like Death said, you know your situation better than any of us.
And i forgot to include that ray of hope called "remission", that is always something to hope for.

I wish you all the best.

I think it's definitely a mixed bag. My current job isn't very demanding (also mainly a desk job) and I' d like more responsibility, etc - but know as it stands today my body would probably revolt if I increased stress levels and worked longer hours. However, i keep the "maybe when I get this thing under control" on the horizon, while knowing that I may need to stay exactly where I am (or even something less) as time goes on. I know Keimoe (spelling?) recently took on a position that is more hours/responsibility - she recently posted about it.
Being kind to yourself is a top priority - perhaps giving yourself another 6 months before you need to decide will help you get a better idea of what you want/need to do.

Applied for disability, still awaiting their decision...Was considering going back to school but don't know if honestly, I culd handle it.
Just don't be too hard on yourself.
I wouldn't wish this on anyone...

Sorry my hands and fingers and wrists are not co-operating today...I meant could not "culd"...OOPS!

Please read my post labeled "optimism" here on the DS site. I am a believer that positive thinking helps a lot, but it doesn't remove the pain and disability that RA can cause. I am on disability and no longer work, but I did when I was at my worst. Only you know what you can tolerate. I am a believer that you can push yourself farther than you think! With that said, each of us has a very different ability to tolerate and manage pain. I am lucky mine is a high tolerance. I don't think furthering your edsucation can ever hurt, but that's just me.

Kust know that whatever you decide to do or not to do is OKAY, as only you really know how you feel. Good luck, marcia

I would consider how much permanent damage you have on xray before getting into debt. If you already have signifigant errosions then likley you will have trouble with regular employment within 10 years. I might hesitate to put myself in debt.

I think it all depends on how much fexibility your profession/job can offer. If you HAVE TO be there all the time (no one can cover for you) then its really hard to deal with those bad flare days. You really need the kind of job that more than one person does in the company so its not the end of the world if you miss a day or two.

If the more training and better job mean more fexibility then I say go for it! But if more responsibility means the business can't run if your not there... then I wouldn't do it.

I'm currently in the latter position... run my own business. Don't frankly know what I'm going to do... but I know in the very near future I won't be able to do what I am doing now. Means closing a family run business that is over 36 years old now... its such a damn shame.

Hi Caren,

I try to live with the perspective that I have this disease but I have 20 more years of working and the possibilities are endless.

I'd encourage you to dream and try to live between the reality of the every day & knowing that one day with better drugs, treatments or a change where RA is not such a beast for you that you could follow your dreams. You are young & obviously intelligent and have so much to offer others in your profession. It's hard to know what the future will bring as we manage the daily grind of living with a chronic illness but I want to believe that life will get better.

I am not currently working and am thinking what should I do to re-enter the workforce which is okay for my health & family commitments. It's hard to decide during these early years of the disease. But I try to live with that idea that RA doesn't always have to hold me back & I need to pursue some of my dreams.

These are some of the big questions involved with living with this chronic illness. I posted a topic called 'RA dx & planning for the future.....' on 12 Feb 2010 & I found the replies very interesting (including one of yours).

You'll decide what's best for you in time.

Cheers, Anna