Sorry to hear how hurting and frustrated you are. I think we all go through stages like this. Perhaps you could tackle one thing you can do something about. If you are American, you can apply for some kind of concessions because you are disabled, and then they cannot fire you. You might have to look into what kind of protection is available in other countries. My union protected me, and supported me when I got RA. Because it was in our contract.

Losing weight is tough, if the RA is not under control. One thing that helped me was to have a monthly chart, and keep track of my exercise. I could see the missing days, and that got me more regular. But for losing weight, I have to diet, and count calories. Something I'm tired of doing, to lose the weight that prednisone put on AGAIN! More times than I can count.

Anyway, I hope you will not be too discouraged. We all go through some very low periods with this disease. And of course, infections can be part of the whole parcel, sadly!

This is an extra stressful time of year. Try taking deep, deep inhales and exhales when you get very stressed. Try a relaxing bath, maybe?

Weight loss is a losing battle for me too, and I'm in remission on Orencia!

One thing I might be able to help you with is the first thing you mentioned: an everlasting sinus infection. It very well could be Sjogrens which is very common for those of us who have RA. It was a long-lasting sinus infection that led to my diagnosis of Sjogrens.... avoiding the sinus surgery the ENT wanted to do. I learned that ENTs are clueless to Sjogrens and I also learned that the blood test for it can be false negative. Mine was!

Because sjogrens reduced saliva, you get thicker mucus - I also clear my throat a lOT!

There is a medication that helps me tremendously in the regard. It's EVOXAC (generic name Cevelimine) but you need a diagnosis of Sjogrens and some people find the side effect of being HOT not worth it. I am not bothered by it all and could not exist without my Evoxac!

As I said, blood tests are not accurate. The only conclusive diagnostic tool is a lip biopsy but I avoided that by going to the East Coast Sjogrens Center (one of two - the other is in CA.) There they did a salivary gland scan - non-invasive. My salivary glands are basically inoperable - useless.

Hope this helps.

It's all about taking care of yourself. It's true, the spouses rarely "get It."

The weight thing: oh gee, what a battle. Just accept what you are and do the best you can.

Please be kind to yourself. I use the app, MyFitness Pal because in addition to RA I have diabetes. It really helps. Also I have to limit my carbs and wow do the put the weight on. Feel better.

Thanks all.
WarriorGal going to ask about that. I know the blood test was negative... But didn't know it might not be sensitive enough to 'rule out'

Hi SLDPT.

I feel for you. I had a boss that told me all I needed to make my RA better was a positive mental attitude. That feeling of always knowing your job is at risk and desperately needing to keep your health insurance and a roof over your head is enough to keep you in a permanent flare.

It's really hard, but the best you can do is build a contingency plan [in case of job loss]. Hopefully you've visited your HR rep and documented the RA.

You have to ignore well-meaning [or not so well-meaning] people who dish out stupid advice.

Somehow you need to learn to let go of the things you cannot control.....reduce the stress.

I feel for you. I've been there.

I recently joined a yoga class. It has been wonderful for my stress. I've also changed my diet. Low-fat - only fish - no dairy. It's helped a lot. Hot baths, tea, yoga, massages when I can afford them, walking, reading, even doing a paint by number for my creative side.

Thanks again for all the encouragement.