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What is a good job for a person with RA?

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Posted 4/19/2012 1:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I was wondering what are good jobs for people with RA. My degree is in piano, and I'm currently employed as an church organist, school accompanist, and private instructor. My doctor is very good working with me so I can get through big services and concerts, but I wonder long-term if this is good on my joints. I was diagnosed with RA last Dec (2011), after dealing with symptoms for almost a year. I was just wondering how others are employed in the working world who have RA.

Thanks!
Posted 4/19/2012 12:05 PM (GMT 0)
I am a behavior analyst and work on a contract basis-so I don't have to deal with fixed schedules and 40 hour work weeks.
I have always felt that this is the perfect job for me.
Posted 4/19/2012 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
I work as a grocery store cashier, and have been diagnosed with RA since Feb 2008. No I really dont think it is a great job for someone with arthritis, but it is a job,and around where I live your lucky to have a job....so I just try and deal as best I can. Sorry I have no ideas what would be an ideal job. If you find one I would be interested as well.
Posted 4/20/2012 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
I work in an office for a financial services company (leasing). I do have days where it really hurts to type, but most days are okay as long as my meds are on board. I have also thought of the work issue. At this point, I could not work in a grocery store or as a cashier of any kind. It worries me with this economy. What would happen to me if I lost my job. But, one day at a time. Very thankful to have a job with health insurance at the moment.
Posted 4/20/2012 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
I have been a massage therapist for 16 years. Probably not a recomended occupation for RA lol.  I have not been able to work this past year due to wrist and pisiform? ankle,feet and knee pain.  I cant think of many jobs that would be ideal since i stiffin up if i sit for long. and i certainly cant stand up for very long and any thing repetitive puts me in a flare.  I dont know if this the way it is for others with RA or not???
Posted 4/22/2012 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
For all of you that work, is it the pain that bothers you mostly, or the fatigue?
Posted 4/22/2012 11:44 AM (GMT 0)
The fatigue is defintely worse for me. I am seldom in pain unless my meds aren't right.
The fatigue can make things dicey. However, I am self employed and can massage my schedule when neccessary.
Sandra
Posted 4/23/2012 11:32 AM (GMT 0)
Don't want to sound dumb but the best job for a person with RA would be working with people with RA -Rhumatologist,social worker,care support.  you'd know where they are comming from.

 

Posted 4/23/2012 1:32 PM (GMT 0)
I work in the social services field and as someone else mentioned as long as the meds are correct, there isn't too much pain.  Fatigue can be a factor, especially by the end of the week, I feel pretty exhausted. It really comes down to getting the right treatment and cocktail of meds to be able to work/hold down a job. I can't imagine *not* be able to work or at least be doing something, especially at my age, and I have had RA since 06.
Posted 4/24/2012 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks to all for your replies. What's encouraging is that it seems like everyone is able to adapt to their job once the medications have everything under control. Currently I am still dealing with the pain and stiffness wondering if this is the best it is going to get and I'm in the wrong line of work! What I don't know is if the piano/organ is helping the arthritis (I've heard exercise is good) or keeping me from getting better. Any professional pianists or organists out there with RA?
Posted 4/24/2012 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
I think you are correct, as long as the right medications are take. This can be a challenge sometimes, finding the right *cocktail* of meds. I don't play piano (sorry) but there are days when I am awake for longer than 24 hours at a time, due to my work and family schedule. It can be tough, dealing with the joint pain, but the biologics if you are not on one, may be worthwhile. I just started back on Enbrel, and it is like night and day for me, last week I was able to keep up with my sleepless schedule and endless driving without much pain. I do have some pain this week and like you sometimes I feel the same way, it can be so frustrating! Hang in there!
Posted 4/25/2012 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
Quick Question for momto3:

Yes, I am on biologics...How long have you been back on the Enbrel? Long story, but I too am back on the Enbrel as well as prednisone (10mg) and methotrexate (15mg). This is month 4 of the weekly pills and shots. Have you found that the enbrel works just as much as the first time, or less? I don't remember being in so much pain when I was on it before...the arthritis was just in my hands and wrists but now it is in my knees and feet/toes too. It must attack the weakest joints--or the ones that are used the most! I am wondering if the medications will still kick in, or if I am expecting too much.
Posted 4/25/2012 11:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi psalms, I have been back on the Enbrel for less than a month this time around.  I think I had better luck last time, but only because I had the Plaquenil added in along with the Enbrel and MTX, so it was a really good cocktail of meds. I know you say you don't remember being in so much pain last time around? I don't either, but I feel like my RA has progressed since 08 which was when I was last on Enbrel.  I am also working and my schedule is even more hectic.  It could be your RA has progressed some, or your life is more hectic etc.  Last week, I had barely any pain after my injection, felt great, this week is not so painless shakehead Not sure why the difference~! I read it can take a few months to fully kick in, so I am hanging on..

Have you tried Plaquenil?

 

Posted 4/26/2012 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Momto3:

Thanks for your reply. No, I haven't tried Plaquenil yet. I've only had RA for just over a year. It really came on when I was on Remicaid for Crohns. At first we thought all this was a side effect of that drug. After getting the joint pain and swelling under control with Enbrel and MTX, we stopped it as a "test" to see if it was truly gone. (I don't want to be on drugs if I don't need to be!) Unfortunately, the pain came back within a month and the doctor said it's here to stay. Now we are back on the same drugs thinking if they worked before, they will work again. I just saw my doctor again today, and we switched to injectable MTX, upping the dosage, and if that doesn't work we will switch to another biologic. I am glad enbrel is working for you...it sounds like you have been off of it for some time. I wonder if that might be to your advantage as it would definitely be out of your system. Sorry to hear you are having a bad week. You are right, I've been told that it takes 3 months for it to kick in. I've also heard that enbrel works better with MTX. That may be something to consider too. I hope it gets better for you!
Posted 6/27/2012 5:21 AM (GMT 0)
Quick Question for momto3:
I know this is random but it sounds like you work in law enforcement, is that the case?(sorry I'm only asking because that's is the career path I want to pursue and well, to be honest, it would be encouraging to know that someone with RA can actually get a job in that field). And if you don't...its still nice to know that someone can handle something that hectic.
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