Work/School with RA

Thanks everybody for the advice! I got on with the disabilities support system through the school and they helped tremendously! Also my boss was very understanding with me. My doctor put me on a new treatment system that has made it to where I never hurt. And when I do hurt its so mild that there's no since in even taking aleve. :)

I'm glad you have access to a computer! I have a variety of illnesses that interrupted college and work and LIFE. I recently read of a college, on-line that allows you to work at your own pace, stop for hospitalizations, therapy and the like. (DePaul Chronic Illness Initiative program) Also, Facebook has a support group. (Facebook Support Group for College Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses) I know in college I took Stresstabs too for the exhaustion. Check with your doc. Take care and know all of us really are thinking about you and your struggle.

So sorry you feel this way- I am at uni as well, and i often have problems with grades dropping- especially when they decide to mess with drug doses etc. At the college there should be a disability support system who may be able to help you with extenuating circumstances or plans to help avoid grades dropping. I dont have a job at this point, but when i did have one there was a employee rep to talk to, although im not sure if they will understand xx

So sorry you're feeling so bad and the previous advice is very good. All I can really add is to really encourage you to taking on-line classes. Our local college is on the side of a hill and you have to either have to walk up a hill or take a lot of stairs to get to it. (I'm too stubborn to get a handicap sign for my car.) and I've found out that on-line classes are so much easier for me with my arthritis. I hope things work out for you soon.

I've been on Cymbalta for 5 years and it still upsets my stomach. I take it at night right before I hot to bed with an anti nausea if needed) and that pretty much cuts out the stomach upset.

Cowgirl13,first let me say I am so sorry you are going through this difficult time in your disease! I have had severe psoriatic arthritis for more than 20 years now. I have a few thoughts you might wish to consider. First, please talk with your rheumatologist and tell him or her exactly what you have said here. If that is difficult for you, print out your post and show@it to the Dr..If you are frequently too sore to get out of bed, it is natural not to feel like or be interested in usual acti activities. Keep in mind that with your disease there will likely be good days and not so good days. Once I accepted that, I don't feel as discouraged on the bad days and I treasure the good ones,saving a favorite activity or hobby for then. Also once you have an open discussion about these issues I'm sure your Dr.can find an anti depressant that you can take ( I take generic celexa with good results ). This disease is still new to you and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. A couple of questions : could you take a short leave from work to rest and/ or do some work from home where you could do it in your pajamas sitting in aa easy chair or recliner perhaps? Of course I don't know the type of job you have.Also you didn't mention your age or other health issues but talk with your Dr. About disability if you truly feel you are in need. Don't feel you are depriving someone else. That is a wonderful thought on your part but you have needs as well.As for college could you skip a semester or take classes on line. Mostly when you are in flares, give yourself permission to rest and try to stay as active ad feasible but don't overextend yourself. It seems you might be trying to do more than you are a able at present. Good Luck and God Bless.