For the last 4-5 years I have not been feeling well. Going to the doctor has become almost a given in my life. Pain pills, aching all over, headaches, calling in sick, depression and the general "why me" is a constant.
I was diagnosed with RA, Sjogren's syndrome and Lupus about 6 months ago. Finally, a diagnosis that convinced me the "feeling bad" was not in my head. I found a wonderful rheumatologist, someone that actually could help. He started me on Imuran, and Plaquenil, which seemed to help for a few months, but now, not so much. Prednisone, the drug doctors love to hate, has become another constant. It seems like as soon as my dosage is lowered, I have a flare up.
I am still trying to work, but it is becoming increasingly more difficult. Just getting dressed in the morning has become a job. By the time I get to work, I am exhausted, and have started to feel the "brain fog" more often. Part of me still wants to continue working, but a larger part of me is saying that the amount of physical exhaustion is not worth it.
I'm concerned that if I do go on disability, it will be like giving into this disease. I know that there are many people that have come to the decision, that I am facing, I guess what I need to know, is how do you cope with not having that "job"?


I share some of your issues and I, too, struggle to keep working. I thought I might have to go the disability route last year, but I tried some other drugs and improved enough to keep going. I would urge you to try enbrel, or another drug. Some drugs work better than others for different reasons and different periods of time. If it doesn't get better for you, then consider a 2-3 week break from work. When things get really bad, a long rest sometimes works. Blessings!
I, too, feel your issues. I agree with the breaks from work--these seem to be my saving grace at this point. Of course, you need an employer willing to work with you and your disease in order to do that--on my second medical LOA in 1 year, myself. Also, something I'm looking into now, you may need to start looking at a change of jobs. Sometimes, something less physcial or stressful will allow you to continue to work and have that "job" where staying where your at may make you worse. It's hard with the way the economy and job market is now, but it is something to keep in mind. Good luck and Feel better, soon!!