I have had RA for a year now and am on disability.I hate not working but I can not walk very far or stand nor sit for a long time. I am pretty much confined to bed where feet are elevated. I have thought about taking classes for using my computer for an income.I have always been a shipping clerk and am dyslexic so I have some challenges.Any ideas? I feel people think I am lazy because to look at me does not say disability.I wish they knew how much that hurts.
10/22/09 2:35pm
It is so true that our pain is not visible. I have been lucky enough to not have to show a lot of disability other than hand supports and the ankle surgery I had 2 years ago. However, just today, one of my co-workers said, when I pushed the button for the door to open automatically, "You don't open the door for yourself?" and I said, no, after raking leaves last weekend (which i did tell her about that I was amazed to be able to do it), when the acupuncture treatment wore off, "I've been in a lot of pain this week! and also had to cut down on painkillers." They know I'm on meds, but seeing doesn't convey at all what is really going on. . . if they only knew! There is no way to describe that pain if they haven't had it.
It's good you want to have something productive to do. But I'm curious, are you getting any treatment for your RA? If not, is that something you need to look into, so you could be more mobile? Maybe still work from home in some way, or even try a different activity, such as something creative that might be rewarding to you personally, even if it doesn't bring in an income immediately.
There is money for 'vocational rehab' for people that need re-traing due to disability. I'm not sure if it's state or federal money - I think it's state - New YOrk's program is called VESID - Vocational and Education Services for Individuals with Disability, or something like that. See what your state might have to offer. Maybe they would also have advice about what fields you might have some opportunity in.
11/ 5/09 10:52am
Everything you say is so true. I live in Louisiana without insurance. I am so thankful that I was able to find a RA doctor 1 1/2 years ago that would take me on a cash basis. I have been living with this for years but mine came on gradually & as long as I could tolerate it I just went on with my life. I ended up seeking medical care with my knee went out & I couldn't walk without a walker. Since then she has tried all kinds of meds with most of them being on the $4 list at WalMart. My most recent medication prescribed 5 weeks ago is Methotrexate used also for cancer patients. I am on a low dose of 7.5 mg once a week & already am feeling better but still can't walk more than a block without help of a shopping cart or something. I have also gained a lot of weight with this because I can't exercise as a normal person might. I joined Curves a few years back & within the 3 months that I was a member my shoulders went out & I got a terrible pain in my leg so I figured I'd better quit. I'm hoping that after I go a while longer on this new medication I will be able to do that again. As for working at home, I read earlier that you worked in shipping. You might try inquiring into some brokerage companies. These people sit all day at a computer finding tractor trailer or flatbed loads for truck drivers. My husband is a truck driver & I used to look up loads & call these brokers for him. He even has a friend here in LA that worked from home for one of them for a while. You can research a little bit looking up load boards. Most won't give you a phone number if you aren't registered with them but you can get an idea of how many are out there. Each load, most of the time is through a different broker. My husband doesn't question me because I finally got him to understand about the flareups with RA. One day I can go outside & rake leaves but when I used to get a flareup, I used to have to go to bed. They would come a lot of the time with a change of weather. I feel extremely lucky to say that I still have pain & walking is still hard, but I haven't had any of those flareup days like I used to get. Good luck to you.
11/ 5/09 3:49pm
Thanks Evie, I will look into that.
11/ 5/09 3:49pm
Thanks Evie, I will look into that.
10/22/09 10:28pm
I understand what your saying...it is impossible for people to understand what we are going through. My husband tries so hard but he really has no idea what its like to live with disease everyday. I still work 4 days a week..but it is very, very hard to continue. My feet/big toes hurt so badly that i feel your pain...hang in there 
10/24/09 8:31am
I sympathise with you. As you have writing skills , perhaps you could try some sites on the internet that need someone to input information for marketing purposes, like marketing surveys, or even if you can write a good letter maybe you could offer your services as a letter writer for cv's etc. I am in a similar situation and cannot get used to not going to work, as i always have done so. Life is difficult at the best of times, but even more so now, so it is imperative that you find some outlet for yourself.
11/ 5/09 4:13pm
I know what you are going through. my RA came on like a lighbulb. One day I was good and next day I could not get out of bed without help. I am on clebrex and watch what I eat and drink. I was out of work for about a year and was able to go back to work as freight conductor for the railroad. Oh yes Rain hurts but I can't stop the rain. I have had RA since 1991. worked untill I retired in 2005
11/ 5/09 7:07pm
Thanks Phillip, I wish I could walk or sit .Gravity fills my feet with fluid and the pain is too great.I am told by my doctor I will likely not work except from home. I took it hard for a while but am trying to deal with it.I would love to be back at work.I fight it all I can and do what I am big enought o do each day, day to day.
12/ 2/09 1:13am
I would like to share about a company that is working to provide part-time jobs for people living on SSI and SSDI. J Lodge is a company that allows you to work from the comforts of your own home. They are dedicated to providing quality, work from home opportunities. J Lodge is a quality call services company that incorporates an employee model consisting of Americans with disabilities. By using their educational and business experience; employees are able to pursue a work from home, part-time career. J Lodge is currently expanding. They are looking for individuals who are interested in their company and who qualify for positions. If interested, please visit jlodge.com/careers and apply online.
Hope this is helpful,
Stephanie Fryer
J Lodge Remote HR Support
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By sleepingsasquatch— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 10/22/09
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Thanks for the reply.Yes I live in Tennessee so I have what I feel to be less than avg healthcare.I have been through a couple of rheumatologists.My blood level is in the 200-300.I am on at least 10 drugs including morphine.Soon to be rid of the morphine.I have a short list on my profile of the drugs I take.This is a frustrating,deceptive disease for sure.
My own wife does not get it at times."I just saw you up doing the dishes so why can't you get a job?" They don't get that you pay dearly for doing the most mundane simple things.My fingers seem to be the only things spared by this disease.Only two have been affected at all. I will look into state funds for training although I will not hold my breath,it is Tenn.