Working with PA

[Guest guest]

I am 41 and have had PA since 2003. I just started Humira after being on Enbrel

for 3 years. Enbrel started losing it effectiveness about 6 months ago.  I too 

got " out-sourced "  a year ago.  I have looked for work, but so many others are

out of work so it is hard to get your resume noticed when the HR person has

about 1000 emails a day.  It was also a blessing in disguise for me...fatigue

was a huge issue when I was working. I was a administrative assistant and

receptionist for a law firm. Part of my job was working in the mail room and

making copies for 3 hours a day. I was in a lot of pain. Hands, hips, back,

knees feet. I have Chronic Plantar faciitis, neuropathy, heel spurs and neuromas

in both feet.  I would also  work for 8-10 hrs then come home and fall on my

face and sleep til the next morning then go back to work.  I ended up getting a

divorce because my husband just did not understand just how bad my health

situation was. All that he cared about was that I lost my job. He had no

interest in streamlining our life into a more simple one, i.e. a smaller house

and smaller yard.

 

I am looking for work, but do not know if it would be wise to just look at part

time work. You know to concede and stop fighting with the arthritis and admit

that I can not do what I used to do. I also have bad insurance and really need

the insurance that you can get from a full time job. I need to get shots from my

podiatrist and it is time for new insoles but I was waiting until I got a job. I

really need surgery for chronic plantar faciitis too. I wear a splint on my feet

at night but it only provides temporary relief.

 

I have moved in with my parents to start a new streamlined life. They are

supporting me financially.  I am surviving on a small divorce settlement. My mom

is in better shape than me and she is 63 years old!  My mom is an avid gardener

and she takes care of the yard.  She also cleans and does household chores

because she knows it is a problem for me.  Repetitive tasks where I use my hands

are a big issue. Hopefully Humira will work. I inject Methotrexate too and I am

on the highest dose of that. My father has been pushing me to apply for Social

Security Disability here in GA. I am going to apply  tonight because my hands

have been hurting like before they did before I was diagnosed with PA. Besides

stiffness in my fingers it feels like there is a dagger going through the center

of my palm. Using my hands for typing etc. is the only way that I can make a

living. My joints do not show damage, only swelling in knuckles on my hands and

feet. However, I can only stand and work for about 1 1/2 hours. Typing after

about 2 hours and I have to take a Lortab. My rheumatologist referred me to a

pain clinic for treatment of the overall pain. After I made the appointment my

lumber region of my back started hurting more than usual. I just thought that it

was a flare up due to PMS. The pain Dr wants to do an MRI. He thinks I have a

pinched nerve. After the MRI he will inject cortisone into the nerve. Has anyone

had a similar problem??  Is my peripheral neuropathy caused by the pinched

nerve? Maybe this is a blessing in disguise? Maybe it will help with me getting

approved for Social Security?  Any input especially from members in GA would be

appreciated.

 

Beth Madron