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Returning to work - how do you know when you are ready and able to?
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: 6 days ago | Replies (6)Comment receiving replies
I guess it depends on what autoimmune condition(s) that you have and how they affect you. Perhaps more info on what you have and how it affects you would give more targeted advice. Prednisone has some hard side effects. How many of your current symptoms are from that, and how much from your autoimmune combined with the stresses of a new illness? I was on prednisone for a few months 35 years ago for reactive arthritis; I was in grad school and each day was like climbing a mountain. I pushed through it, but unless someone has lived through that they don't know how hard it is just getting up every morning.
I am taking Budesonide for a couple of months for colitis flares (it was derived from prednisone but impact is local so minimal side effects). Emotional stress is hard on autoimmune diseases, meditation and having someone to talk with helps; it is easy to get stuck in the sickness loop so its important to break out and do fun stuff as much as one can. Good that you are exploring options. When I was recovering from a severe accident, 31 years ago, my office let me work as long as I could for each day that I could (I also had an office so could take naps). Your getting short-term disability is good, but long-term options are more limited.
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Rheumatologist is leaning towards Giant Arteritis and/or PMR, but nothing has been ruled in or out yet. As I mentioned above, blurry vision has been a constant symptom (making computer work challenging and I haven’t been driving), as well as fatigue (I rest/take naps). I’ve already had to increase prednisone because headaches came back and inflammation levels went up. Back to lowering it again. Rheumatologist sent me for abdominal sonogram yesterday based on blood tests of liver, waiting on results. Also, referred to neuro-ophthalmologist about continued blurry vision and a lesion found on MRI of my eye Orbits, I have a January appointment. So still a lot of follow-up. I’m exhausted after doctor’s appointments. Short-term disability has allowed me to rest, take care of myself, and prioritize my health and doctor appointments.
The old version of “me” before I started this autoimmune disease journey, did not prioritize my health and felt the debilitating pain and exhaustion was just “normal” for me as I was getting older. I’d like to think the “new” me knows better now. But that’s probably a reason why I’m stressing about returning to work. I know me, I get sucked in and overdo it.
It’s more the not knowing how I’ll feel or what symptoms may return or show-up as I continue to taper off prednisone that is a major concern when it comes to committing to returning to work. I’m sure we all worry about this and it’s out of our control.
You said, “it is easy to get stuck in the sickness loop so it’s important to break out and do fun stuff” Yes! I feel like I’m getting stuck in the sickness loop and feeling depressed and sorry for myself! My therapist retired a while ago and I just made a virtual appointment with a new one on Monday. And yes to do fun stuff too! I sometimes feel guilty having fun when I’m on short-term disability.
I also think some flexible version of “work” maybe be good for me too, just not 40+ hours right now.