Returning to work - how do you know when you are ready and able to?

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.

Hi Ini888,

It helps to know your rights and to be prepared when discussing these issues with your employer.

Does your employer have 15 or more employees? If so, it must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title I. The employer has a duty to make reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue hardship. An employee with a disability must be able to perform the essential duties of their job, with or without reasonable accommodations. It's always best when the employee knows and requests the accommodations that are needed. In your case, a graduated return to work might be appropriate, starting with less hours and working up eventually to your regular week. Also, you may be wise to discuss Return to Work with your doctor to see what they suggest.
If your employer has less than 15 employees, your state may have a Civil Rights Commission with disability discrimination laws similar to the ADA and applicable to your employer.

Here are a couple of resources:
The Job Accommodation Research, http://www.jan.org
JAN has counselors that you can call and speak to,
and here's a fact sheet:
https://adata.org/factsheet/reasonable-accommodations-workplace
I hope this helps.

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.

Talk with your doctor and work. Find out if they will work together so you can start back slowly.
In past I started at half time for a few weeks then moved up slowly to full time.
Wish you the best.

Yes, my employer has more than 15 employees. Thank you for the resources, I’ll check them out.

Yes, I’m hoping work will consider starting back slowly. Will loop doctor back in to discuss the possibility of returning to work. Thank you for replying and sharing your experience.