[stephanie.s80]

Hi All:

I am 27 and I have RA, I can use my hands and other joints perfectly well, but I'm a little worried about how to manage having this disease while working as a nurse. I'm not afraid to ask for help or say when I can't perform a task, but I don't abuse that trait.

Can anyone offer me input as to how they (or someone else) deals with having a disease or condition and working in healthcare.

[embradsmom]

Hi,
I also have RA, actually JRA juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. I am 34. Ive had it since I was 1. I was a little concerned as well. This past weekend was my first clinical. I took some medications prior to clinicals so I did ok. I have not been to the rheumatologist for a while because I have not had many problems. However since school has started I think the stress has triggered a flair up and my joints have been aching me. So I have a Dr. appt tomorrow and I am going to get ahead of it before It gets to bad. My advice is get ahead of your symptoms if you know what I mean. There are alot of good meds out their for our condition that work really well. Also rest when you can. I also purchases a good pair of shoes to aabsorb the shock to my joints. If you have any questions feel free to ask me. Lisa

[stephanie.s80]

Thanks for the info! I developed RA when I was 21. I've been on several medications for the past few years and they work well. I take plaquenil, diclofenac, and methotrexate (4 mg) weekly. I was on prednisone for a long time, but no longer take that, unless I have a slight ache during my menstrual cycle. Stress used to be a real trigger for me and I was so miserable. Any suggestions as to what type of shoes I should purchase? Crocs seem to be the thing, but I'm sure there are other options.

Thanks!
Steph

[msjam54]

I would like to know if any has arthritis or possible arthritis in there hands, and if they can still fuction and do the skills of an LVN. Is so, tell me how you manange.
And if you take any medications, that permits you do the well and stress free.

I would appreciates any and all responses.
Thank You! Ms Jam