osteoarthritis

Payless_2

I'm looking now, McNeff. It's a shame as, apart from the bitter cold we've recently had, I enjoy my work.

rogerblack

Payless wrote: »

I'm looking now, McNeff. It's a shame as, apart from the bitter cold we've recently had, I enjoy my work.

Good luck!

sunnyone

What tests did your GP do to diagnose you with OA?

Have you seen a rhummy?

It sounds very like you have Raynurds which has two types.

Payless_2

sunnyone wrote: »

What tests did your GP do to diagnose you with OA?

Have you seen a rhummy?

It sounds very like you have Raynurds which has two types.

I haven't seen a rheumatologist. My GP just says that she can tell it's osteoarthritis by how it looks. I've had no tests but I am seeing a podiatrist on Friday. However, she did say that I am young to have osteoarthritis this bad. I'm 51.

I thought that Raynards affected the ends of your fingers and turned them white. It's mainly my middle knuckles that are affected and they are red, hot and swollen.

pauliboo

Payless wrote: »

However, she did say that I am young to have osteoarthritis this bad. I'm 51.
(

That's not young, I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in my spine at 24!
I now have it in my mid and lower spine and fingers.

pauliboo

If it helps, I was a fully qualified, apprentice'd aeronautical engineer. I had to go back to Uni and get a degree so that I could find a desk job - it was either that or claim sickness for the rest of my life.

I did do several other jobs that I didn't really enjoy in the interim, but I'd much rather do that than claim JSA/Incapacity etc..

Once you get stuck on claiming benefit, you'll soon find depression kicking in especially if you are the type who enjoys working. I say ask your employers for any reasonable adjustments that can help you do your job - and that could mean using a pen and paper again instead of the mini computer.

If you don't let your employer know about your disability then they can't help you. Call Access to Work for help with reasonable adjustments https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/overview

Payless_2

pauliboo wrote: »

If it helps, I was a fully qualified, apprentice'd aeronautical engineer. I had to go back to Uni and get a degree so that I could find a desk job - it was either that or claim sickness for the rest of my life.

I did do several other jobs that I didn't really enjoy in the interim, but I'd much rather do that than claim JSA/Incapacity etc..

Once you get stuck on claiming benefit, you'll soon find depression kicking in especially if you are the type who enjoys working. I say ask your employers for any reasonable adjustments that can help you do your job - and that could mean using a pen and paper again instead of the mini computer.

If you don't let your employer know about your disability then they can't help you. Call Access to Work for help with reasonable adjustments https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/overview

I have a degree and only quit lecturing 2 years ago as I didn't like the way money was being made a priority over teaching. I could get work marking exam papers but it's very seasonal and maybe some part time teaching in September until something else comes along. I enjoyed teaching but not the other carp that went with it. Only one member of my old teaching team is left at that college!

[Deleted User]

I was diagnosed with OA at the age of 28 and my Dr. at the time said I would be wheelchair-bound by 40. Well cussedness and downright obstinacy means that at almost 70 I do have mobility problems and cannot walk very far, and am in fairly constant pain,especially in cold ,damp weather .
This winter has been rather worse than most simply because of the cold more than anything but I also 'layer' up and try to keep as warm as I can,but I'm also a bit of a fresh air person and really hate being over heated so its a case of wrap up and feel uncomfortable, or take it off and get cold very quickly, and my joints seize up.I'm a bit stymied whatever I do.My OA is mainly in my lower joints right leg,knee ankles etc which along with my right arm lymphodema means half of me only works when it feels like it :)
But I do my best to keep going and so far have avoided the dreaded wheels:) I know there will come a time when I have to give into it but I keep putting it off as long as I can.I found swimming helps enormously and I can probably swim further than I can walk in comfort, great if your a fish but not much use when shopping
I do feel for you as its a rotten illness and progressive to other joints.I had a mastectomy nearly five years ago and after chemo and r/therapy was put onto Arimidex which my oncologist said 'It's the best anti cancer drug you can have, but you will get joint pain with it '
To which I replied 'no change there then' I have had joint pain for 35 years so I can't see it will make a lot of difference. I was right it didn't but fingers crossed I will be out of remission in May of this year and it will be one less pill to take.
I'm sorry to hear about your pain in your hands it must be rotten especially when it affects a job you enjoy doing Good luck in the future though
Cheers JackieO xx

Payless_2

I'm not that young after all then!! It's good to see people so positive about it, especially when you've suffered for so long. When it was just in my feet I didn't feel too bad about it but since it's started affecting my hands I have been worrying about the future.

My main hobby is my horse and I've been wondering how long it will be before I have to sell him. If I have no work this might be sooner rather than later. I use sealskinz gloves at the livery yard and they are fantastic but I can't manage the flaming machine with them on. I've also worn my thermal wellies for work. People must wonder where the smell of horse poo is coming from haha.

kurgon

Hi

Going back to the gloves - these are ones available that allow you to use touch screen devices that may help

http://direct.asda.com/Blue-Chip-Touch-Screen-Gloves---Size-Small-Black/008723156,default,pd.html?cm_mmc=ad-ppc-_-ggle-pla-_-Mobile-Phone-and-Accessories-_-008723156&utm_source=ggle-pla&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=008723156&utm_content=Mobile-Phone-and-Accessories&utm_campaign=ad

This is just a quick example. You may be able to fid some that also allow you to use the buttons. It's only pads on the bottom so you could buy a pair that are slimline to use the buttons and then attach your own sensors.