Should I tell my employer I have rheumatoid arthritis?

You don't have to tell your boss or co-workers about your condition. "If RA is not affecting your ability to work, there's really no reason to bring it up," White says. But if the disease is making it hard for you to do your job, it makes sense to talk about it.

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When should I stop working with rheumatoid arthritis?

If a particular activity causes your joints to become warm and swollen, or it causes severe pain, then stop and rest. If it does not cause problems, then it is usually fine to continue. If a particular activity always causes a flare-up, it's best to avoid it and find an alternative.

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Is rheumatoid arthritis classed as a disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers RA a disability if a person meets the following eligibility criteria: the person's condition is so severe that they will need to be out of work for 12 months or more. the person has gained enough work credits to qualify for disability benefits.

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Can you work a physical job with rheumatoid arthritis?

Living with rheumatoid arthritis can have a large impact on a person's day to day life, including their ability to work. With the right support, most people with rheumatoid arthritis lead full, active lives and can thrive in the workplace.

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Is rheumatoid arthritis considered a disability in Australia?

If you suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, it is covered under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and you may be eligible for their funding to utilise our support services. The eligibility and level of funding will depend on the severity of your functional disability and needs.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis and Employment

40 related questions found

What should you not do if you have rheumatoid arthritis?

What triggers your RA? Tip it forward and let other with RA know how you avoid those triggers.
  1. Leading a Sedentary Lifestyle. ...
  2. Eating a Pro-Inflammatory Diet. ...
  3. Overdoing Activities. ...
  4. Smoking. ...
  5. Stressing Out. ...
  6. Focusing on Negativity and Pessimism. ...
  7. Becoming Dehydrated. ...
  8. Forgetting to Protect Your Joints.

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Is rheumatoid arthritis a big deal?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has many physical and social consequences and can lower quality of life. It can cause pain, disability, and premature death. Premature heart disease. People with RA are also at a higher risk for developing other chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

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Can I claim anything with rheumatoid arthritis?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is one of the benefits most commonly claimed by people with RA. It is not means tested and covers two areas of life commonly affected by RA: daily living and mobility.

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Does rheumatoid arthritis make you tired?

People with rheumatoid arthritis typically have several permanently inflamed joints. The inflammation inside the body can lead to general physical weakness, drowsiness and exhaustion. This feeling of extreme tiredness is also called "fatigue." Some people find this to be the worst symptom of the disease.

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What happens if I can't work because of arthritis?

If your arthritis is severe enough to limit your abilities to perform basic work tasks, such as standing, walking, pulling, carrying, reaching, sitting, lifting, or handling, you may be eligible to receive monthly disability benefits with arthritis from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

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What time of day is rheumatoid arthritis worse?

Pain. The joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis is usually a throbbing and aching pain. It is often worse in the mornings and after a period of inactivity.

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How quickly does rheumatoid arthritis spread?

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis often develop gradually over several weeks, but some cases can progress quickly over a number of days. The symptoms vary from person to person. They can come and go, and may change over time.

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Is the immune system overworked in rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means it's caused by the immune system attacking healthy body tissue. However, it's not yet known what triggers this. Your immune system normally makes antibodies that attack bacteria and viruses, helping to fight infection.

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Can you lead a normal life with rheumatoid arthritis?

Many people can live a healthy, active life with RA. For example, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have become an effective and widely available medication for people with RA. These drugs work by suppressing the immune system and minimizing the damage that it does to joint tissue.

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How do you live a full life with rheumatoid arthritis?

6 Self-Care Tips for RA
  1. If You Smoke, Quit. Smoking can make symptoms of RA worse and remission less likely. ...
  2. Drop Extra Pounds. Losing weight can be difficult. ...
  3. Get and Keep Moving. It's hard to think of an aspect of RA that physical activity doesn't help. ...
  4. Get Good Sleep. ...
  5. Take Care of Your Teeth. ...
  6. Manage Stress.

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How can I prove I have rheumatoid arthritis?

Imaging Tests

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound may help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis in the early stages of the disease. In addition, these imaging tests can help evaluate the amount of damage in the joints and the severity of the disease.

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What is the life expectancy of a person with rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lifespan

In the study, the median survival rate for healthy adults was approximately 82 years while the median survival rate for people with RA was approximately 77 years.

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Is rheumatoid arthritis worse than normal arthritis?

Two of the most common types are rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). OA is more common than RA. Both involve inflammation in the joints, but RA causes much more inflammation.

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What are the red flags of rheumatoid arthritis?

Joint pain and morning stiffness are the most common early warning signs of RA. The joint pain of RA has some unique characteristics that separate it from joint pain due to other causes. The characteristics of joint pain caused by RA are: Multiple joints are affected at once (typically more than three joints).

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Is there a rheumatoid arthritis personality?

Several investigators agreed that rheumatoid arthritics, when compared to various control groups, tend to be self-sacrificing, masochistic, conforming, self-conscious, shy, inhibited, perfectionistic, and interested in sports and games.

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What does RA pain feel like?

A person with RA may feel intense pain in their joints during flares. This can feel like sustained pressure, a burning sensation, or a sharp pain. However, people with RA may also experience periods of remission when they feel few to no symptoms. In addition to causing joint pain, RA can affect the whole body.

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What triggers rheumatoid arthritis?

Researchers think it's caused by a combination of genetics, hormones and environmental factors. Normally, your immune system protects your body from disease. With rheumatoid arthritis, something triggers your immune system to attack your joints. An infection, smoking or physical or emotional stress may be triggering.

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Is walking OK for rheumatoid arthritis?

Walking really is like medicine. It eases RA pain and strengthens the muscles that support your joints. It can boost your mood, help you sleep better, and make you fit enough to keep doing the things you love to do. It lowers your blood pressure and could help you live longer, too.

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