Im home from school, went to rheumy adding in lyrica in the morning wil see what happens so far its not working. I shadowed a PT the other day it was neat i really think i want to be a PT but it also made me think how long am i going to be able to do it? its very physical. i was just watching, but standing the whole time and i hurt just from that. thats really dissapointing i still plan on going into PT but this is the first time ive actually felt like the jra is keeping me from things i want to do. I have a lot of nonRA friends who are PTs and who are in their 40s. They realize now that the physical demands of the job may be limiting for them in the future and they are now planning how to continue their careers, but in a less physical way. Some are looking at less physical PT jobs, teaching or owing their own clinics. So, you may indeed be able to pursue a career in a field that interests you, but may look for ways to be in the field that meet your physical needs (either now or in the future).
As an example, a PT friend of mine was diagnosed with RA in her mid-30s. She has stayed part-time with a regular PT job, but has also moved to a less physically demanding one at the Arthritis Society (providing advice and aid to arthritis patients).
You can also talk to more people in the PT field to see what ideas they may have for you. There may be options that you aren't even aware of.
On another note, I'm 39 and still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. :) I think most of us can say that we are surprised by the paths our careers have taken!
Best to you,
Joy
Littlemermaid, I am sorry that at your age this disease limits your choices.
im gonna be a PT :) You go girl! I have had PT for the last several years and they are life savers to me. I visit them 3x a week. They have helped to keep me out of pain, surgery and wheel chairs. Have a great day, you can do it.
Did they prescribe the lyrica for fibromyalgia??yea sort of. Ive been dx wtih jra and fibro at diff times by diff docs, sooo i for sure have jra and fibro is always up in the air, so we are trying lyrica to see if it helps........
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