To tell or not to tell.... | Arthritis Information

that is the question.

I have been employed for over a year and have not told my employer about RA. I do suffer by taking on more than I should physically.

However, I am not sure the benefits of the stigma are worth it. I would love to hear your stories about this decision and whether or not you feel you made the right one.

Thank you!

Nori

P.S.

I desparately want to be as 'normal' as possible. I notice when I do tell people they look at me differently and pay more attention to how I move. I remember telling a counselor recently and she later asked me how I got my dress on. While I think it was a very rude question, I think it highlights that once you tell someone they see you differently.

My experience is that it just goes in one ear and out the other.
Next they ask you to join them in climbing that mountain over yonder.
unless you have a reason for telling them.. (aka. reduce work load, explanation of missing time at work, etc.)

I would not tell..

You seem to be functioning at a high level and appear to be having no troubles..

If you were me, I would not say anything..

I had to tell.. when I flared in 07, I could barely walk... I took a week off work first and then had to explain what was happening to me upon my return.. I was late to work initially because I was having difficulty moving in the mornings.. I had and have a very understanding group of management here... so, I consider myself lucky!

I agree w/ rab above.

I told when it became obvious that something was wrong. I was xtremely lucky and had employers who were very supportive. I generally take the opportunity to educate people who qustion me rather than take offense. You never know the purpose behind the question..yeah sometimes its shear nosiness but sometimes they genuinally are trying to learnIf there is no immediate reason to tell, I would not. I worked for 20 years before I had to let my employer know about my RA. As long as you are highly performing, keep your dx to yourself.

Ann
I say keep it to yourself. I have not told my employer--there is no need for them to know. I really fear that when they are looking for ways to save money--someone with RA might be a good one to get rid of. When I have a doctor's appointment--I just say I have an appointment and leave it at that. If you have specials needs while at work, you will need to tell them atthat time but they probably will not understand it. Thirty years ago, the physician that diagnosed me with RA told me "Don't tell them until you have to." It worked out well for me. If I had it to do over gain, I would pursue the same course.
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