Advice for Better Living Archives

I have a problem. I have arthritis in my knees and last winter if I sat too long I was stiffening up. So now I think I'm getting Rheumatoid Arthritis as well. Well they are after me for Jury Duty. I asked my Dr. for a note . You can only get out of it if you have a Dr.'s excuse. My children are grown so I can't use that anymore. The Dr. refused. She said ,&quoT;A lot of people with arthritis do Jury Duty. You are quite capable of doing Jury Duty. Jury Duty is all about sitting.

What do you say to the Doctor? to get them to understand what you are going through physically. If you tell a Dr. your in pain and can't do this or that what they think your lying? There are many things I would like to do with my life and I can't so why should I be forced to do something that I know would cause me severe discomfort and probably a great deal of pain. My friend told me they have these hard wooden benches you have to sit on all day till they call you in. Meanwhile sitting all day in a courtroom for hours I know I can't do.

What do you say to these people? How do you get them to understand?

Thank-you

You may have to spend some time in the court room waiting to be questioned, but, every time I have been called for jury duty, I was
questioned about any condition which would prevent me from giving my full attention to the case. At that time you can mention your pain and how you feel it would be a distraction. -Mary

When you have a chance, I would get a better rheumatologist. My rheumatologist never talks to me that way. In the short term, I would ask your doctor for a note describing your limitations and what accommodations you require. For example, the doctor could write that you have arthritis and must sit on upholstered cushioned seats. And, maybe also that you need breaks to stand and walk around and stretch every hour or whatever's appropriate. Then the judge could decide whether to provide the accommodations or dismiss you.

My rheum. told me the stiffening during sitting is called 'gelling'; and it's common in people with arthritis. I was worried about this same issue re: jury duty (but didn't discuss it with my doctor). I was excused for cause because I'm too opinionated and biased. So, just have strong opinions and biases and disclose them and you won't be serving on the jury.

But, definitely get a better doctor.-Janet

Hi,

My name is Angie. Make you RA Dr take a bone scan. Mine did one in
August and found deterioration in my hips and spine which explained why
I could not sit for long periods of time.

Hope this helps.
-Angie

Ohhh tough one! How would you handle it?

Who else out there had acute onset RA? I started a year ago at age 59....I would like to compare notes with someone else

Yes, it blew in the window one night 3 years ago! I was perfectly healthy, and wham ! I was socked with it overnight! Iam a nurse and puzzled as how fast it set in! I am 56 years old, and depressed, as I can't work anymore, tore up the tendons in my ankles, and had extensive surgery to both feet in the last 18 months! I think its strange how fast, and yes, I mean overnight this RA set in! -Linda

I was 17 when mine hit. Out of the blue... at first had a few joint aches... but figured was due to over stress in gym at school. Then one night about a week later, I woke up at 11pm, and couldnt walk. The pain was so intense all I did was lay there and cry and cry and cry. It shocked me and my mom cause I was so young. I went to my pediatric doc that I was still seeing at the time, and he said I had polyarticular arthritis, with possible acute onset of RA. Brought on most probably by the gland infection I had a few months prior. Imagine my surprise and dismay, for once the things I could do were not longer possible. Overnight is the way I would describe it Linda. And like anything else, I've learned you learn to live with it. Hugsss hon -Christine

Hi my name is Jeanne, I'm 47, and have had RA since 1988. I'm also a nurse...but no longer working. Yes, just like you I woke up one morning with an inflamed, painful swollen knuckle and within 1 month EVERY joint in my body was inflamed. I also was devastated and shocked at how fast this disease invaded my body. In 1988 there weren't the drugs and treatments that are available today. My rheumatologist had me on every drug available but nothing worked for me, except for the 'dreaded prednisone';...I also use to have different joints aspirated and injected every doctor visit (my only source of temp. relief). One day at work I was drawing up an injection when the tendons in my right hand ruptured (from all the inflammation) which led me to have my right wrist fused. I also have had synovectomies of my knuckles and had my tear ducts closed to help with dry eyes. All those years I felt like the world was going on without me as I sat in a recliner chair wrapped in an electric blanket suffering in pain. I had three young children at the time. Now lets jump forward to 1997 when I entered a clinical trial for Enbrel (my miracle). This biologic drug has given me my life back ! Other then old damage to my joints...I feel terrific. I now longer have flares, swollen joints, fatigue, or stiffness...I feel 'normal' again. I only wish this was available back when I got sick, then I wouldn't have the damage to my joints...plus I wouldn't have missed so many years of living.