This is a challenge to be a productive employee at work and deal with the time off needed for doctor appointments and the flares. However, if you are eligible for intermittent FMLA medical leave for your disability then your absences are protected by law and your employer can not take actions that effect your employment. Please google FMLA. You will have to have worked 1250 hours and protected absences will require Doctor certification.

Great! Staying positive is really the best thing. And I know staying positive is hard when RA flares its evilness... but you gotta do what you gotta do. I tend to turn to sarcasm, silliness and making fun of RA to keep myself sane... lol. Sometimes laughing at everything helps alot. Hugs

I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this. Working and having RA is one of the most difficult issues I had. I've had RA for 16+ years and when I did work I went through a few jobs. Some jobs I had employers who were compassionate and understood. But, sadly for the most part, majority of my employers did not understand RA. I had to bring notes in from my Dr all the time explaining why I was absent or had to leave early. The best you can do is keep talking to your boss. Maybe having a letter from your rheumy describing your condition in detail will help. Do your best to not get too discouraged. Stress is an evil friend of RA. Hang in there and many hugs

I had an issue with my former manager after having a flare changing meds . I got some advice from HR to get a letter describing that you may need to take some days off no questions asked. It doesnt have to say anthing about RA but if its on file your company has to make reasonable accommodations. My manger was trying to use the unpredictability of my disease as a way to transfer me to another department. He was just a bully that didnt like me, but I should never have given him persobal details of my life that he could use against me. Its sad that that is how i had to handle it. Maybe have HR help to remind your manager to some ethics about people with chronic conditions. Everyone has something.

Hello,
I have not have problems, but I have been in the company for over 16th years and after such a long time the Managers know if you are to be trusted or not ANDBANC if you go beyond your work or just do the necessary.
I think it also have to do the kind of company you work in.
If it is a small company or a family business it isn’t harder, but’s in an international company it isn’t not so bad.
Hang in there, specially do not get upset at work and the flares will diminish.
I also have change do my diet. Little sugar, little fat, lot of blue fish, gluten free, and everything is better.
Wishing you the best