Psoriatic Arthritis at Work

Work, oh this thing that we have to do to pay the bills. For some of us, it is a passion and for some of us, it is just a means to an end. Either which way, getting through your day at work is so challenging when you are competing with pain levels.

Psoriatic arthritis in the workplace

Some days are easier than others and some days can send us packing our bags and heading for home. Finding ways to make life more comfortable at work is deeply important, most of us spend an average of 40 hours a week in our chosen profession. These hours can seem unending when you are in pain.

There are a few things that I found have been helpful in making my days at work easier. I work a desk job and I have for many years, nine hours a day, most of which is spent plugging away at my computer. This goes beyond drinking enough water and stretching your legs every so often. These are both very important and should not be seen as unimportant.

Sitting with psoriatic arthritis

A good chair can make all the difference when you work a sedentary job. Sitting all day is no joke. It sounds so easy and simple like your body rests all day. I do wish this was true.  Spending some extra money on bringing your own chair to work can make a big difference. Great support pillows are also a recommendation. While they may look silly they are worth every penny that they cost. 

Unfortunately, the only way to find the right one for you is to try and test them. I would ask around and go on a recommendation of someone else that has a similar condition. If you cannot find someone like this, you will be left to do some research and find one that works for you. Besides, if you find yourself with a spare you can always use it at home too.

Keep a psoriatic arthritis care kit at work

There is no way that I can stress the importance of this when it comes to surviving the day at your desk. I keep one dose of everything I would use in a 24 hour period at my desk and it all comes home month-end. Then it gets swapped out for a fresh batch. Battling brain fog and the normal daily rush of getting up, making yourself presentable and coming to work can leave us forgetting about taking our medicine. Sometimes forgetting even daily vitamins, so I stash these at work too.

By using a pill organizer that can be refilled ever weekend, this task is made much easier. Make sure you keep pain medicine and whatever you could need on hand. At the end of each month take home the spare tablets, use them and refill your emergency kit from your fresh dose. This way it is always fresh. Keeping an ice pack in the freezer if you have one available - this can also be very beneficial.

Pack healthy lunches

Make sure that you do not resort to the vending machine too often. Whether food affects your joints or not, eating a healthy diet is certainly beneficial. The refined foods and junk that we get in vending machines and at the corner café can often lead to us feeling more sluggish than we need to. Honestly, we have enough to contend with and believe we can help our bodies by fueling them with the good stuff.  If work provides lunch, always choose the healthier option of what you have at your disposal.

Telling your employer about your psoriatic arthritis

Some companies have it written in their contracts that conditions that affect the ability to do the job need to be disclosed. I can appreciate this. However, there are people out there who will not hire due to a condition they are not informed about.

I would say sit down, have a talk with your employer that you are still capable of work even though you may need time off every so often. This is entirely your decision and whatever you decide to do for yourself will be what is right for you at the time.