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Date: 27.04.2012
From: Rachel

Subject: Car/Work

Hi all, I would appreciate your thoughts on my dilemma. I've had RA for approx 18 months and it isn't under control. I'm on methotrexate, leflunomide and shortly due to start planequil. I work full-time in a hectic social services dept. My RA causes me pain every day/sleepless nights but hasn't affected my mobility too much yet. My dilemma is I think I would benefit from cutting my hours at work, but, if I do I would have to get rid of my car. Do any of you rely on public transport and how do you find it with your RA? I doubt very much I would manage to get DLA at this stage but I am starting to feel that shorter hours would help me manage better. Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks, Rachel
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Date: 27.04.2012
From: Sue

Subject: Re: Car/Work

I've been diagnosed with RA too. Pain and mobility are good if I avoid stress. My constant battle is with fatigue.

I work three days a week, being able to work part time means I can still manage to work. Fortunately I am able to maintain a car, but on my days off I use public transport out of choice. I love not having to worry about driving when tired, no battling for parking spaces or rushing back before my pay and display runs out.

I sometimes have lovely conversations with other passengers (bus or train). However I would try and avoid taking the bus at the time the schools finish.

I suggest that before making a permanent decision, you book holiday for Thursday and Friday for a couple of weeks and take public transport on the days you work. (Sort of try before you buy.)

Good luck with your decision.
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Date: 27.04.2012
From: willis

Subject: Re: Car/Work

I can only say I agree with Sue, excellent idea to try it out first. I still work full time but am very fortunate that I can do part time or leave office early if too weary. Hope you find something that works for you. good luck xxx
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Date: 27.04.2012
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: Car/Work

Hi Rachel ,
what I would say is with RA get a automatic car with power steering & look at getting one with cheap car tax if your in the UK , some £30 a year or free , would imagine public transport will make your RA worst + you will end up walking a lot more

myself had to give up job I loved within few months of getting RA , be ashame if you had to do the same , make sure your doctors get the right drugs to get RA under control , loads of new drugs now & they can control it a lot better
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Date: 27.04.2012
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Car/Work

Hi Colin, I suffer with OA and could not cope with the rush hour at all. The pushing and being squashed up was awful and I could never walk as fast as the rest and I found they were barging past me. They didn't know and why should they.
If you are going to cut your hours try to travel out of rush hour.
I hope you find a solution soon. Take Care
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