u/AntigoneGrrl1

Do here’s my current struggle.. I resigned from my position as a nurse here in NYC this July. My new “job” is being a nurse to my aging cat and trying to complete the intense disability paperwork from the Social Security Department as well as uploading numerous documents for the benefits application for Human Resources Administration. I was a day late on the HRA uploading, and now 10 days late on the Social Security paperwork, but the disability lawyer said there is a 10 day grace period. But the fact that I’m late because I’m struggling physically (and as a result, emotionally)is frustrating me. My back pain from degenerative disc disease/scoliosis has increased to the point that I now wear my back support when sitting up at home (a year ago, I only used it at work because I was active), my hips hurt while sitting, so I have to lean back a little with a pillow when I’m on the sofa to avoid a 90 degree angle on my hips, and I have to be mindful not to bend my left knee with the OA as it triggers stabbing neuropathy. If that wasn’t enough, my dominant writing arm now has sharp pain in the shoulder/bicep area despite having a cortisone injection a month ago in addition to the discomfort of one of my “witchy looking” RA-affected fingers. So of course , writing is now a challenge!! And yes, I’m diligent about my gabapentin, meloxicam, Voltaren gel, Salonpas and Capsaicin patches, yet to try and find a comfortable position that also allows me to write is close to impossible!! But my cat loves when I try to sit up on the sofa as he loves to snuggle!!! 🐈

Well, that’s it for now…time to focus on mapping out a typical work day minute by minute for these forms!! 🤪

Follow up to post from u/sincrosin

I transferred to a different clinic a month ago. After one day, I knew I was not going to stay. Even without RA, the site is unbearable on so many levels. My manager knows about my RA, and proposed several ways to adjust my schedule. But I know a manager will say anything to hold on to staff, but I’ve been a nurse long enough to have seen other people get screwed by these “promises”. I’ve already consulted with a disability lawyer but my application can’t be processed until I’ve reduced my salary. Today is the day…I must overcome my fear and submit my resignation today. I’m scared because of the financial strain that this will bring, but I need to take the leap before I invest any more time and energy into this job 😢

I’ve been a nurse for over 30 years, always in direct patient care. In 2024, I decided to try something different and moved to a research position within the same clinic. My RA was diagnosed a month after changing positions, but it was a blessing in disguise as the role was more relaxed and also allowed for hybrid work. Unfortunately, the research ended prematurely. I wanted to minimize the stress of looking for a brand new job and didn’t want a gap in health coverage, so I stayed with the company. There were no available positions close to home so I accepted a position that is farther away than my previous clinic. The workflow is entirely different. I feel lost, like a brand new employee. After just one day, I knew this was the wrong decision. The commute is exhausting and an uber not an option as it is twice as expensive as my previous commute. So now it’s the weekend and I can’t relax because I’m trying to figure out my next steps: do I look for a remote job, apply for unemployment or look into applying for disability? A few well-intentioned people just say the same thing, “stay strong, it will work out”. But I’m too tired physically and mentally to stay strong. I never thought I would see the day when I couldn’t do my job.