New Job

[kcoffiner]

Hi

Just wanted to write that I'll be starting a new job. This one actually involves using a computer which I am scared about (since my eyes are quite bad). However, I know I have to try otherwise I'll never know and the SJogrens will win. I figure I can use my drops and take breaks while at the monitor. wish me luck!!!

[Butterfly]

Best of luck kcoffiner! Sounds like you have a good plan of attack to combat the dry eyes. You may want to try Restasis if you're not already on it. I hear that it can be quite effective for a lot of people. Let us know how it goes. I've been off work since mid Sept 2008 because of a bad sjogren's flare (at least I hope that's all it is and not a progression of the disease). I hope to be doing the same thing by the end of the year. I think we all want to live as "normal" a life as possible. Again best of luck on your new adventure!

[Wynter]

I am a database administrator and use the computer all day. By end of the day, my eyes are gone. When my eyes were not as dry, it wasn't as bad. I know it does depend on how dry your eyes are. One thing that really helped me was getting one of those darkening shades to put over the monitor. It fits right over the monitor and reduces the glare and brightness of the screen. Your IT department should have them or can order one for you. If not, they are sold at Office Max or a store like that and aren't that expensive. Good Luck!

[JannaLee]

Congrats on the new job!

[Pisces24]

I sit at a computer all day too. Those darkening shade covers over the compuer screen do help!

[KYMOM]

K, Great news on the new job.  Congrats!  When do your start?  Let us know how it goes after you start work. 

Wynter, I will have to go out and get one of the screens to try.  In the morning I don't have too much of a problem.  At night it is tough to use the computer.  I find I squint and turn my head frequently to try and keep the screen in focus. 

Thanks, Roxanne

[irish]

Good for you and hope all goes well for you. Can I live vicariously through you?? Please let us know how it goes. Irish

[harrigan]

Good luck K - hope it goes well.  Remember not to plan much else for a couple of weeks as you may need to really rest up till your body adjusts to a new schedule.

If you still suffer with your eyes, it might be worth a visit to the optician. I went last weekend for a routine check after 2 months on plaquenil and mentioned how tired and achey I feel after work.  It's not just the glare of the screen but also fluorescent lights and the glare from the whiteboards opposite the windows in my classroom that are causing this apparently.  I was recommended a pair of tinted varifocals for in the day and reactolite lenses in a 2nd pair for driving at night or out in the sun.  I almost needed smelling salts too though when they told me it was ?450!!  I'm really hoping they make a difference for that price!

Let us know how you get on K - Ailsa xx

[kcoffiner]

Thanks all for the well wishes. As my start date approaches I am unfortunately getting more nervous. I didn't mention my SJogrens but imagine that they are going to find out since I am practically attached to my water bottle. How do u all manage at work, do u tell them or you let them guess for themselves over somewhat odd behavior?

Thanks
K

[harrigan]

Personally, I'd let it crop up in conversation or response to remarks made.  That way you can judge the reaction rather than give a wealth of info to a blank audience.  Last time I updated my line manager and requested leave for appointments, I sent a long winded, apologetic and explanatory email.  Next day I got a repy: "fine"! 

It's natural to be nervous but don't underestimate the benefits you are bringing to this employment - they are lucky to have you too! xx Ailsa

[kcoffiner]

Thanks Harrigan!

[DragonflyC]

I rely heavily on eye drops, and I've found that people will ask casual questions when they see me using them.  You might hear the same things about your water, though people might not notice; a lot of people, including healthy ones, are attached to their water bottles.  If they do, though, you have some options.   

Usually, I'm asked, "Allergies?" or "Contacts bothering you?"  You'll probably hear, "Wow, you must be thirsty!" or "I'm trying to drink more water, too."  You can just laugh and nod if you're not comfortable sharing.  Personally, I'm more comfortable if people know (for me, it's b/c of the rumors that I know will spread about my red eyes if I don't say something), so I reply, "I have an autoimmune disease that makes my eyes really dry."  People are usually satisfied with that answer.  I keep it at that, but I'm comfortable answering follow-up questions.  You'll have to decide whether to stick with something like "I'm doing well" if you don't want to discuss it further, or with providing a few brief details if you do want to answer people's questions.  I feel like I'm providing a public service by spreading the word about Sjogren's when people ask, but I can understand why some people want their privacy.  Your best bet, in either case, is to keep it simple so that people don't make too many assumptions. 

No matter what you decide, I'd come up with a few quick, stock answers. I find that they make me, and my colleagues, more comfortable.

[eyeamdry]

kcoffinger--
You are under no obligation to tell your employer about any illnesses you have.  In fact, it's in your best interest if you don't mention it to them.  I doubt if anyone will notice that you drink alot of water.  The minute you tell the employer, they will be looking for reason(s) to find fault with your work, attendance, etc.  Sjogrens isn't like having a missing arm or leg where it will be noticed.  You can even start a job pregnant and not tell the employer!

So, while you may want to be "friendly" and on the level, keep your illness to yourself.  Your co-workers also might want to have something to use "against" you and it would be/could be Sjogrens.  Someone could be jealous of you for some reason and this will come up at times you wish you had not mentioned it.  Your employer is not alloweed to ask about your health and the reason for this is because it can be discriminatory.  If you open up and tell all there is, then you have just given the employer the information they are not supposed to inquire about.  If a new worker had hemmorhoids, would they feel compelled to tell their employer and co-workers and answer questions about it?  I know this is a bit silly, but I hope I get my point across.  Another reason is that when you mention illnesses, the employer is thinking "our insurance rates will be going up because of this person."

If anyone asks about your use of eye drops, just say you have dry eye from time to time.  You can also do drops in the ladies room where you can wash your hands first and no one will be watching you.    Lucy

Lucy

[Wynter]

I wouldn't tell them unless you start having alot of doctors appointments or of course, missing work. No one will probably noticed your red eyes. I get the occasional gee you look tired. No one has ever said anything about water, because other people around here drink just as much water as.