My story
Carol Ross: One Member's experience with psoriatic arthritis on the job
Retired speech and language pathologist Carol Ross says her administrators at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Ore., were very accommodating of her needs due to severe psoriatic arthritis, because she was very upfront from the beginning about her disease. It also helped that her colleagues were understanding health care professionals, she says.
Carol was able to adjust her schedule so that she was not required to be at work early in the morning, when it was most difficult for her to function. "I just couldn't move in the morning," she says, "so I would come in around 9:30 a.m. instead of 8 a.m."
Carol would try to make important eight o'clock meetings though, because she felt left out if she missed them. If she could not make it, her supervisors were very clear that it was her responsibility to find out what went on in the meetings. "They didn't pamper me," she says, "but I never felt like my job was in jeopardy."
During her 10-year struggle with surgeries and trying to get a correct diagnosis of her psoriatic arthritis, Carol's employer was supportive. "I tried my hardest to keep working. It wasn't wonderful, but they gave me the time I needed."
When it became apparent that she would not be able to continue working full time due to constant fatigue, Carol moved into a half-time position and then opted for an early retirement. "In retirement, I feel so much better with good rest, a good exercise program and weight loss. I don't mind working on call now."
The Psoriasis Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life of people who have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. One of the ways we do this is by advocating on your behalf. The Psoriasis Foundation can provide materials to help educate employers, insurance companies or the public. Call (800) 723-9166 to request this information.
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