How can you handle people staring at your hands at work when you have swan-neck deformity from rheumatoid arthritis?
It's completely understandable to feel self-conscious about visible changes in your hands. Many people with RA experience this, and you're not alone in feeling uncomfortable about others noticing.
Here are Show Full Answer
How can you handle people staring at your hands at work when you have swan-neck deformity from rheumatoid arthritis?
It's completely understandable to feel self-conscious about visible changes in your hands. Many people with RA experience this, and you're not alone in feeling uncomfortable about others noticing.
Here are some approaches that might help:
Communication strategies:
* Consider sharing basic information about your condition with trusted co-workers who you feel comfortable with. They may become supportive allies once they understand
* You can keep explanations simple without going into lengthy medical details
* Decide what level of disclosure feels right for you - you have a right to medical privacy at work
Practical considerations:
* Focus on what accommodations might help you work more comfortably, which can shift attention away from appearance to functionality
* An occupational therapist can help you find ways to modify tasks and your work environment
* Consider ergonomic tools or assistive devices that make work easier
Workplace rights:
* If you need accommodations, discuss them with your HR department. Companies with more than 15 employees must provide reasonable accommodations under the ADA
* You can share information from your doctor about how accommodations might help
Remember, your health and comfort are most important. Many myRAteam members have found that once they opened up to select co-workers, they received more understanding and support than expected.
February 19
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