If you suffer from lupus or know someone who has it, you will know that symptoms fluctuate and mean that almost every day is different. Consequently, maintaining a good level of work every day can be extremely hard.
This, however, does not mean that you cannot work. It simply means that you need to put the right precautions in place to ensure that your work life is manageable with your condition. This can mean flexible work hours, job sharing or working from home.
So how can lupus affect your work?
As mentioned before, everyone is affected in different way, however here are some of the most common symptoms that may affect your ability to work:
Fatigue and weakness
Pain
Problems with mobility or functioning as a result of inflammation in the joints/muscles
Sensitivity to strip lighting
Here are some steps that you can take to ensure that you stay healthy and comfortable while at work:
Modifying your workstation, such as a chair with good lumbar support
Sitting away from/covering bright lights and putting an anti-glare filter on computer screens
Having somewhere to rest
Scheduling rest periods or work from home days
Doing tasks that are less physically demanding
Avoiding the sun if possible/necessary
You can tell your employer about your condition and what can be put in place to ensure that you are conformable while at work. Although it is good for the people around you to know what is happening, it is not a legal requirement so you do not have to tell anyone if you do not feel comfortable doing so.
Remember that you must always put your health over your job! If you are having a flare up take the time of work to recover rather than pushing your body further and risking complications!
If you ever feel like you are being discriminated at work because of your illness you should speak to human resources at work.