COPD and fatigue

[RichardEd]

Hi, I have mild COPD and Bronchiectasis and have found it has had a major impact on my energy levels and ability to concentrate. I have tried exercising more, and go to the Gym 2 or 3 times a week, and also go for walks. I have a fairly high level job, and am 59 but I am really feeling I don't have the energy to perform well in my job anymore. I think my boss sort of things this too, what's the best way to open up a discussion about taking early retirement, and financially, early retirement on medical grounds would obviously be much better?

[Hidden]

I have mild copd too,I also have arthritis in my lower back,neck and shoulders.I took medical retirement due to the effect this was having on doing my job.I went through discussions with my GP ,occupational health and management before it was decided.Financially I am a lot worse off because I am not eligible for any benefits.I decided therefore to take my pension early,but it is so small I'm struggling a bit.I'm 57 now and I find the only solution for me is to find another job.Think things out very carefully before you decide what's best for you.Good luck.

[mrsmummy]

Yes, early retirement on medical grounds would leave you better off financially than just early retirement. Why not get in touch with the BLF benefits advisor?

healthunlocked.com/blf/post........

[skischool in reply to mrsmummy]

i would have to disagree with mrsmummys statement,there are many contributing factors to do with early medical retirement especially concerning pensions.for instance many pensions within the public sector preclude medical retirement after the age of 60 etc .you may consider the alternative of something such as a compromise agreement with your employer on ending your contract so you would need to discuss this thoroughly with both your employer and pension provider and any other agency that can give sound advise........good luck skis and scruffy x

[Hidden in reply to skischool]

I agree,as a family our income is now only a 1/3 of when I was working,unfortunately the bills are still the same.A person would seriously have to look at their income before going down the medically retired route,unfortunately I didn't do this as I was suffering with depression at the time and wasn't thinking straight.A decision I truly regret.Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

[Toci in reply to mrsmummy]

You're right MrsM. I was offered early retirement but took advice to pursue retirement on health grounds. This does make you better off financially because retiring means you get the pension accrued to that point whereas taking early retirement on health grounds means pension contributions are credited for future years up to the point you would have retired if healthy, which can make quite a difference. I retired from the public sector. Why not contact Biddy, RichardEd , at the BLF helpline as advised?

[hopetorun]

Hi i have retired on grounds of ill health. It is ok in that i found i could start looking after myself better. I could work but do nothing else. Now i have retired i can go to the gym and have benefited from it both mentally and physically.

Financially it is a bit hard. I have a small pension and have been claiming ESA. I do not qualify for anything else.

The thing i miss most are the people because you see the same people everyday foe 15 years then suddenly you stop.

Yes i have met new people through the gym but did miss work.

Recently i have tried to return to work. I have been doing permitted work. That is up to 16 hours. I felt i was doing so well i tried to do more. This was a big mistake. Within 6 weeks my chest has been so bad with infection and asthma i am now off sick.

So now back to the drawing board signing up to Esa. So i have lost my qualifying period and alot of money. But at least i have proved to myself what my limitations are.

I think some sort of work is good even if it is only voluntry.

When you earn under £157 there is no sick pay.

Dont know if any of this has helped. Difficulr descision to make. Good luck

[Hidden in reply to hopetorun]

Like you I miss the banter from work mates,26+ years is a long time working for the same company as I did.

[RichardEd]

Thanks everyone for these comments, really helpful.

[Hidden]

There's a lot to consider here ...if you are involved in a union consult them regards your employment ....if your not with a union speak to acas they are also relevant to your situation good luck Angie xxx

[Kristicats]

I have personally found that many persons I know have become less well once they stop work entirely at around that age as I feel it’s good to make yourself do the exercise needed in working and mix with people to maintain mental health. I took ill health but am now back working part time and feel so much better for it. Seemed like a good idea at the time.