New here but need help.

[Sueinexile]

I was diagnosed with C.o.p.d 18 months ago but have suffered breathlessness accompanied with pain in my chest and both arms for around four years now. When I first noticed these problems I put it down to extra weight but things got worse with breathing and the pains, I was sent to cardiology and had the treadmill test, various scans and several E.c.g tests. Nothing was proven or showing anything obvious, at this point I was signed off work for 3 months and under the Occupational health who then let me return to work on phase return basis. Another 18 months went by with the continued struggle when I eventually changed G.p due to house move, the new G.p sent me for a chest xray after reading my notes and me telling them my story.....at that point I was diagnosed with C.o.p.d. Occupational health were informed and I had certain proviso's on my job. Now my breathing feels much worse and I get the chest/arm pain with 50 or so steps of walking, I asked for a review with my C.o.p.d nurse which triggered a G.p appointment, referral back to cardiology and I now asked my manager for a referral back to Occupational health, he has done this also suggesting redeployment into something more suitable, I will be talking to occy health on a phone meeting in the morning. Does anyone else have experience of this, could I been dismissed from my job, can I claim benefits if there arnt any better positions for me ? I am very concerned about my job, I have worked all my life and am 8 years from retirement but I know I cant continue this role for that long. Long term sick could lead to being pensioned off if there isn't anything else for me but it wouldn't come anywhere near my wage....any ideas about any of these things..........sorry for the long drawn out message. Thankyou for reading.

[Hidden]

I have just been medically retired due to arthritis(neck,shoulders and lower back)plus copd,the arthritis affected my legs so walking is very difficult which results in me becoming more breathless than I used to.Like you I have always worked and finding it hard to adjust to being at home.I was told by the c.a.b.that I would be eligible for some benefits but I am waiting to see about my pension before applying.

[Sueinexile in reply to Hidden]

Good luck and hope the pension turns out good !!

[mrsmummy]

They should look for another position you can occupy. If this is not possible look into early retirement on health grounds which would trigger your works pension being paid early.

If you live in the UK the BLF helpline has a benefits advisor. The number is 03000 030 555 and they are there Mon - Fri, 9 - 5.

[Sueinexile in reply to mrsmummy]

Thankyou for that, ill call them in the morning after my telephone consultation with occupational health.

[diesel12]

Just going through this myself at the moment. I figure that one way or another they will get me out, and no I'm not being paranoid but they have said they won't support the OHS recommendations any longer. They sent me back to OHS and there were even more recommendations so that is that. I tried for medical retirement so at least I would get full pension but as you have to be on the verge of being sacked before you can apply I thought it was too risky. What I have done is ask for a settlement (kind of voluntary redundancy). I have also advised them that should they see fit to sack me I will go to employment tribunal under the disability discrimination act, and I would.

I have been on this site singing the praises of my employers and how well they support me but unfortunately this no longer applies although nothing has changed really.

I acknowledge I have memory problems and I'm unable to work evening shifts and I do fewer weekends (working a 7 day week kills me) so I do see their point to a degree but I (and now you) have to take care of myself financially the best way I can.

By leaving now instead of in 5 years when I'd be due to retire I'll lose all my wages and my (final salary) pension will also be affected.

I'm very annoyed at the moment as my future has been taken out of my hands. As if we don't have enough rubbish to deal with !

[googeymac1 in reply to diesel12]

im 70 now i started getting short of breath at 59 i worked in the construction industry and after getting fired from several small firm's because i could'nt keep up with the rest of the workforce, i finally went 2 see my gp, who put me on different med's over the next 12 months, which did'nt work, he arranged for me 2 see a consultant at my local hospital, after several visit's over the next 12 month's they said i had c.o.p.d and gave me a sealed letter 2 take back 2 my gp, a few day's dr called me in gave me the results from the consultant, and told me your working day's are over and gave me a letter 2 take 2 my local jobcentre, i was by then 62, i never bothered claiming any disability benefit because i did'nt know if i was elligble, it was only after i turned 65 and joined this site and found a lot of usefull information that there were a lot of thing's i could of claimed 4, but did'nt, if your in similar cercumstance's dont leave it 2 late, sorry if my reply is a bit long winded

[Hidden]

Hi I am sorry you are going through all this. Your employer has a duty towards you under the Health and Safety Act at Work if they are either aware of your health problems or could reasonably be expected to know. They have sent you to occupational health to get their advice but they haven't got to take it.

They are under obligation however to make 'Reasonable Adjustments' for you which could be anything such as extra leave, working part time, more breaks, moving to a different job etc.

However all these are subject to 'business needs' and often some of them aren't possible. It does sound like your employer is being very good but they can dismiss you. They don't do it on the grounds of sickness but because you are not at work and fulfilling your contract. Semantics maybe but that's what happens.

I used to work for the Department of Work and Pensions and they sacked me for this reason. This is how I know so much about it. Good luck and I hope you manage to get something sorted to help you stay at work.