Working with cirrosis

[Rockyroo28]

My husband was diagnosed with decompensated cirrosis the beginning of December 2021, he was in hospital for over a week, with jaundice and ascities, had a biopsy and a drain, medication has kept the fluid at bay and so far he has not had to have another drain. He has abstained from alcohol for nearly 5 months. Billirubin went down from 187 in Dec to 88 in the beginning if Feb. We have had no futher appointments since we saw day care nurse Feb 2nd. He has an app with his consultant (who he hasnt seen since Dec) at the end of April. We just found out his wages will be stopping next month and will be put on ssp, we have 2 children and a mortgage, Im self employed and cannot cover all the bills. We have both worked all our lives. My husband is 49. I feel so anxious and stressed. My question is does anybody successfully work with this condition?

[Lippy42]

My hubby is only on ssp hes to poorly to work he has decompansated liver disease I work part time I've just started the application for pip and universal credit we have never claimed any benefit so this in itself is a nightmare where to start .I contacted CAB and they helped with UC and a family friend is helping with pip .my hubby did a 50 hrs week and now struggles to do anything he is weak fatigued due to insomnia up all through the night due to ascites and being on diuretics. His job doesnt pay sick pay so hubby been on ssp since oct I feel your stress on top of our hubby's being poorly money worries also cause so much stress to . I use to think hubby will go back to work soon but now reality is it's going to be a long road so now my focus is to see what help financially there is out there everything takes weeks we have been extremely lucky that family have helped us with shopping but it still leaves a massive financial hole to fill .contact CAB and see if your entitled to any thing .Good luck thinking about you and your family 🙏💕

[Jovidreamer in reply to Lippy42]

Hi Libby. It is a worry and scary. I am 52 next week and I have worked sincence I was 16. I to have decompensated liver disease, I know I am not going to be back working any time soon and have applied for New style WAS contribution base. My claim has gone through but waiting to see if I get anything. I have been off sick since 11th November and received SEP until 11th Feb when my contract. For DWP to assess my situation I need a fit note to cover up to 18th March and a sick note for at least 90 day which my Dr has sent out in the post. I started the application process on the DWP/Direct Gov web site. Hope this helps

[LemonMeringue15]

I agree with the advice to see what benefits he is entitled to. I understand how this might feel difficult to accept but there is help our there for people who are too ill to work, especially if they require care from other people. I'd definitely look into PIP.

[AyrshireK]

Seek help perhaps from Citizen's Advice Bureau who can look at your situation and advise what benefits you might be able to apply for - my hubby is on ESA (Support Group) and PIP (Enhanced Daily Living/Basic Rate Mobility). I am self-employed so as hubbies ESA is means tested I have to provide details of hours worked and income. I am able to claim Carer's Allowance too.

What about your mortgage protection insurance - is it likely to kick in which hubbies level of illness? (Worth checking!)

Katie

[Supportinghubby]

My husband was decompensated when he was diagnosed with cirrhosis 3 and a half years ago. He stopped drinking straight away and went back to work after about 7 weeks. He quickly became compensated and has worked with no issues ever since. He has a busy job, is a Manager and has more energy than me! I don't count my chickens but so far he's been very lucky (he's in his 40s too).