Retirement?

[StubbyAVFC]

Would retirement be beneficial to my condition ( cirrhosis ) or keep working ?

[Aotea2012]

It depends how you feel. I reduced my work when I was first diagnosed with cirrhosis as I was really unwell and needed to physically recover. I really sorted myself out during this time out…no alcohol, exercise and a carefully balanced diet. I started to feel so much better that I upped my work again and am now working in a demanding job four days a week. I do get a bit more tired than I used to if I overdo it, but I’m careful to look after myself. If you feel ok…then keep working if you want to. Personally, I find I enjoy my work and don’t want to reduce at the moment…obviously that may change…but that will be down to me wanting more time to do other things than my cirrhosis.

[StubbyAVFC in reply to Aotea2012]

Thank you for replying. I like you have stopped drinking completely when I was diagnosed with cirrhosis and eat extremely healthily and have reduced my weight. I find I get tired early evenings and although this maybe partly due to me being a lorry driver as I start work early it seems worse since my diagnosis. I enjoy working but I am wondering if I retired it may be more beneficial long term .

[wp69 in reply to StubbyAVFC]

I too have thought about retirement , 54 next week but currently doing building work at the moment , not my real job though.

[Aotea2012 in reply to StubbyAVFC]

You don’t say when you were diagnosed. I found that I was particularly careful after my diagnosis. I had been extremely unwell and paid attention to every ache and pain. As time progressed and everything pointed to me making a good recovery then I eased up with the worry. Now (nearly 3 years on) I only really think about my cirrhosis when I’m having my check up with my consultant. I suppose what I’m saying …is make decisions because they suit your life not because of your diagnosis.

[AyrshireK]

Have you discussed this with your doctor?

You say you're a lorry driver, has anything ever been said about you updating DVLA about your condition or your ability to drive.

I'd be very concerned about a fatigued patient with cirrhosis driving a truck. I know my hubby gave up driving as soon as he was diagnosed with cirrhosis as he is too fatigued, can't concentrate and his movement and response times have become so slow - he'd be lethal behind the wheel.

You don't say what has caused your cirrhosis, if there is any alcohol involvement it should have been flagged to DVLA - I hate to say it. Plus, are you on any medications for potential Hepatic Encephalopathy (lactulose, rifaximin etc) as this condition can impact on your ability to drive and affect your licence.

Some people can carry on working and often it is good for your mental health to be out and about, sadly, other folks can't - my hubby was a welder in heavy engineering and there is absolutely no way he could continue in that line of work - he's 62 now and we are living on savings/an inheritance though he was able to get ESA previous to going over the threshold for savings plus also gets PIP and I get Carers Allowance.

Cirrhosis is a long term illness so is covered under the Disabilities and Equalities legislation in that employers are meant to make 'reasonable adjustments' to enable you to continue in work but how practical that can be in your situation as a lorry driver I don't know.

Worth chatting over with your doctor.

Katie

[Mango5cm]

My son was diagnosed with cirrhosis nearly two years ago when he was 61’. He had a manual job and worked long hours . Like you he stopped drinking alcohol immediately and lost a lot of weight but he also lost muscle mass and was extremely tired . He took early retirement as his health deteriorated and he was very stressed about work . He receives PIP benefits and ESA payment . He couldn’t have physically or mentally carry on working . He’s 63 now and he says he’s pleased he retired although he misses the “banter with mates “ !

it depends how your health is and if you need to work for financial reasons and if you enjoy working . If you can afford to retire and have other interests and hobbies it might be worth thinking about . If you have any family what do they think ? Could you go part time ? Best wishes whatever you do - hope you stay healthy . Carol

[taar]

I went 50% semi retired in 2019. I had my liver transplant Sept 2022, and after about 3m couldn't wait to get back to work. So I did. I felt so well I decided to stay on after retirement age in Sept of this year, agreeing to work 40% from September onwards, working two days a week, which has been brilliant. I very much enjoy my work which isn;t physical.

Unfortunately, after the decision was made, I then took a bit of a downturn, picked up the CMVirus, and then about June onwards, my kidneys have been playing up. I have had two spells in hospital, 10 days and 13 days respectively. But I am starting to feel better again now, and am being closely monitored by the liver AND kidneys team. And back in harness again.

[Readlots]

I think for a lot of people, going from full time work to retired is a shock to the system. Reducing gradually and/or having a plan of things to do seems to really help. I ‘retired’ at 54 because I just couldn’t manage my energy levels any more. I was working, coming home to eat a dinner my husband cooked and then falling asleep. It wasn’t much fun. I planned to volunteer2 days a week and have ended up volunteering 1 day and being paid for two. I feel like I’ve got the balance right for me. It’s worth talking to pension wise before you make any decisions.

[Greengal314]

I’d say if you like your job and it occupies your mind in a positive way, maybe hold off. Nothing worse than too much time on your hands.

Depends on your energy level too. I feel great!