Work related..

[fudgecake21]

Good morning,

I was diagnosed with Endometriosis 3 years ago, I've been employed with the NHS for 7 years and I've had 3 operations to cut back the Endo each time. Last one was 18 months ago. Last March I had an accident and hit my head I've been getting migraines ever since and since June I've been having seizures and have been off sick since then. My sick pay has now stopped so I'm going through the process of claiming Employment Support Allowance.

Tomorrow morning I have a meeting with my manager and HR to discuss redeployment or termination of my contract.

If they can't find a suitable position for me are they allowed to terminate my contract!?

At the moment I'm considered homeless because I'm sofa surfing, I'm waiting for a room in a hostel.

I'm under the mental health team due to my severe anxiety and depression. I'm due to see them on Wednesday.

In regards to the Endo. I haven't been on any hormone tablets/injections since my last operation as I didn't want to put weight on as I was a bridesmaid. Now I get migraines, will it make them worse? The gynae has suggested Depo-Provera, I'm rubbish at taking the pill, the coil doesn't agree with me (I'm also allergic to copper so can't try the other kind!) and the implant is my absolute last resort as my friends one dislodged and went into her lung. yikes.

Surely they can't do it on medical reasons as it'll be discrimination? Has anyone else experienced this?

I know my Endo is back already. It was pretty bad last time and only took 16 months between the 2 operations to grow wild again and that was with the coil and the pill!

I hope your day is comfortable X

[Davina-Canning]

I'm currently on privera and like you am worried about weight gain - but check out this blog on endo and weight! You can lose weight on hormone treatment.

Thinking of you and sending my love xx

dvcblog.simplesite.com

[Bethleah]

Hi. They can let you go if you are no longer capable of doing the job you are employed to do but they need to have followed their procedures before letting you go. Check your contract of employment and contact acas and or cab both are free.

When calming esa always complete the form based on a bad day and how it affects your ability to complete tasks eg pain is so intense it blocks out everything else so you don't think straight or able to finish things. You get mire points if you have mental health issues, more points = esa.

Homelessness contact cab, shelter and your local authority to get on the home choices scheme for homelessness. Cab can help with this.

Good luck. Xx

[Ardenrose]

What an awful situation to be in, you have my sympathy and I hope it can be resolved fairly. With regards to the endo what I would say is that I had a terrible time with the implant and later found out that it is the worst thing for endo. If you are offered that say no. I have tried everything now except the injection. I did manage with the single hormone pill, ceresette I think it was called. And at least with the pill you can just stop taking it if there is a problem. Xx

[poppy75]

Hi there. I'm so sorry to hear your situation. A year ago I had my employment terminated due to PTSD/anxiety and depression and Endo causing me to take a lot of time off. I did receive a settlement agreement which got me through 6 months and then I applied for ESA and housing benefit. I received assessment period ESA £73 pw relatively quickly. It took 7 months for me to be moved into the ESA support group and due to my flat not being self contained it took the same amount of time to receive housing benefit. It was really tough, I was terrified I was going to lose my home but I was lucky that my friends helped me and finally things are more settled.

What I would say is yes, contact cab in regards to employment, ESA and housing and Acas for employment advice. If you have a union at your workplace speak to them. Many solicitors offer around 10 mins free phone advice. I found this really helpful. Call two or three for advice.

When applying for ESA definitely fill in the forms based on your worst days. Same for the interview. It's really hard as with Endo and mental health I think we're always trying so hard to cope and show the world we can. Basically, with ESA dignity goes out the window, be completely honest informing them of how bad things are. I found it very upsetting as its so personal but in the end it's worth it if it gives you enough financial security to get by and you have time to focus on your health. If you can, get a friend to fill the form I'm for you and definitely take someone with you to the interview. With ESA, Endo seems difficult to claim with but with Endo on top of anxiety and depression you stand a very good chance of being placed in the support group. As long as you make it clear these conditions are making it impossible for you to work.

I'm sorry I can't give you any advice on Endo treatment. I've had surgery twice, can't take any hormone treatment so it's down to pain management and dietary and lifestyle changes for me.

I hope someone on here can give you advice re housing. I was lucky in the end for things to be sorted just before I lost my home.

It sounds like your ESA application and employment circumstances will be similar to mine so please do contact me if you have questions or just need to chat. I think the only positive that can come out of my 7 month stress applying for benefits is that I'm now in a good position to advices others.

Take care, big hugs and keep in touch with everyone on here for support. Xx