I had been an NHS Professional for the past 17yrs when 3yrs ago, bed bound due to an occupational hazard, back spasms, ( 4 lumbar/ 3 Cervical disc bulges involving nerve pain) when I suffered a DVT & Sub Massive Bi-lateral Pulmonary Embolus - now on life long warfarin- permanent damage- leg PTS, chest pain /breathlessness, atypical Facial numbness/ deep muscular pain in arm & general - none of which are conducive to a good nights sleep, waking up tired I very slowly try to come to and drag myself to Part-time work, now on lighter duties according to the disability act but what I really needed to do was retire, if only I could afford to. Unfortunately not so at the time I asked the Occupational Health Doctor if they would consider supporting me in my application for Retirement on the grounds of ill health, which would just about allow me to retire if I lived frugally. This particular Doctor had obviously been chosen well for her post and I was most offended by her response of "you are fine". She was aware I had also been diagnosed with Clinical agitated Depression and the inference was quite clear, when she said
"I had so many symptoms of all over deep muscular aches & pains, they had to be psychosomatic and added in a weak attempt to empathise, apparently this is a common occurrence following a near death experience " I should keep active - lose weight, all rather difficult with reduced mobility, Lidocaine & pregabalin, I felt anything but fine.
I was left no choice but to struggle on, then some six months ago whilst on duty in a public area a rather stressed, equal grade colleague looking for promotion told me amongst other things "to work faster "- What ! There had been no mention whatsoever from my actual Trust managers and here was I feeling so fatigued after work, enough was enough and I took out a Bullying Grievance complaint , which I am still awaiting a hearing. Even more stressed about my working future and feeling absolutely physically and mentally drained I went back to my GP, eventually just two months ago not one, but two Specialist Consultants have diagnosed "Classic Fibromyalgia", who will support my application for retirement on the grounds of ill health.
Following my diagnosis I went back to the same OH Doctor and asked the same question, the facial expression said it all, Jackanory telling a story, when once again she said " No - it is important you keep active and exercise", like I don't know !! I am struggling to stay awake never mind exercise. If Health Professionals in such positions as OH do not believe the condition of Fibromyalgia exists and a fellow Health Professional cannot convince them as to the debilitating effects of Fibromyalgia, I don't know who can. I feel in utter despair, I don't know what to do next, can anyone out there advise.
Good Health !
Thank you in anticipation.
Written by
TranquilityAlways
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Hi I am so sorry you are having such an awful experience at the moment. I am a medical secretary in the NHS but am lucky enough to work in a very supportive environment in the community services. I am not sure I can offer any practical advice other than to just keep fighting and hope that if you can get enough support from health professionals that the OH doctor will have to help you. Is there any other doctors in the OH department you could see?
Not sure I have been much help but gentle hugs and best wishes to you. Steph
I could be about to completely embarrass myself here, but I'm going for it anyway ☺️
Do you belong to a Union? That's all I can think of. I too was being bullied at my last job by a career hungry boss. I put in a complaint, but all that happened was that it just got massivlely worse.
I was advised to join the Union which I did, but they declined to help me because I hadn't been a member for long enough.
I do really feel for you. Being bullied in the work place is dreadful and I think it happens a lot more than we are aware of because there simply isn't the help out there for the people being bullied.
I'm sorry I can't help more, but I do want to wish you all the luck in finding a solution.
Hi dweety. Im sorry to hesr about your situation. I also wss an NHS health professional , for 20 years. I collected s new diagnosis every 2 years. Literally. Inclufing sevete depression, fibro, copd, had pneumonia, had a poor prognosis, (6 minth, then 2, ECT) .. ECT, ECT... I just hsd to take more and mire sick days. I went on sickness msnagement stage 3 yesrd lsttrer. Others in our case got offeted early retirement at I think your age band. loss my job at 40, loss my hous . After nit paying the mortgagoe for 2 yrs . I alwsys yhoug. I would go back to work. I only recetly acceoted thst I have to few goodush dsys to fo so. I wss rehoused "because of involuntary homelessness" and im on pip as I cant shop( can once a month simetimes) , cook , ECT. You might have to let things tske their course. In the meanwhile do get a union ad a- forgit name - will negotiate fir you. Do not decrease your days further. Meanwhile akso telk your Rheumatologist/get one if u don't have one) to document thst you cant 1. Clean 2. Cook 3. Go out after work. Snd the psychiatrist to document hiw ur mental health is affecting your life, ie any suicidal thoughts, self harm, hearung voices, ECT. This way paperwork will be ready for when you dtop work and for pip. MIND can help you with it. S specialist there is mire. Helpfull thanCSB. You have to plan your pathway to leaving work like you do a recovery pathway. Dont despair. You will have to portrsy your situstion always st your Worst. Always. mine just hsppened thats why I know now what wss needed. I miss my house. But I widhed that I suffeted lesd at work. I did it, so can you. All the best with it. My hesrt goes to you.
Sounds absolutely awful - if you can't retirement on ill-health, perhaps you could look at the Disability section of the Equality Act 2010.
You have lots of protection under that and your employer has lots of duties.
Just as a thought - a private osteopath may help - can cost up to £40 for a session but your spine sends signals to every part of your body - including arms, legs, fingers, toes and even brain. Certain sections of your vertebrae affect certain sections of your body.
I am not medically trained but I did a lot of research when my back was so bad I couldn't eat and drink.
Seriously look into it - you may at least get some relief - I was gobsmacked when I tried. Unfortunately I really don't have any spare cash right now or I would make it a weekly ritual.
Some modern masseurs use a 'forearm' form of massage too that works wonders - old roman technique
Hi, I'm sorry to hear your are having such a rough time of it all at the moment, believe me I'm fully aware of how your feeling. Lose weight keep fit, I was told the same, I thinks its because they don't understand or know what to do about fibro, its all they can say. Good luck on everything keep fighting. I'll have my fingers crossed for you. You can contact me anytime. Hugs Deb xxxx
I to worked for the nhs 35 years and in 2004 had an injury at work, my life has never been the same since. I worked full time, 30 hrs, 25 hrs, 20 hrs, in 2009 I was awarded ill health retirement. I had an excellent occy health consultant. although I had other problems, I also had fibro and depression. so keep trying. I really miss my work, what did hurt me though, although the nhs is mean't to be a caring profession they never supported me one little bit, following my injury, which in fact saved some one's life x
I'm sorry to hear about your experience dillidally1. It's a pity that such t hints are never made public. That's one of the reasons why a lot of nurses, midwives, health care assistants, ect... Do only the minimum now. They don't want to put themselves in any situation that would even affect them in the long run, like refusing to-do quitting down deliveries (birth) due to impact on their back. They learn from our misfortunes and become pessimistic. Lots of healing, soothing energy to you all. 🌟
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How do i deal with ignorant managers?
occupation health appointment tomorrow - any ideas what this might be like?
Early Retirement from Work.
No ill health retirement given!
Has anyone else been told this
