Sickness from work!

[8luebell]

Hi I previously posted back in February that I was suffering with Golfers Elbow, I have been off work since then. I work in Retail and this is going to be a long story.

I had a steroid injection but this hasn't worked plus the pain inst just in the elbow, I also am suffering with hand pain. I pushed to be seen by a specialist so the doctor reluctantly sent me to a Rhumatologist. After explaining I have had Physio and steroid inj and this hasn't worked he then wanted to give the same treatment!

I looked at him in disbelief, he asked why I didn't look happy. He obviously hadn't listened to anything I said. So I refused this and he asked if it was due to the side effects😡

He performed a couple of further tests on me and said I could have Cervical Spondulosis, I need a scan and X-ray which the X-ray was performed on the day but waiting for a scan appointment. He wants to see me in two months.

I am really worried as my sick pay only pays for six months! I have pushed as much as I can but as the NHS is not the quickest, I don't know what happens next ?

I have spoken to work and one of my DM's didn't make me feel great as they are talking about Sickness Retirement, I have worked since I was 16 but have been with the company 15years. Since being diagnosed with Fibro my manager has been supportive of me but she herself is off sick which is why I had to speak to the DM. He said' my manager was doing me a favour letting me continue in the office but everyone has to be multi tasked. He understands that I can't be in the cold, I also suffer with back issues. Which is why he doesn't think I am able to continue working 😢

As I understand it until I am diagnosed I can't claim anything? I don't even know where to start, I've always known what I have coming in and the bills are paid before anything.

What if it's not what the doctors think but I still have the pain and can't lift ?

Scared is an understatement any advice would help!!

Many Thanks

[TheAuthor]

Hi 8luebell

I am so genuinely sorry to read of this, and you should be able to apply for ESA despite not having a diagnosis yet. ESA and PIP are paid on how your day to day life is affected by your illness or disability and not on the illness or disability itself. You will need to continue to get sick notes from your doctor for the DWP:

I have pasted you a link below to the GOV.UK cache on ESA:

gov.uk/employment-support-a...

As I said, the same applies for PIP, and I have pasted you a link to this below as well:

gov.uk/pip/overview

Here at FMA UK we also have a benefit adviser (Janet) and I have pasted her phone number below in case you would like to talk to her about your situation:

Benefits Helpline 0300 999 0055 (10am - 12pm Mon and Fri)

I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck and please take care of yourself my friend.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Hidden]

You Have been diegnosed with fibro that's pain all over the body

[Hidden]

Hi Hun- I wonder if your gp has asked an orthopaedic surgeon to put a scope in your elbow to look whats going on? Could you afford a private consultation? that might take away a bit of stress and if your employers are aware you are doing something about your absence and providing sick note; they cannot do much until your sick pay runs out, even after that it would be frowned upon, don't let them convince you they are paying you for not working, sick pay is deducted from their national Insurances paid over to the government, what their gripe is someone else is getting paid to do your job at the moment.. I,m waiting to have a shoulder scoped to look at Calcium Crystal deposits which are mega painful; in the hope they can scrape them away.

[skit in reply to Hidden]

Sorry to be negative but I understand anyone can be 'got rid of' in employment. They can call you in give you a date to return etc or just say you are unable to perform duties and terminate your contract. If ever in danger on these points get union involved if applicable or CAB .