Newbee

[Gypsy252]

Hello everyone

Am new to this having only recently been told by my gp that he thinks I have Fibromyalgia, reading up about it I feel like I have probably had it for some time.

I have ibs which has got much worse over the last year and recently had my GB removed . My employers NHS are taking me to an ill health capabilities hearing this week, I have worked for them for two years and a year previously in a different capacity. No one has mentioned possible early retirement on health grounds I am 59, but they do keep reminding me I could have my contract terminated as an outcome / decision of the hearing. Redeployment was considered for a 13 week period but nothing suitable was available during that time frame. My union are involved but not really saying a lot so far . Any advice would be greatly appreciated .

[Hidden]

Hi

I'm so sorry you are feeling so rough. I had to take ill health retirement last year due to the many conditions I have. I was very lucky, my boss tried everything she could to accommodate me but it didn't work. It was hard to get my head around but it was the best decision for me. You could also get advice from citizens advice. I do hope your union are supportive. Please let me know how you get on. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[Gypsy252 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you it’s all very worrying ... and a lot to get your head around even if your thought processes are in tact . Mine do feel like they are continuously in panic mode at present. Like you said ultimately it’s what decision is best for you . Health should come first. Thank you again

[Hidden in reply to Gypsy252]

You are very welcome. Everyone on the forum are so kind, caring and supportive. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[phlebo123]

Hello and welcome!

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Like you my IBS were the first symptoms that flared up before my diagnosis about 13 years ago.

I also work for the NHS, and had to leave my job because my working hours were too much for me. I have however managed to find a new position within the NhS, where I work four x 3hour shifts per week, which I can manage. How many hours do you work? Is there a possibility that you could reduce your hours?

Why did they only consider redeployment for 13 weeks? Why not carry on looking now? Is a union rep attending your hearing? If not then may I suggest you take a friend or family member with you for support and ask if you can receive a transcript of the hearing? Have you got a supporting letter from your GP to take with you? Maybe take some leaflets or print off some information about fibromyalgia to take with you? Have you already had an assessment with occupational health?

Hope your hearing is not too stressful and goes well. Please let us know how you get on. Take care x

[Gypsy252 in reply to phlebo123]

Hello and thankyou for your message. Did you get early retirement on health ground or did the new job opportunity present before you left your original post?

The 13 weeks is the procedural time slot given for redeployment to be considered. I have seen occ health who got more than a year have been recommending reduce hours etc. But my manager keeps saying the needs of the service come first and that they can not accommodate a reduction in my hours. Noon are attending the hearing which is tomorrow. X I should work 37.5 but it’s more like 45 and with in call requirements.

[phlebo123 in reply to Gypsy252]

I left my previous job 13 years ago, so I was too young to qualify for early retirement, and as I had only been in that position for less than 2 years I only qualified to be paid off with several weeks pay. I found the new position myself a year later when I had learned how to manage my condition.

I wouldn't be able to manage such long hours as you. Do you work the long shifts also? Maybe you could explain to your manager that the choice is reduce your hours or lose you completely? Surely your experience must count for something! What about a jobshare? Or is that not appropriate for your job?

Please consider taking someone to the hearing. I found mine was very stressful, and when under pressure my symptoms and foggy brain get much worse. Contact your union and ask for a representative to attend, and failing that what about a work colleague (who understands the pressures of your position)? Or a friend or family member (my husband came with me).

Also, as I said previously take lots of information about fibromyalgia with you, and any doctor's letters. Hopefully they should already have the recommendation from occupational health about reducing your hours. Surely that must be taken into consideration? It is quite sad that the NHS does not appreciate the limitations of illnesses and disability,

If you don't mind me asking would you prefer to take early retirement, if it is offered? You could then maybe look for something part time with the experience you have? Wishing you well tomorrow x

[YASMINTINA FMA UK Volunteer]

healthunlocked.com/fibromya..., hello there glad to see you have had some helpful replies from members, I hope everything does get sorted for you very soon. I am similar age 58 and not working due to Fibro/cfs , if you would like to lock your posts there is a link above that way only our community can see and not open to any other site engines on the internet. Take care xx