This condition is ruining my life

[Maddie21]

I'm sorry to be so negative but I just feel that this condition is ruining my life. I have had a ton of sickness due to flare ups, to top it off I am really struggling with my anxiety at the moment, had to go home early from work one day due to the fact that I just wanted to go home.

To top it all off my RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) has flared up on my wrist making me one handed and I work in admin so I need both hands.

Really embarrassed having to explain everything and why my anxiety comes on as sometimes I don't even know

I just feel that all of my ailments are ruining my life.

Sorry for the rant.

[Painny]

I am not dissimilar to you, your employer has a duty to make reasonable adjustment. There is a specific law to protect you, you could speak to DWP for further information on this.

Take care

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Sorry to hear you are struggling. Have you been assessed for any reasonable adjustments that could be made to make work better for you. For example, if you suffer RSI ... A wrist rest, mouse pad, ergonomic keyboard are all things which might help. Wrist splints may also help minimise strain.

Access to work can come out and do a workplace assessment, and may also help with costs of equipment if you meet their criteria

[Maddie21 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Thank you for your comment, I have been assessed but in my usual role I hot desk so it doesn't work to have supports as I would have to take them everywhere with me. I have applied for the full time position that I am currently in a secondment in, so if I am successful I have my eye on some supports for myself.

My wrist support has a splint in it which is good.

If I get the permanent position in the secondment role I will ask to be reassessed by Occ Health as I will have a permanent desk instead of hot desking.

Sorry if it sounds like I am declining your advice, I'm not I always take on board any advice provided.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff in reply to Maddie21]

No, I totally appreciate the additional issues that hot desking can bring. Good luck with getting the permanent position

[Hidden]

Hi Maddie 21,

I've just signed up today,👍🌈 I know actually how you feel I was going always out with friends and enjoying life going on lots of holidays and now now I can't,

I've had this for 2 years now which is costochondritis now I found out I've got fibromyalgia and I feel like every day I just hope that one day I wake up and there's no more pain

[Maddie21 in reply to Hidden]

I've had fibro for many years now, eventually you do learn to adjust they way you do things. I'm hoping at some point we reach a point of enjoying life AND avoiding flare ups.

I know this is not much help so I am sorry, I'm here if you want to chat but can be a bit slow to respond as I work full time.