Signed off work

[cosmondo]

I've been battling on, through everything. It's my default, head down & push through.

I'm at the end of my tether, fatigue & pain.

I turn up for work, do my job & go home to crash (literally). It feels worse in the winter.

I think I need time off work to recover. I've not been signed off for years & never due to fibro.

Will they sign us off for being absolutely done in? What else am I supposed to say/do?

I've new meds which might/not be helping.

[Dinkie]

You have my every sympathy, it's a very fine line we tread when working with fibro. I would suggest you seek the assistance of your GP to determine whether it is the medication or whether a few days/weeks off could make all the difference to how you are feeling whilst adjusting to the new meds. Don't worry about work, you are protected under The Equality Act 2010. Perhaps a word with HR discussing your concerns about your fatigue will help. My employer decided to enlist the help of an occupational health assessment. He instructed a private company, against my wishes, but I have to say it was the best thing that could have happened. It's enabled me to stay employed with the same company with a few minor adjustments which come under the "reasonable adjustments" part of the Equality Act.

Any employer that refuses to comply with the Act is leaving themselves wide open to proceedings for constructive dismissal etc. I took action against my late husband's employers and won because, a) they did not comply with the legislation and b)they considered cancer, pmr/gca and 2 heart attacks to be minor health issues!

Reasonable adjustments for me meant a car parking space right outside the door, modified uniform (unable to lift arms up to put anything over head or do up small buttons), modified chair and screen, breaks as and when (didn't use these) and longer working hours in summer and shorter in winter (I cannot drive in the dark) etc. Even what seems a minor adjustment can make all the difference.

I have always found that communication with your employers is esssential, afterall how can they help if they don't know.

[cosmondo in reply to Dinkie]

Yeah, my boss referred me to occupational health in September. Still waiting, I spoke to her last week & she's chasing it up.

So that's 5 months since bringing it up that I'm struggling, I now feel totally floored & my days off are just recovery before going in again.

I feel I need some time off, but don't know if I'd get the GP to sign me off for being completely knackered. Not really sure how to approach it, as I've managed not to be off so far (years).

I've seen people talk about a crash, I don't know if it's something like that.

Thanks for your reply, I'll keep all of that in mind thanks.

[Dinkie in reply to cosmondo]

My GP put fibro flare on my “fit note” if your GP did a similar one then it may concentrate the minds of those in HR to get a wiggle on with the assessment. Mine was done days after the first discussion. There is no excuse there are lots of companies out there specialising in assessments. Remember you are entitled to see the report before it goes to your employer and ask for any discrepancies to be rectified before your employer sees it. Good luck

[kikimouse17]

hello. I’m so sorry you’re feeling like this and have hit the wall with the Fibro. Winter is a really difficult time for it. Your GP should be ok to sign you off for a while to help you to rest and get over this flare up. Your work needs to be to put interim adjustments in place as well pending Occupational Health review and that should help a bit hopefully as well for you.

I have been in the same situation. I’m currently off for the third winter in a row with a major flare up. My work are refusing to put adjustments in place going against the advice of HR, Union, occupational health and the equality commission and I’m going to have to potentially take a case against them.

I don’t see my works behaviour as the norm though and lots of employers of people on this forum have been really supportive of the condition

I hope some time off helps you and your GP can help advise on things to make it a bit easier for you

Best of luck and hope you get some help from your workplace

[Su55anr]

Hello Cosmondo, I am sorry you are going through this but I found myself in exactly the same situation as you. Struggling to work, having evening meal & just sleeping evening away till back at work. No life outside work. Have used my holidays in the past to just rest & relax. My boss knows I’ve done this several times.

What I’m trying to say is many of us have been in your situation. Good advice given already talk to your boss again & make app with your doctor who will give you a fit note with fibro flare on it.

I am currently signed off work with the worst flare up I’ve ever experienced. Fit notes said fibro flare at first but then sent to rheumatology and say MSK pain now as they’re reviewing current medication.

Sounds like you need a break to recover. Good luck with it all.

[Noura1985]

Hi,

I know what you’re going through. Please see your GP.

I ignored the signs and was in denial. I was burnt out crashing out during my breaks at work , as soon as I got home : things went from bad to worse and it affected me not just physically but mentally . So I have been off work for more than 4 weeks .

I’m getting all the help to try to get back to work but my body and mind has so much control over me. It’s very hard . Not sleeping , poor appetite, flare up in bed for days .

So my suggestion is you know your own body better than anyone and like @ Dinkie said you are protected .

[fibo]

I uses go to Doctor and say can you sign me off for a couple of weeks as I don't feel very well I think I'm depressed so they did and at times it carried on for longer in the end I was shattered fatigued and in pain I gave up work but I was in my 50s take care 🙂