1st PIP interview

[SuriL]

Hi all, keep up the good work on discussing RA issues, I have learnt so much.

I am having my 1st interview on the phone next week. The irony is since I made the application I have had COVID and the impact on my health has been severe. Firey bones, aches and fatigue is constant, however this was not addressed in my application to the degree I suffer now, post covid. I was wondering if I shd discuss this at the interview? GP has been very good, and has recommended physio but again was not needed before so not on my application.

I am struggling to go into work, can only manage 2 days, so work not happy -I will meet with OT.

If anyone had any experience or advice, it will be most welcomed.

Thank you

[FamilyHistorian]

Don’t forget when doing these PIP interviews you talk about worst days not good days. It sometimes helps to talk to someone else first who can just remind you what you can’t do

[SuriL in reply to FamilyHistorian]

Thank you, I will try and do this. In fact I will write down things as I’m so forgetful too.Much appreciated.

[FamilyHistorian]

How did the interview go?

[SuriL in reply to FamilyHistorian]

Thank you for asking! Very stressful as expected with all the questions -repeated in different ways. The interviewer asked lots of questions about my work but then focused on the form. I hope that the outcome will be good, I’m really struggling to work 5 days-exhausted ! I feel I will need to cut my days soon.I hope you are keeping well.

[FamilyHistorian]

I am well thank you. Having stopped some of my drugs 2 yrs ago whilst I was in ICU a different rheumatologist couldn't understand why I hadn't restarted them

🤐🤐🤐

My pred reduction has stalled at 3.5 and because I was on them for so many years it may be a while before I evan think about reducing it further. I had a cateract removed before Xmas and that has made a hell of a difference.

[BonesY2K]

Hi Lovely. Feeling your pain. I was just about managing 2.5days per week before Covid hit. It was awful (15th December til New Year). I tried to go back mid January but crashed and burned totally with above symptoms.

I agree totally with your fiery bones, brain fog, exhaustion fatigue etc. Really could hardly walk about, drive, listen, talk to more than one person horrible. Has been a long haul but about a month ago I started perking up. I genuinely believe that Long COVID/ flaring arthritis seemed to be so closely linked. I was scuppered.

BUT here I am in July and am miraculously returning to a more human situation- bones are still quite fiery but feel more functional. I have more energy and can finally walk with husband and dogs again! Wonky hip is also pending replacement but I am amazed by my improved mental function too and am not needing to rest every hour any more! True that all joints are still pretty sore but mostly I can find a way through rather than constant misery.

I think Long Covid may have finally gone and new biologic is starting to help. I have now resigned after months of absence meetings. OH were very much- you are obviously not fit for work , no one can say how long this will be, work were- we need a date for your return. In the end I agreed with husband that I would leave as they do need a real teacher in the room!

I am relieved but early retirement after a late start is not an ideal pension situation 😣 trying to feel lucky that I had the option. I was lucky that had been in the job long term so had quite fair sickness leave. I hope your journey improves. Do keep telling it like it is. Wishing you luck and persistence in your journey. Can your consultant help? Can your union help? Good luck xx