Fed up

[Alfie2022]

Hi just wanted to vent. In 2022 I fell down 3 carpeted stairs and broke my tibia and fibia in left leg. For a few months I tried to go back to work (in retail) but was asleep as soon as I came home and projectile vomiting. Tried to get a doctors appt. Only had 1 by phone they said vertigo. A fews days later I could hardly walk so had a CT scan. In the meantime I collapsed at work and banged my head. Had a bilateral chronic subdural haematoma. I had 4 burr holes with evacuation and was lucky that I can walk and talk and tried to feel better but then had a seizure and diagnosed with epilepsy. I live with my husband and we only have a few elderly relatives who couldn't do anything for us and unfortunately unable to have children. I tried to claim PIP even went to tribunal but scored no points. We live in a rural area and as I can't drive for another few months had to find a job. The only one nearby was stacking shelves in a supermarket. I didn't say about my medical condition as I applied for several jobs being honest and no reply. I was doing 3 evenings a week and worked quickly even with heavy lifting and they never knew a thing as I just slept on days off. They gave me a job on early mornings as I did so well and they said it would be as mauling. I have been there 6 months and did all the extra hours they wanted. Doing 50 hours a few weeks ago while other colleagues on holiday. Now boss being very rude saying I'm not quick enough and an aggressive colleagues who is on universal credit and needs to go early says she's not carrying me. I'm only slow as I could feel the atmosphere was getting nasty. This colleague buys a bottle of brandy and smokes drugs but they like her. Thought I had a nice little job I could walk to. My husband works full time and we get no help. I'm 51 and he's 57 we are too old for all this. Any advice if they sack me. Sorry for the epic post!

[James1984]

Hi Alfie,

I'm unfamiliar with the UK system as I live elsewhere in the world, but I'm shocked that you haven't got at least some consideration for partial disability. You've had a severe brain injury and it is probably going to affect you to some degree for the rest of your life.

I had a severe BI as well and I experience the same symptoms with strenuous physical activity and needing to sleep a lot more on my days off. I used to do pick-packing for two supermarkets and in the end I gave up the jobs from sheer exhaustion and aggravation of my BI causing my symptoms to reappear. I am currently going through the process of claiming disability as it's hindering me from being able to support myself, especially in a full-time capacity.

I've noticed in recent years that companies are demanding even more from KPI's, and combined with the lack of jobs/opportunities it leads to an overwhelmingly competitive and hostile atmosphere.

You need to be doing something within your ability, not trying to keep up with able-bodied people, especially when it's in a toxic workplace.

James.

[Alfie2022 in reply to James1984]

Hi James

Thank you for the reply. The UK benefits system is unbeilably complicated. Also my husband works full time and we own our small house. We still have to pay bills though. I've never had to apply before so had no idea how difficult getting PIP was. I also don't want to sit at home all the time. The PIP claim just asks questions on how far you can walk unaided, if you need aids to eat, drink or dress. I'm OK with this but people don't seem to understand brain injury. I can't drive for another few months yet but OK to walk to work and lift boxes on a 6 hour shift! Just a bit down but thanks for listening . Hope you are feeling better.

[James1984 in reply to Alfie2022]

It's similarly complicated where I live, and unless the disability is completely incapacitating then the chances of getting actual disability payment are next to zero. What they do instead is push people towards jobseeker payment but with limitations on what your job requirements are, according to what has been accepted as your medical conditions. I would imagine there is a similar system in the UK?

[Alfie2022 in reply to James1984]

Thanks for your reply. It's a sad situation but I've found that trying to act as you were before is a recipe for disaster. I can't drive and don't want to sit at home. I also find telling people means they don't know how to react.