Has anybody that work(s/ed) had an Occupational Therapy assessment in the workplace?

[Paul_Howard]

If you have and it led to some adjustments in equipment or role, would you be willing to share your experience in our new publication please?

[Tonkawoman69]

Yes I have been to 3 Occupational Health visits in the last year. My first visit was with a Occupational Nurse due to a pending hysterectomy. The second was with a occupational consultant and the 3rd was with a Occupational consulting manager who wants to see me again before September to see if I can return part time. The decision is with my work whether they pension me off or allow me to come back part time. That's if I will be well enough in September. I hope that helps I can answer specific questions if you have any?

Andrea

[Tonkawoman69]

Oh forgot to say after the second OH appointment they did make adjustments but illness progressed and managed two weeks back at work. I wasn't diagnosed then so had no idea why was so ill.

Andrea

[lillyanne]

I was a teaching assistant for disabled children when I became ill and went to see occ health who asked for adjustments to be made in the workplace but my employers said that I was unfit for work if I could not lift etc. I asked unison for help, but in all honesty, they didn't help much and it took over a year of fighting but in the end, I handed in my notice because I could no longer handle the stress or the lack of income that came from being on the sick for so long. My work was saying I was unfit for work, the occ health said I was fit if adjustments could be made, the Atos board declared me fit for work, so no income from sick pay and no income from work. It was a nightmare. I was undiagnosed at this stage. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I don't blame occ health though, just my employers!

[DaleDiva]

I underwent an OT assesment when I started my current job not because of Lupus but osteo-arthritis in my shoulders and MCTD. I was given permission to be classified 'non-lifting' and told I could decide myself what my capabilities where. I was fitted for a suitable chair and provided with a foot rest (cos I am a short-ass!) and a wrist support. I was also excused doing the data entry as it flared my shoulder. The nurse said my illness was under control as long as I took my tablets. She also advised management not to expect me to work longer than my weekly hours. When I developed CNS Lupus they were very supportive allowing time for appts and investigations.

This contrasts with my previous employer who sent me for an OT assessment in the hope I would be declared unfit for work. Having OA and Reynauds I react badly to cold and the office was illegally cold. The OT Consultant said I was fit to work and that they had to put some better heating in. Funnily enough i was made redundant not that long after that!

[Inferno]

I have had contact with my employers OH department, with verbal advice given and adjustments to the activities in some of my role as I am in management. Having had lupus and fibromyalgia as well as several other conditions for over 14 years and working full time throughout, I have had spells of absence especially during particularly bad flares. Last year, after several bereavements, stress caused me to have more time off which led to my manager taking a harder line. Fortunately, with helpful contacts, Remploy got involved which led to Access To Work from jobcentre plus coming to assess my workplace. This led to specialist equipment being bought for me by my Company ( chair, table, padded mousepad and a portable backfriend for meetings). It also led to adjustments in my working schedule so that it became more stable with regular breaks. The OHA also came and participated in a long meeting between all parties to explain how lupus, fibromyalgia etc affected me which I found really helpful as it was difficult to get through to my boss and HR manager. There have been blips along the way and sometimes it still feels that I am constantly fighting for my rights but I do still have the support from my friends/ family and Remploy is still supporting me with an advisor through Jobcentre Plus.

[SarahHeney]

I had a very positive experience which led to a lot of modifications in my workplace which were very helpful. It is all documented. Unfortunately I an no longer in the job although i know my old boss would be happy to talk about it. I used to work at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre as Marketing Manager. Sadly I was unable to sustain the role. Sx

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Thank you to everyone that has replied so far. If your story is something that I think fits my needs I will send a private message.

[helentad]

Hi, I have had a good experience with OT dept twice. I think I was lucky. I worked for local government so for them it's a case of what they say goes.

First time I didn't have a diagnosis of Lupus. I had a problem where I lost the use/feeling in one leg so I couldn't stand or walk etc. I was in hospital and tested but no diagnosis. I was off in total 3 months. I had multiple appts with the OT doctors who decided when I was ok to go back to work with crutches and what measures would have to be taken and what I couldn't do. I worked at the time as a visitor services assistant in a museum with multiple floors and no lifts. They stipulated that I was not to go upstairs so the usual rota that we followed to change role every 45 minutes had to be changed for me to not go upstairs on the security role. Part of my role before the museum opened was cleaning a specific area of the museum which included mopping the floor. They didn't want me to do that but I didn't want to cause to much of a problem with other staff etc so suggested a mop bucket with wheels which they thought was a good solution. I was not allowed to go upstairs for nearly a year due to crutches and strength in my leg but was eventually signed to return to normal work.

The second time was after I had given birth (was on maternity leave). I had changed job within the council and now was Museum Education Assistant which meant i was up and down a huge staircase multiple times a day, taking groups of children on gallery tours and city tours for 1 hour 45 at a time. I had a C-Section and got an infection. It was not treated etc and I was discharged with my boys after 16 days. 2 days later I had a massive fit and was rushed to a different hospital A&E which worked hard and saved my life (I died and they had to shock me). After my body shutting down I was not getting any better and during a checkup I was referred to Rheumatology dept and was diagnosed with Lupus. Work knew I was sick as colleagues had kept in touch etc. after 4 month they contacted me about returning to work after my 6 months paid maternity. My GP said no way could I return. OT contacted me at that point. I was seen every 3 months by doctors and after my diagnosis everything sort of changed from when will you get better to what can we do to help you return to work at some point. The Human Resources and OT said in the short term I could not return to my actual position and that I should work in another dept within the council. They looked at everything from shorter hours and floating days to sound activated computer systems as I couldn't type. After 18 months I had not recovered at all and had in fact gotten worse with my diagnosis being long term illness which now included Fibromyalgia it was decided that it was not feasible for me to return to work within the council in any form within the foreseeable future. A meeting with Human resources and my bosses etc and myself it was decided that I should be retired due to ill health. This after nearly 11 years service with the council.

I can say that sometimes during OT appt before my diagnosis I did feel like I was being made to feel a bit like I was putting it on but after things changed and a different doctor was completely different and couldn't have been more considerate or helpful.

I would say that these OT's on the whole were intent on getting people back to work and solving any problems that might hinder a return to work. In the end it was unfortunate that I was in no fit state to return the decision was made with consideration.

[Slowmo]

Hi, I was full time employed when symptoms developed and my OT (via employer) was invaluable. Initially they arranged for me to work flexibly, allowing time for appt's etc. Later they increased the nature of flexible working to ensure if I was tired/fatigued I could leave early, start work later etc. OT arranged a phased return following a lengthy absence on two occasions. Then arranged a desk assessment to ensure relevant equipment was provided including chair, PC adjustments etc. and handrests. As my role involved lots of driving and travelling throughout England and Wales OT liaised with management to have that element of my role changed to local travel only.

When my symptoms became worse and post diagnosis my OT arranged that I was office based (with no travel at all) and liaised with management for me to change teams to facilitate my needs.

Later OT continued their support and arranged for independant assessment for ill health early retirement, (which was awarded).

They were a great help at a very difficult time and ensured all negotiations were conducted through them.

Hope this helps.