No lupus diagnosis so decided stress is what’s wrong with me?

[AnyHill89]

I have lots of symptoms of sjogrens and lupus which are all known to me as watched my mother suffer for 20yrs before diagnosis. Only when she eventually has degenerative lung disease. I have several other female relatives all diagnosed with lupus too. My bloods also taken when no flare so show normal. I applied for internal job transfer at work but Occupational Health Officer says my symptoms are stress so has blocked my transfer! Devastated as it’s my dream job, nearer home & more money. Cannot say discrimination under Equality Act but can if diagnosed with lupus. So frustrated he said I have stress when only saw me for 20mins & looked out window, talked over me for remainder. Mum getting me a private Rhurmatology appt & I am appealing at work. Any other advice? I am so upset 😭

[Lupiknits]

Hmmm .... stress can cause problems but so can being dismissed for very real physical problems. I sympathise very much and hope that seeing a consultant privately helps. That shouldn’t be the way we need to go, but is unfortunately the way we have to sometimes. I very much hope you can get some help

[AnyHill89 in reply to Lupiknits]

Thank you for your compassion 😄

[Buckley123]

I really feel for you xx

[Lily77]

Hello AnyHill89, so sorry to read of your acute disappointment. Have you contacted your local Citizens Advice Bureau, they are often a good place to get extra information and support? Also, I think your Mum's idea to get you a second opinion is excellent whilst you buy time with an appeal.

My special thoughts will be with you, with very best, regards, Lily

[CecilyParsley]

I am so sorry that you have seen a doctor lacking in compassion and apathetic given your Mum’s health, to look further. I agree with your Mum sometimes the answer is to get a second opinion and for impartiality and time constraints a private option is the only way. I wish you the very best of luck in getting a diagnosis. I understand how demoralising and frustrating it is to see a doctor who is flippant and dismissive. My current Rheumatologist told me that my brain “ tricked me” into imagining I had macular oedema and a lack of peripheral vision because I had asked advice on this site about my headaches and blurred vision because he had increased my medication to 600 mg. He poo pooed the fact that myself and my carer had seen the scan showing free fluid. There are good, caring doctors out there but it takes a while sometimes to find them. Don’t give up xx

[AnyHill89]

Well my update tonight is that my awesome Mum got me a private consultation with her rheumatologist & he has written me a letter for work saying my symptoms are not stress & I am being investigated for lupus. Hope that does the trick. My employer will acknowledge he is the specialist of me & my family conditions. So has better idea than my employer occupational health officer. Fingers crossed 🤞

[Lupymo]

“stress” symptoms may be classed as a disability if it falls within the terms of the equalities act, (have a look on google) . So, your employer may be discriminating against you by failing to provide reasonable adjustments to meet your needs. Are you in a union, if so, your steward can or should help you out and advocate for you?

[AnyHill89 in reply to Lupymo]

Thanks for your union suggestion as it definitely helped 👍

[AnyHill89]

Hi, just a wee update that my private appointment with additional tests have confirmed a lupus diagnosis so currently trying to find a management solution for my condition. Not good having lupus but now they know what’s wrong it can be treated. Thankfully consultant report, meetings with HR & involvement of my union eventually achieved the fantastic outcome of me getting my transfer to the role I wanted. Start in January 2020. Yippee 🥳

Thanks everyone for your support and advice. Biggest thanks to my awesome Mum. 😁

[Sara_A in reply to AnyHill89]

That's excellent news, I was just going to reply to say that lupus comes under disability discrimination act so they need to make reasonable adjustments, but u have already got sorted so that great news!

Ha in ur face to that person that blocked it initially!

[AnyHill89 in reply to Sara_A]

Thanks for supportive reply 👍