Early I'll health retirement

[Autumnwillow]

Hi, I am going to see my rheumatologist tomorrow and asking him to back me up for ill health retirement. I am worried that he may disagree and want me to try other drugs first although I've tried almost all of them already. In a nutshell I'm 37 work in the NHS as a nurse (currently off sick). I have sjogrens, vasculitis, raynauds, lung cysts, SLE and currently being treated for non Hodgkins lymphoma. Just looking for any tips if it doesn't go my way, thanks 😊

[Lupiknits]

Do you have a union rep, or, if not, join the union ASAP? I’m not a nurse but have known others who were helped a lot this way. I think there are some in the forum.

Best wishes

[Milliecox]

Make sure you get help from occupational health e.g. a case conference with union rep, manager etc so that you get working conditions that support your health - if the OH doctor has not much experience with fluctuating conditions or SLE consider a private OH referral to get ideas about the support you need to stay as well as possible. You have a right to working conditions to support your health. Current retirement in NHS is on two tiers and can be very limiting for those with fluctuating conditions (Tier 2) read conditions carefully, do get some advice externally. Have someone with you to support you at all important meetings.

[CecilyParsley]

Hi there. I am so very sorry that you are so anxious about this. You should be assisted , not judged. If the Rheumatologist is good and a decent human being he should be only too pleased to help you. Good luck with it xx

[Caramia1964]

Hi I have been fighting for a year to get my ihr, was a nurse for 37 years or more. Ohs said I would have a 95% chance of getting tier 2. I have SLE , reynsuds , hypothyroidism , post brain tumour with neurological damage. I was turned down and asked to see loads of different specialisms which I did. I had loads of evidence that I sent in and still they came back with more specialists I needed to see! I was gobsmacked ! I did that and sent report , they have now awarded me lower tier from June. I can however sent in more evidence once my now diagnosed mild sleep apnoea is treated and if it helps my fatigue and cognition which they would want retested by neuropsychology. Looks like they try to do everything possible not to pay out ihr , despite fact you need to dismissed from work due to ill health ! They make you jump through hoops ! I wish you all the best in the process , don't give up ! X