Suspected SLE/ Rheumatoid Arthritus diagnosis and Flexi work request

[kirstyannette]

Hello After years of living with tiredness and joint pain, headaches and rashes - initially put down to menopause I have now been diagnosed as having significantly raised ANA and am seeing a rheumatologist and now nephrologist and urologist consultants due to consistent blood in my urine over the past 2 years.

I am a teacher and put in a request for PT work back in March last year in prep for the September new term which I knew I would struggle with. It was agreed in writing and put into place at the end of last term which felt amazing as I could manage my symptoms much better. However, now that I am back at work they have timetabled me for FT and have told me they do not want me to be PT and have even said that I would find it hard to win at an employment tribunal - a bit of a shock as I was totally geared up for my new PT working life... I went into school for the first 2 days of term but I am currently off for stress after a meeting in which they reiterated that I have to be FT.

I am in touch with my union and they have asked me to e mail the school to say that I have a right to flexible working as Lupus is a recognised disability (I did not know this). My problem is that my diagnosis letter form my Rheumatologist says 'Suspected SLE' and my union rep has said that this will be an issue...

Any advice please... The NHS website says that SLE is hard to diagnose 100% - but can you claim you have a disability (not that I want this..) on the 'suspected' basis?

[Alida_Bennett Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Kirstyannette

I am sorry you are having such a difficult time at work.

Please find below links to our booklets for employers of and employees who have a diagnosis of SLE. These publications have useful information and details reasonable adjustments etc. As your union rep has mentioned, the "suspected" label may be an issue. Is your rheumatoid arthritis a firm diagnosis? If so, I have added a link to the Versus Arthritis helpline. They may be able to advise in relation to employment rights with a diagnosis of RA.

lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

versusarthritis.org/get-help/

I hope the above is helpful, but please let me know if we can help further.

Kind regards

Alida

[Tine73]

Hope you get it sorted,my blood work came back a na positivewhen i was 18 and now the pains start again after 30yers ana negative but inflammation raised and fluids showing on my toes.Now been told i have uctd and nownerve problems on my feet s well as raynauds sending hugs.