Help with work

[susanh]

I was disgnosed with RA 4 years ago and now it is getting very hard to do my full time job. I need advice on what I can do ? Can anybody give me any advice or point me in the right direction

Many thanks xx

[Gina_K]

Hi Susan,

I am in the same situation, but don't live in U.K., so not much help. I have seen the girls on here discussing disability benefits ., so guess if you search for benefits? Am sure you will get lots of help. I know whatever country you live in you are guaranteed a mountain of paperwork!!

Good Luck hon, Gina.

[julieporter]

Hi Susan

Are you looking to reduce your hours are leave work completely.You are probably covered under the Disability Discrimination Act which means your employer has to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to stay in work.This can include reducing hours or a change of job role.There's lots of info on direct.gov.uk about this and you'll also find info on benefits on there too.The NRAS helpline is really good if you'd like to talk through your options -the number on the website

Take care

[Hidden]

I can add little more to what the other two said. I am trying to hang in work as long as possible but if i feel i can no longer do it i will try part-time.

Its a big decision to make and like julie said the nras helpline is really good

[helixhelix]

As well as the legal side etc you also need to think about what YOU want. Lots of people find that it is really important to them to keep working, and not just for the financial benefits, so are most focused on making that possible whether by change of role or hours or whatever. For others (and I'm one of them) the priority is health/happiness so more important to find a way to live that isn't tied to a specific job. I haven't regretted quitting a full time job, as I wanted to concentrate on managing my RA and others things in life. So life is financially far more precarious, but I'm actually calmer not more stressed. Maybe what you want won't be an option, but if you know what it is then you're more likely to be able to steer any discussions that way. Good luck, Polly

[sylvi]

I never wanted to finish work,but i got made redundant 2yrs ago and to say i wasn't well was an understatement. I don't look particually ill so i have a bit of a complex about not working. I thought it was better for me to work. Mind you the job i had that i loved was as a mobile caterer,i went everywhere in the warwickshire area and i had to leave that as i was not safe in a kitchen,so i went into an office which wasn't too bad. I miss meeting people thats my problem.

All i can say is do what you feel is best for you,as others here have told you your options i won't go there as they have beaten me to it. Think very carefuly how you feel,what you want,how you can compromise to stay in work. Its a thing only you can decide,but don't rush into anything just to please other people around you. It will be a difficult decision to make so take your time.

Sylvi.xx

[Hidden]

I've been in your situation, firstly for me my doctor knew it was too much for me (we have a good relationship he is very chatty) so he suggested as I was at the time doing full time then spending every minute off my time outside off work in bed including all weekend, then overdoiing it and having time off with a flare, so my doctor suggested a sick note "now called fit note"

To allow me to work reduced hours under doctors orders, this made it easier than me just going in asking for reduced hours even though you have every right. So I first off all tried 6 hours and that was still too much, so I went to 4 hours which was good for a while till my ra went crazy so I took 6 monthsish off sick and ra is still crazy so doctor wanted to keep me off sick but I explained that it was sending me nuts at home so I'm now doing 2 hours a day comfortably.

My advise to you is don't feel pushed out off your job, your employer has obligations to make you be able to stay in work, whether it be allowing you too work from home, reduction in hours, increased breaks, changing or adapting your work station the list is endless.

Any help you need feel free to ask.

Take care

Julie x

[susanh in reply to Hidden]

Hi

I have decided to take time get all the facts together and comfront my boss. Working 9 hours a day in a busy traport office with no breals would break a well person let alone someone with RA

Thank you for your kind thoughts and will let you know how I get on

Susanh

[essexgirl]

hi susan

i loved my job in a golf club running the members bar but i was doing about 50 hours a week and then spending my days off suffering and then becoz of the job i started being off sick more often and i hated letting people down so then i started going into work just becoz they needed me .... but in the end i decided to reduce my hours and even then it still didnt help becoz your still up at same time just doing more in the home before you went to work so it still wasnt working out ... the thought of giving up work and being home all the time wasnt my cup of tea and also the customers i used to look after they would say please dont leave we like you being here ...

but in the end you have to think of yourself and your health ... i gave up work all together in june and although first of all i was sooooo bored you just adjust and find things to fill your day like the gym or just walking when you want and seeing family more .... but i know you think that finishing work means the RA has got the better of you ...but you are less stressed becoz you know in your mind that you dont have to show people '' yeah i can work and control my RA ''

im so glad now that i finished work .. i still go and see them but do wat i want wen i want with no pressure ..

Benefits was a bit of a nightmare first but when its sorted you can then relax and live life

debs x

[allanah]

I too am going through this at the moment. The NRAS have lots of leaflets on " so you want to keep working" to leaflets on benefits. I don't know if you have this facility but my Occupational Health and Personnel department have been amazing and have held my job since March and are going to support me on a slow return to work and kit out my work areas with helpful gadgets. As Julie says there is a law to protect you and your Rheumy and GP may be able to help too. Good Luck Axx

[roger-s]

susanh i was made redundant and was told by the doctor not to do the physical job that i was doing , because of the damage it would cause to my joints, that job was all i new, no one wanted to employ me at the time, i am not academic skilled so office work is no good.

my advice is keep your job as long as you can but reduce your hours and work load , i think there is a scheme where your boss can get help to keep you on and any equipment that will help you, contact the job centre. depression gets bad if your not at work, i still do work when i can and it keeps my mind of the pains ,

[sylviai]

many years ago I worked in a jobcentre and they had advisors especially for people with long term health problems and disabilities - these advisors were there to help people stay in work as well as help unemployed people find suitable jobs and it might be worth while contact the Jobcentre to see if they can be of any help to you in speaking with your employer. Don't forget if you are in a trade union they may also be of some help

good luck

[Hidden]

Good luck susanh.. hope you get something sorted, I work reduced hours, it really does help especially on a bad day xx

Alison

[kathgallagher]

I am in a similar position. I work full time as a Midwife which includes doing shifts. One day i can finish at 2200 and get home by 11 and then have to be up the next day at 05.30. I am so tierd I can hardly think some times and would love to cut my hours but it is not a finacial possibility at present. I applied for DLA but got rejected as IM too healthy. My gp says Ishould change jobs which may be viable later this year. The Consultant in Occy Health has been brilliant they were giving me 10 shifts on a run and he soon put a stop to that bless him. If there was some kind of financial help then cutting my hours would be more of a possibility