Finally.......

[jim378]

Hi all you wonderful people. Hope you are all having as much pain free time as possible and enjoying a little sun.

Last time I blogged I was explaining about working full time and how tired I was all the time and finding my work very difficult because of the tiredness.

Well since then I have had a bit of a battle trying to agree with my boss about reducing my hours on a temporary basis hoping this will help with fatigue. He did agree he could see i was struggling and my health seemed to be deteriorating, but Unfortunately I didn't get much support from him or HR and in the end I got myself into such a state. I had an appointment with my GP anyway for some results from my rheumatologist and when he found out I was struggling and was getting myself into a bit of a state he signed me of sick and gave me a letter to say that my hours had to be reduced. That was 4 weeks ago? My GP refused to let me go back until my employer agreed with his recommendations, 4 weeks later they have finally agreed, whoopee, so I return to work tomorrow and will work a shorter day which hopefully will give me a little more time to recover. But they have stated that this is short term only and must visit their occupational health and be assess by him. But one step at a time and at least I have my GP and Rheumatologist supporting me. But this is a typical example of not understanding what we all go and are going through. So thanks guys for all your help and advice, one battle won for now. Here's hoping you all have as much pain free time this week as possible. Be blessed.

[allanah]

Brilliant Jim. That is really something. You tend to only hear about docs and gps that don't care, it's lovely to hear a positive story and a good outcome.

I am sure when occy health see you they will agree too!

Remember tomorrow though not to bottle on and stay cos you might be tempted if its busy, go home and get the break you deserve !! Good on you xx

[jim378]

Thanks Allanah. After a year of struggling on with full time hours thinking I had to. I will be taking the advice an going as I can. Thanks again.

[sylvi]

One day these employers will get the message about ra and until that time each little success at a time. Hope it goes ok for you when you return to work,xxxx

[jim378]

Thanks Sylvi, your right they don't realise what a fight it is just to get up some mornings let alone do a full days work.

[Dotty7]

Occupational Health are generally very helpful people to see. I was very apprehensive about it, but they were really supportive of me, despite being paid by my employer.

Good luck with the adjustments - it sounds like you have quality people on your side.

Dotty xx

[jim378]

Thanks Dotty I am sure it will be fine, I think the Occupational Health will support the GP and Rheumy but the GP did come up trumphs this time. Thanks again xx

[_andy_]

good luck in returning to work ,,jim .... hopefully its just what you need ...

[miss]

Well done you and your doc. Really hope work is ok for you tomorrow xx

[rowantree]

Good luck Jim. Very brave of you. How did it go?

I'm scared to let my employer see how much I'm struggling in case they decide they don't need my role anymore! (And I work for the nhs!). I am waiting for them to advertise my job as permanent, so I can hopefully get it. Then I'll feel a bit more secure. I didn't find occupational health very helpful really.