I need some advice/guidance..

I've been off work due to RA since 20th December 2013. My doctor has been great with signing me off work. I'm in no fit state to go back to work at the moment. I'm not sure what to do with regards to: Do I give up work for the moment and sort my health out? How do I go regarding this? Or do I just keep handing in "not fit to work" certificates from my GP. I get 6 months full then it's 6 months half pay. It's coming up to my 5th month now. Help! Thanks again xx

[Bazzypants]

Hi there Lou30x, I to am off sick from work I have just been given my first month off due to RA but because I only work weekends I don't think I will get sick pay. As a care worker I know I am really no longer fit enough to do my job... I am worse sometimes than those I care for but for the last few years I have been working in pain and just getting steroid injections so that I am able to work plus taking large amounts of pain killers. I have decided to bite the bullet and give up work and claim PIP see if I cant get it not sure how its going to pan out but I that I can no longer do this job. What work do you do and have you claimed PIP?? xx

[Hidden]

Ahh that's not good. Have you looked into seeing if you get paid or not? Have you applied for ESA? I don't think I need PIP at the moment as I'm on DLA Higher and middle rate care indefinitely. Maybe down the line I'll need PIP xx

[Bazzypants]

Hi there, PIP in just going to replace DLA so you wont need to claim it as your already getting benefits so no worries for you on that. What work do you do ? and would you be able to give it up or do you even want to give it up? xx

[Hidden]

Sorry forgot to answer that question! I work 9-5 in an office but it's all repetitive. I've been working there for 8 years. I was working full time but had to go down part time a few years back. My health is not great at the moment, like yourself. No one knows what it's like until you have it. I've just been to the docs, managed to get a wheelchair, he's signed me off for 2 months. It's frustrating because I'm only 31 had it for 10 years xx

[Bazzypants]

That is horrible Lou30x, I think that's bad for some one so young, its bad for anyone I know but I think its cruel when it hits people so young I am 42 so I have had children and enjoyed life a lot ... not to say I don't now lol. I think you should be focusing on your health for sure if you haven't got that how can you hold down a job and do it well and enjoy working but you cant if everyday is like hell and your in pain. You have got to do what is best for you, only you know your limits as an individual with RA. xxxx I wish you luck what ever you decide and I hope you soon feel better .. if only for a while xxx

[Hidden]

I know. It's horrible at any age. Ahh bless you. Same to you too. xxxxxx

[claireyj]

Hi Lou , I'm a 44 year old mum of two always worked but gave up my Learning Support Assistant job in a school at Christmas. I was so sad to leave it broke my heart but I made my decision because I'm on a biologic drug and it lowers my immunity so working in a junior school with all those little germs especially chicken pox was just not giving me the best chances of better health! My advice is give it up if you can afford it because since I've left I've been able to concentrate on me and swim 3 times a week ( which really helps) , pace myself, etc ...The biologics are working wonders for me but of course I still get bad days and more often dodgy tums / side effects from Methx and Cimzia and the best feeling in the world is just having a quiet day , not feeling guilty about phoning in sick , not justifying time off etc etc it takes the stress off and I'm sure contributed to my good health and no flares ( touch wood) ! I would like to have a little job maybe one day a week ( pocket money for all the kids clubs lol) so keep my eyes open and looking into PIP , but honestly although at the time I didn't think it , giving up work was the best thing I could have done for my health and family ... Hope that helps you good luck whatever you decide - love Claire x

[Barrister]

You shouldn't give up work if you are being paid sick pay, especially as you are on 6 months full then 6 months half pay. As long as you have the support of your GP, which you obviously have, then keep giving in the "Not Fit" notes. Do you belong to a union? If so they can give you lots of advice regarding this and can also negotiate some sort of settlement if you do decide to give up work. Otherwise, the CAB. May be able to help you as they have Employment specialists working for them. Hope this helps. Clemmie

[allanah]

You still got 6 months sick pay? Did I read right. If so take it! You will then go to meetings generally after a year and you have several options. One leave work , two retire On ill health if your employer does this or three ask for a career break so you can take a year off to recover. I spoke with a union rep who gave me great advice and also spoke to cab before I made decisions. I get some ESA and DLA and am now retired from ill health giving me a chance to get different infusions which I hope will improve my health x

[Hidden]

Yeah, my partner has said them same. Health comes first. I've already got DLA Hun. Was awarded back in 2011. I know what you mean by the dodgy tummy. I'm on methotrexate as well. They're going to put me on the injection soon as my tum plays up now and again. I'm gal you're enjoying life now you're not working xx

[Hidden]

Yeah I will just hand in the sick notes. I will let them do all the work. Will let you know how I get on xx

[allanah in reply to Hidden]

Good, you are entitled. Don't feel guilty for getting sick! You didn't ask to be in this position sweetie x

[Hidden]

Hello Lou

Are you working in Civil/Public Service, if so you will need too wait for your first medical review which will most probably happen within the first six months, you will also be expected to go in front of an Employment Board that you will not attend, you can get your Union to represent your interests.

Some times you will possibly be seen by your works Doctor before the board. At The board meeting will be a first or higher line Supervisor, Union representative, Work Social Team (PERSONAL)Staff. If possible there will be three meetings, at each each will be after seeing the works Doctor. At the three meetings you will be offered three separate work positions, Your GP will be notified three times as well by your work Doctor.

On the third appointment if you fail to take on one of the alternative positions you will be dismissed, or pensioned. It will be important that you DO NOT LEAVE EMPLOYMENT until the above process is undertaken and you are given a result. This may now be changed, you will need to confirm at the time of the first medical. Your Union should confirm.

Generally if with Government at the final meeting I was rung up in office and I was told of the result over the phone.

With client was medically retired on the spot and told to leave work and case files immediately and report to His GP for a sick note, He worked in a sensitive environment. Later appointments where still taking place with STAFF GROUP

If you are with a Private company, they may still have boards, although they are more strict and will not have further job positions offered

You will need to discuss with your GP and DWP will tell you when they want to see you.

CAB will help with the forms if needed and your GP, Specialists and they may ask for you to initially see an Occupational Therapist to see what the disability covers, and any assistance you may require.

To this stage you should have seen your GP on quite a few appointments

[Hidden]

Yeah allanah, I get 6 months full and then 6 months half. I will do exactly that xx

[claireyj]

Lou I agree with Allanah make sure you use your paid sick leave and then make your decision and don't feel guilty about being off , easier said than done I know I was a nightmare! We are all unwell so if you're off you're off - you are more important than any job x

[bluetit33]

hello Lou30x I too had to give in my job several moons ago now, and appreciate how scary this is. Are you seeing a rheumy, if so then, when your pay ends, get some benefit forms, for financial help, you should be able to claim the new DLA, (not sure the new name) + other benefits, but suggest in todays climate you ask the help of your local CAB with these forms etc., Hope this has helped. regards bluetit33

[bedfordowner]

Hi, do hot give up your job. It is such a disease that you will fluctuate. Make sure your company are following the sickness policy and keeping in regular contact.I was sacked by the nhs as they said i would never be fit despite the occupation health saying i could not. I have just won a case of disability discrimination against them because of this. You might not feel able to work at the moment but at some point that may change and then your employer will HAVE make adjustments to help you return to work. Good luck at keep in touch. If can help just ask.

[norfolkjo]

I get same sick pay and was terrified im now at a point I could return after five months and so glad I didnt just leave . Keep thr job. If u get to half pay and can cope then u can consider whether its worth going back at all xx