Hello. I wanted to thank you all for your support. I spoke with consultant, GP, and company doctor. They all agree a four day week is required and Wednesdays as the rest day. Company dr has confirm this should be put in place as a reasonable accommodation for the next 12m and mentioned development in ra treatments as a reason for not a more permanent timeline ( that and the fact I burst into tears when I said I didn't want it to be permanent at all) ☹️
Told boss today. He wanted to know what exactly I was struggling with etc. Had to explain it was not the work per se but the effort around 5days in a professional environment and having to be 'on' all the time. He will comply with dr instructions. Now I meet with he next week. Sad and relieved at the same time. But think it's the right thing to do. Good luck to anyone thinking about asking it's horrid to go through but anticipation is worse as is crushing fatigue pain and increased joint damage 😄
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Glad y got on OK, I was medically retired last Friday and for neutrals the right thing t do as your cutting your hours it will help a lot and it will be a weight off your mind as it was mines hope your meeting goes ok
I am heartened by your result as I know that I want to drop to a four day week when I turn 55 next year and am hoping my employer will agree without too much fuss... I teach and I have just finished my first 12 months back after my RA diagnosis with only one day off - last week for a dreaded cold and now in a mini flare that stared yesterday.... Sorry I am woffling all over your post!
Happy birthday!!!! Best of luck and keep us posted!!!
I understand you being sad and relieved at the same time. I've been off work since Jan 28th. I want to go back to work but I can not do 8 to 10 hour shifts. One week of nightshifts and one week of dayshifts is too hard for me now. When I see my rheumy on the 30th, I will be asking for a detailed doctors note....I'm not looking foreward to giving it to my boss, but I am greatful that I belong to a union so I will have a shop steward with me.
Good luck Sue. I had a detailed note from the company doctor explaining it is a systemic illness and not just joint pain. She also mentioned how I could not take effective pain relief at work due to side effects. That is that tramadol works for pain but makes me loopy 😄 You will be ok and if it's a large company it should be a reasonable accommodation. You just have to be brave and ask. Keep us posted. I can't imagine how hard a day night shift would be!
Big hugs darling,it is hard isn't it when you have to admit defeat and take shorter hours. I got made redundant in November 2006 and i was adamant that i wanted to get another job but my advisor at the time told me in no uncertain terms(he was lovely and looking out for me) that i was unfit to continue to work. His words were very good and true. I hope it is set up as soon as possible for you to benefit from it.xxxxx
I am sorry for your redundancy. It is hard facing limitations and realising how much effort it takes to keep up our lives. Have you been able to work at all or just accepted 'retirement'? Thank you so much for your support. It means a lot to me. 😘
I work 21 consecutive 12hr shifts and it is killing me from an RA point of view, however I can't cut down on hours or days worked because of the environment I work in it is not practical, the only option is medical retirement but I want at least another 18 months to buy all the big things we need Including retraining for a normal job at home then I will hang up my offshore hat and move on its a big deal as this is really all I know been here 27 years man and boy.
Am pleased you now have your reduced hours. I have wednesdays off as well now (although I do some work from home so am in touch). Best thing I ever done. Will reduce more when I eventually receive my state pension which is not for 2.5 years!!
Thank you benjijen. It's nic to hear it works. I currently do 3days from home so now will do two from home two in office. I have a few more years than you for state pension so fingers crossed this is my long term arrangement.
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