Follow up from Feeling so Low

Hello everyone

First of all thank you for all the wonderful responses to my earlier post. It was such a boost to know how much people care and to hear such hopeful stories.

Anyway, I had my meeting with HR today and I was, as you know, so worried about it. Well, it was a bit of a non-event. They went over the last occupational health report, which I had already received, and acknowledged that as I’m about to start on adalimumab we will review again at the end of December. I did remind them of the previous report which said the disability section of The Equalities Act was in force but there wasn’t really any response. There was, yet again, the question of ‘when do you think you will be back?’ Almost as if the previous conversations had been forgotten. I left it at, hopefully the biologics will work and I will have a better idea when we review in December and if I’m still unable to return we can then discuss option. The silence was deafening!

Thank you again for all the support and advice 💕😊

[KittyJ]

Well I'm glad you have got that out of the way and it went ok-ish. Lets hope the adalimumab works for you.

[Hidden in reply to KittyJ]

Thank you 😊

[Hidden]

So daunting when faced with things like this. Although you didn’t get all the answers at least you feel less stressed now. And can concentrate on getting better. Well done

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you 💕

[rab1874]

It’s bad enough having to cope with this disease without the hassle off work on your back, I’m retired medically 3years now and the last year before I finished was a struggle trying to do my job, now I’m relieved it went well and I can plan my days to suite my self but I realise everybody’s sircumstances are different, hope everything works out for you xxx

[Hidden in reply to rab1874]

Thanks rab1874. That is going to be my likely route I think.

Best wishes x

[junik53 in reply to Hidden]

I was retired through illness due to the RA,and like others it was a struggle to get the full pension I was entitled to as you should get what you would have had if you had been working until normal retirement.Was worth it in the end though.This could be why your HR seems reluctant.Just make sure you find out what you are entitled to.

[Hidden in reply to junik53]

I will junik53. Many thanks x

[Hidden in reply to rab1874]

I would always suggest anyone who has a review at work to have a union or disabilities represent present as a witness just in case.

Always cover yourself

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

thank you for your help Mintt 1972 😊

[Monkeysmum]

Thanks for the update AngelaBon, was thinking about you.

Sounds like you handled the meeting brilliantly. Never does any harm to remind the employer of their legal responsibilities (and more importantly, the fact you are aware of them too!). In terms of the ‘when do you think you will be back’ question, I know this gets annoying but I’ve been involved in a few of these meetings and the employer is obliged to keep asking this really - although I understand now from the patient perspective that the answer in the patients head is ‘I wish I knew!!’

Hope you get started on the biologics soon.

[Hidden in reply to Monkeysmum]

Thank you so much for your kindness. I’ve often been on the other side of these conversations but I certainly have a new perspective x

[AgedCrone]

Sounds like they were ticking the boxes without understanding the questions?

Concentrate on looking after yourself....it really doesn’t sound as if your HR department have any sort of plan does it?

Let’s hope the Adalimubab really works for you & you could possibly return to work on reduced hours after Christmas.

But don’t let them overwhelm you...if you belong to a union, when you feel up to it have a word with them.

[Hidden in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you for your kindness xx