I was diagnosed with RA 2 years ago after being unwell for the previous 18 months and subsequently was diagnosed with scleritis, type 2 diabetes and hypertension. On diagnosis I was off work as i woke up one morning unable to move. I work for the NHS as a radiographer an I am 52. My ESR and CRP were raised. I was off work for a month and then did a phased return eventually returning to my normal 34 hours over 4 days within a month. I had been working 4 days in a row but after 2 months I had to change to have a day off in between. I managed okish for a year without having any more time off but was extremely tired so I dropped down to 30 hours. Throughout this time I was in contact with occy health. November 2010 I was also diagnosed with SVT caused by a conduction disorder(apparently made worse by RA). In February I was working and started getting swollen hands and wrists and the blood vessels in 2 of my fingers had burst. I have been off sick since and when I attempt to do much with my hands they seem to swell. They always seem to be hot.The rheumatologist seemed to think I had tendonitis. The occy health Dr asked me if I had considered ill health retirement . After a lot of thought I think this is probably my best way forward although I will have difficulty managing on a huge drop in money. I have worked for the NHS for 30 years and love my job-it is all I ever wanted to do. When I recently spoke to occ health she mentioned that they dont look at IHR unless you have tried reducing hours etc but at this moment in time there is no way I could continue doing the same job. What if I put in for IHR and they turn me down because I am not ill enough?
Whilst off I am doing a short counselling course which has helped immensely with self awareness. If I do have to finish work then I would consider doing some voluntary work as I need people contact. At least with that I could do hours which suit me.
Was just wondering what other peoples experiences have been. Thanks.
I got IHR from my teaching post after struggling on for years. I was 53. The NHS pension will be similar to the Teachers. You will get added years if you have to retire. I got 6 extra.
You could also get DLA which can be over £200 per month.
Even though you have a lower income, your outgoings decrease when you stop work.
Do as much research as you can. The more evidence you have of trying to keep working - but failing - the more likely you can get IHR. And if you fail, just try again!
Good luck. Retiring may be very good for your health!
Thankyou Phoebe. At the moment I feel a bit in limbo.I feel guilty being off although I know I could not cope in work. I try doing things with my hands similar to what i would have to do in work and within a few minutes my hands and wrists are swollen and then i get tingling in my forearms and hands.When I have scleritis it makes my whole face hurt and my concentration levels are greatly reduced. I can't envisage never working again. My husband says to look on it as a chance to do something I want...but what... I love what I do.