Hi this is al1959

[al1959]

I'm wondering with all the pain your in , are any of you able too work I am on unemployment at moment but not for sure how much longer. Than what if my condition can not be corrected. I can only walk so far and than the pain comes.reallygetting tired of this .as I am sure all of you are also. Thanks al

[amateurwriter]

Hi, I sign on and am trying to get a job, I have problems with my head since I suffered a brain injury, the main thing that is bad from my head is the migraines i suffer from on a daily basis. I also suffer with my legs, but I try to ignore the pain so I can get a job, and arrange my appointments around job centre and this work programme I go to and hopefully arrange the hospital and doctor appointments around a job, I go there and they don't believe any of what I say, so I just have to get on with what they tell me to do, pain or no pain. I also suffer with a bit of pain in my back from my accident, but have been in pain with my legs for so long that I try best I can to push it to the back of my head and ignore it. What may surprise you is even though I am in a lot of pain on a regular basis is I'm a level 2 qualified gym instructor, but no gym wants a level 2 they all seem to want level 3 gym instructor's or personal trainers.

I'm sorry I can't be on any more help.

[earthwitch]

Yes I work, but only part time, and my contract job also has very flexible hours - basically as long as I get the work done I can choose what hours I work. I think the flexibility is really important for me, and also the part time work. I find that working 16 hours and getting the disability element of working tax credit does give me just about enough income. I s there anything self-employed that you could do?

[thenunn]

Hi, I have been lucky enough to find a job via a friend that I am managing to hold down I limit my time and my employers are well aware of my limits . It allows me to adjust my position often,gives me breaks ,no heavy lifting,bending,sitting or walking more than a few yards. Yes at times it is still tough,but the benefits of working out weigh that. I wash up in a small restaurant and also prepare the desserts ..totally different to what I did before chronic pain lol..but I enjoy it,being part of a team again . My advice..try anything and everything ,if you cant do it ,no prob,but give it a few weeks,know you will still feel pain and be limited,BUT if you can manage it and it gives you pleasure stick with it

good luck x

[Hidden]

crippled and housebound

[Carolsos]

al1959 hello, I work at the moment and am hoping to continue to work once I get the medication all working. Am off work for these 2 weeks resting my knee. But am going back in a few weeks. I have kept my my employers informed at what is happening to me and they understand I might have to take time of work now and then. The news I got from my gp was once I get on the right medication he saw no reason why I would not stay at my job until I retire and that is what I am hoping for. Carol

[2014keffi]

Hey. Well I was diagnosed with RA When I was 56. Within two years could on longer work so first went on permanent sick note etc from gp then was told only needed one every 2 weeks then every month. I then went autautomatically over to Disability living allowance then also was on incapacity benefit these are automatically paid if under a hospital. Good luck

[jew2]

Go to the social and claim ESA and the new DLA (PIP). You will be assessed as for the level of work you can do reasonably without too much pain. My son has ME and been told by the social he cant work. He works a few hours a day volunteering. So any thing is possible, but get what your entitled to. Pat

[Dragongirl21]

I share your pain although I don't work at the moment I am a student in my final year of university and its tough! I know how you feel with walking it can make you feel very immobile and frustrated. I would ideally like to apply for a diploma and do part time work alongside it but I found it very difficult to maintain commitments if my pain has a sudden flare up. I wondered if you have tried seeing a physiotherapist? as although they're not offering a miracle cure they can help you improve your mobility by doing exercises that are beneficial to you and avoid putting pressure and added pain around your area of pain. I'm starting physio next week and I'm hoping that it will help!