Wondering how folk of working age manage with GCA... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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Wondering how folk of working age manage with GCA with there jobs mine a manual one and im tired easily doe tiredness ease in time?.and PMR.

mickt profile image
8 Replies

Had symptoms of this for 4 weeks until sorted?

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mickt profile image
mickt
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8 Replies
kingharold11 profile image
kingharold11

I don't know how folks of your age cope with PMR/GCA. I continued to work till I was 66 but in an office environment and on reduced hours. Do please read what others on this website have got to say because lots of them know far more than I do

mickt profile image
mickt in reply to kingharold11

Got no choice I suppose im 50 bit young to retire unless forcibly so with ill health,Not much else you can do with autoimmune illnesses I have type1.Diabetes ,addisons and vitiligo ,now this .Im very much in my employers hands.Thanks for reply mate.

polkadotcom profile image
polkadotcom

I also worked until 66 but again, that was in an office environment. I don't think heavy manual work and PMR go together at all and would suggest that you contact your HR people or whatever you have there, as you are likely to be off long term. Continuing to work - or attempt to work - will delay any recovery you might have, so best to be prepared for a long haul. If that does not happen (and men very often get off more lightly than women) you will have a pleasant surprise.

mickt profile image
mickt in reply to polkadotcom

Thks polka dot,the pmr isn't too bad its the vasculitis I think is causing my tiredness.Im in process of been dealt with by hr at moment ,got to see bupa occ hth doctor.Thks again for hope at end of your message.

Dibs profile image
Dibs

Hi

I have just turned 50 and will finish work at the end of this month due to ill health retirement. I had HR assessments, ATOS assessments and reports from my GP and consultants and due to GCA and PMR that is what I finished work on.

I was taking a lot of time off and had reduced my hours to try to help with the symptoms and my employer helped all they could but I also lost my driving due to sight loss and this was a big factor.

Hope you get the help you need

mickt profile image
mickt in reply to Dibs

Sorry to hear that Dibs,I was lucky they got to my sight prob in time lost vision temp in one eye and had bad double vision.Pred and infusions keeping it at bay at moment.Ive been off for 15 weeks now,im also type 1 diabetic have addisons disease..Its the tiredness im concerned about as do a manual job.My probs are small compared to your own I know and its a worry work and things.At least you will get some benefits if you have overcome ATOS,which tho not your first choice its one thing less to worry about.Did you lose sight temp or in one eye.I had amourosis fugax,and third nerve cranial palsy caused double vision,i to need to drive for work and cant at moment til re assessed by opthalomogist.Im under HR at moment got to see company doctor in a fortnight.I lost 3 months last year with achalasia a prob with my esophagus needed surgery,it was related to my auto immune problems too.Hope things go well with you ,look on positive side chance to do something you enjoy.Thanks for your reply.

jinasc profile image
jinasc

mickt

This might help you, read Tim's experience and guide to state benefits on pmr-gca-northeast.org.uk on right hand side of home page click on Health and Wellbeing.

mickt profile image
mickt in reply to jinasc

Thanks for that sambucca interesting I hope I don't have to go that far down the line but its possible,have to be real about it.Been off for 15 weeks now still under treatment ,under hr at work I work on railway so not sure about health and safety rules with all this.In there hands can do nothing about it hopefully get better would help.Cheers.