Employment with PMR: Hi I'm new - 56 female... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

20,119 members37,704 posts

Employment with PMR

PMRfacebook profile image
9 Replies

Hi

I'm new - 56 female - recently diagnosed with PMR - started on steroids and pain and stiffness much improved. struggling with low mood and insomnia

interested to know people's experiences with their employers - have they been supportive? what reasonable adjustments put in place ?

Written by
PMRfacebook profile image
PMRfacebook
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
9 Replies
SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

Have you had an interview with your HR yet?

In an ideal world there would be an in depth discussion with you, or several, to arrive at a working pattern that would enable you to carry on doing your job effectively. This may include working from home with the appropriate technology, specialist equipment, adjustment of hours, rest breaks, time off for medical appointments, rearrangement of duties, a new job description etc. It very much depends on you, your condition and how it effects you, also, of course, the resources and size of the company. This could be formally reviewed every quarter. You need to take some time to think through what would really help you, and communicate it to the key person in your organisation.

My insomnia was greatly helped by 10 mgs of Amitriptylin one hour before bedtime. If you feel fully supported at work, this may help to lift your mood too.

All the above should be recorded and signed by you and your employer.

See your doctor if the depression is getting bad, it will need treatment.

I hope this helps. I did these interviews in a former life, done well it can be transformative.

Sandradsn profile image
Sandradsn

My employer and others there weren't supportive at all because I looked ok .No reasonable adjustments made.I had some weeks off sick but I could tell they were not impressed.My practice manager was understanding though.I had burn out and 2 years of pmr so had to give up.I was a wreck😞

YuliK profile image
YuliK in reply to Sandradsn

I'm so sorry to read the negative responses from your work colleagues. It's so not fair..

I have these reactions from my own family and friends.

I hope you will find the support from this wonderful forum, where we all are in this 'circus' together.

Chin up Sandra. 🤗

Sandradsn profile image
Sandradsn in reply to YuliK

I left a year ago so it's all in the past, best thing I ever did😁

JulianJ profile image
JulianJ

I was diagnosed 2 years ago.

My boss arrangeds for w workplace assesment towards the end of 2017. From thay I got a specialist chair, foot rest and a wireless headset. Last year I asked for another assesment, this time a raising desk, a better foot rest and a different desk location.

The order for the desk should have been placed now and I think I have the desk position.

The only person that isn't happy is the one that tries to sort out the desk allocations. I'm not bothered about that as occupational health a sitting waiting to get involved if needed.

My bass also allows me extra time for my lunch time walks. So for me it's all been good.

Sandradsn profile image
Sandradsn in reply to JulianJ

That's quite impressive,good company then👍

JulianJ profile image
JulianJ in reply to Sandradsn

Yes, a big company and a good boss. Put the two together and results can be very good.

Rose54 profile image
Rose54

Hi

I had four months off at the start and had HR assessment and returned to work all ok .16 months later 2 months off then was asked what I would like re adjustments. I work in the community doing home visits I dont drive ,I was offered work in a scheme which would involve sleep ins and shifts. I had to turn this down as I knew I was unable to stay awake in the evenings let alone deal with a emergency in the middle of the night.

all my visit are within walking distant or on a bus route and thay allow me extra travel time .

I did cut my hours from 39 hours to 29 hours in 2017 and this is much better .I retire on 4th July 2019 and am counting down the days .

Sept 2015 I thought that was the end of my working life but all being well I will make it through to July .

I do think at a lot depends on how the illness effects you, maybe I have been one of the lucky ones

teesher profile image
teesher

I work at a university and found the early days with pmr (4 years ago) to be horrendous. I could hardly walk or lift my arms and the tiredness meant I nearly fell asleep at my desk several times. I was sure I'd have to leave a job I love. The uni was very good and supportive. And of course, once pred kicked in, things did improve. It really is a life changer. I wish you well.

You may also like...

Is it or is it not PMR

have increased my steroids steadily from 1mg to 15mg over past 4 months. The pain has decreased and...

PMR flare or just PMR?

was injured prior to PMR, but the pain was gone during treatment), and new pains in my lower back...

PMR or osteoarthritis?

Can PMR damage joints? My knees had been stiff and swollen (especially the left) for the past year,

PMR on to osteoarthritis.

some glucosamine & chondroitoin. Anyone have experience of taking these supplements and what...

In the aftermath of PMR

of the reason is because my PMR finally went into remission after 2 and 1/2 years. Although I'm...