Cognitions

[Helliwelli12]

Has anyone had problems with memory and attention to detail with GCA. I've just been let go from a job due to performance issues. The employer knew nothing about my condition as I did not disclose this. Just wondering if I will be able to continue with working. Has anyone had a similar experience?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Sorry to hear this - no personal advice but others with GCA and continuing to work will be along with comments.

But I do wonder why you didn’t inform your employers that you had GCA… if you had, then they would have been obliged under the Equality Act 2010 to make adjustments to the workplace and your contract to help you to remain in employment.

[123-go]

Hello Helliwelli12. People have reported symptoms such as *impaired memory and confusion* and hopefully will see respond to your question. It may help if you change the title of your post* to receive replies. In the meantime have a look at this:

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

You don’t say how losing your job has affected you so please, if you wish, provide more information. In my opinion it would have been wise to inform your employer at the outset that you were diagnosed with GCA so that adjustments to your job responsibilities could be made if/when needed. Employers are bound by law to make those reasonable adjustments if an illness/condition hampers efficiency in aspects of employees’ work. I’m not sure what the next step would be for you now that you have been let go or even if you want to claim redress. Citizens Advice would be able to assist.

[Helliwelli12 in reply to 123-go]

I'm not going to claim redress will put it down to lesson learnt. It was in a shopfitting and display industry very cut throat. It was also very fast paced so well out of it I think. I saw them let go alot of people in the nearly six months I was there I was on a probation for six months and they said I was not progressing to the standard required. I am a little shocked and bruised but I will recover. Just wondering if this will happen again in my next contract 🤔

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Helliwelli12]

Think you need to get advice before next contract - maybe from CAB...

[123-go]

I suppose you could, in some way, say that you had a lucky escape although you would rather not have GCA, of course. Your ‘next contract’ suggests you are in line for another role in the same kind of job as previously. Perhaps you’ll consider being upfront about your GCA???? It would be in your own best interests.

[SnazzyD]

oh dear, what a shame. I don’t think anyone can say whether you can keep working or not because only you know if you can function effectively. What did the GP say about your cognitive issues when you first became aware? The trouble with long term illness is that you don’t know how it is going to go and for how long. I hung out for far too long and probably made life hard for those making up for my absence. It also delayed me properly devoting time to getting better because I was always aiming to keep going rather than doing what my body needed.

Low doses of Pred made my brain function on half speed due to low adrenal function, but there are a host of causes, not always fathomable. One thing I have noticed about this disease is that when one thing resolves there’s often something else.

My mind boggles as to how you were able to keep your diagnosis undisclosed if you were going through your employer’s process with OH involved too. Presumably, your GP had to be contacted? I think if you do find another job consider whether you can truly do the job effectively in fairness to yourself and others. Also, employers are normally happier with a diagnosis rather than a mystery in my experience.

[Helliwelli12 in reply to SnazzyD]

Hi the job was with a totally new employer and I'd hoped I could do the job so I took a chance. I recently went to the GP about memory problems they did memory test and I passed. The GP put my memory issues down to stress and suggested possibly getting counselling. I do plan on trying to find work in the new year otherwise I don't know what I'm supposed to live on.

[SnazzyD in reply to Helliwelli12]

Ah I see. The GP basic tool is a bit blunt and not nuanced at all. It doesn’t help to say what is wrong, just how bad as measured in a certain way. It often comes down to having to be ones own detective. Presumably you’ve been through your own checklist? For example, have you noticed if there are times when your function is worst? Have you had your vitamin D checked? Have you looked at your basics like sleep and stress? Are there certain tasks that make it worse or hard because of it? How do you feel generally on a daily basis? Could your adrenal function be low?

[Angelsmummy]

Silly girl,why didn’t you tell your boss,you might have got a lot of help and sympathy from them!If you didn’t like your job then no big deal but if you did,what a shamefor you.Yes I have Pred Brain,GCA for nearly 2 years now.Many of us on here suffer from it.Wrong words for conversations,have to write down everything of importance,shopping lists never get in my purse and I return with all manner of stuff that I have a stock of,the list goes on……Memory great before all this happened ,I don’t worry about it anymore,it is what is it,.I haven’t looked at your bio ,sorry so don’t know how old you are.Do you not fancy retiring and giving yourself a rest and maybe taking up hobbies you always wanted to do?If you were “ let go” I reckon you would be entitled to some sort of benefit as well.,xxxx💐😜

[Helliwelli12 in reply to Angelsmummy]

I know it was silly but going forward I plan to disclose my condition. Going to apply for Universal credit next week so will discuss with them also. I'm 61 and will be 62 next August. Retiring next year is something I'm considering I'd just hoped to keep going a little longer.

[Angelsmummy in reply to Helliwelli12]

I hope you didn’t think I was being horrid calling you silly?I meant silly in respect of you not telling awful employer!Best away from people like that,!Lets hope UC help you.Give yourself a little break maybe eh?Kibd thoughts to you.xxx💐😜