CONFUSION REIGNS WITH DOCTORS DECISION

[TEAH35]

So once again I find myself in a somewhat difficult situation with my GP. What I am about to impart on you makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever. Maybe you will be able to see it in a different way.

My GP has refused to sign the necessary government paperwork giving me permission to request assistance in my search for paid employment as she is concerned about my mood swings and the current continuous low mood that I have been experiencing for some time now.

My argument is; out of all my worries at the moment, the most pressing and the one that is causing me the most concern is my current financial situation. Although I am by no means in dire straits, it is however causing me great concern and it is a concern that can be easily rectified.

As you are all no doubt aware, I have been working in the local hospital in a voluntary capacity as a Patient Liaison Advocate for around 4 months now. This has been a wonderful outlet for me and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. However it is now time for me to have a break. I feel like I have proven myself beyond any reasonable doubt, that I'm capable of the responsibility of performing my duties at an acceptable level. But as a paid participant, I am afraid that my doctor is of the opinion that it could be too demanding and that my low mood will not be able to be in a position to facilitate such responsibility.

Unfortunately I wholeheartedly 100% disagree with her findings, and have therefore made an appointment with my psychiatrist, (who I feel out-ranks her), with the hope that he will be able to see it from my point of view. And will therefore be of assistance to me. Am I actually missing something important here? I honestly cannot see the difference in my ability to perform as a paid worker compared to my ability to work as an unpaid participant.

[Hidden]

Even though I will give my two cents here, I think this is very personal to you and that we would have a hard time helping you here. That's just my opinion though

My two cents:

Paid work often is more binding than volunteer work. Your hours are up to you if you volunteer, but they are not up to you if you have a paid job. Your doctor is probably concerned about your emotional stability if you were to get a paid position. For example, I am considering a volunteer job at the Red Cross when I get home, but definitely not a paid position where I would be relied upon to be there. I mean, what if I had a bad night and slept through my job the next day? That wouldn't be so good. The same goes for depression. What if I were to get a serious bout of depression while on the job? I know that for me personally, I shut down whenever I get really low.

Also, thinking that it's time to take a break from a voluntary position is kind of a red flag as well.

[TEAH35 in reply to Hidden]

Hey Jess thank you for your reply. Something happened recently that made me understand exactly where you are coming from. I had a somewhat serious 'run-in' with my broom on Thursday night. Neither of us came out the victor. I landed rather hard on my back on the tiles. Thankfully nothing was broken .... apart from the broom that is. I have been in considerable pain ever since, with the inability to walk being my worst affected area.

If I were to be in a paid employment position, then I would definitely feel as if I were letting the team down.

However, (upon reflection), if one employs a person with a disability, surely this kind of distruption should be somewhat expected, understood, and therefore catered for.

Taking a break for my volunteer work is 'par for the course' in the hospital I am working at

it gives somebody else a chance to do their bit.

[Goodfairy]

Go Grany.

[TEAH35 in reply to Goodfairy]

Yay

[Goodfairy]

Dear Grany.

I agree with you that working paid is best.it is hard enough coping with rls without having financial worries.

My husband finds with his rls that gardening which he loves,completely takes his mind off it.

All good wishes.

Goodfairy

[nightdancer]

Well, you have every right to get a 2nd opinion. But, this doctor knows you best, too. I can see both sides, and MAYBE your current doctor thinks you should be on disability instead? Don't know, can't read his/her mind, so I would just make an appnt and ask honestly again why and that you really feel like you can handle it. On the other side of it, we really do not know about your "low mood" and that area of your health, either.