help with working: Hi , I was diagnosed with... - Thyroid UK

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help with working

lizziefh profile image
9 Replies

Hi , I was diagnosed with Graves in July after a long battle with many symptoms, I am on anti-thyroid but it still doesn't alleviate all the problems. Last week I had a bad week, one of the symptoms getting angry and irritable. I have an appointment on the 22nd with GP and the consultant to discuss options as feel very under educated by all this. My problem is quite dramatic, I went to the job center to ask if Employment and Support covered chronic thyroid problems as when I am in " relapse" it is very difficult to work. This woman said I should not mention it as I would risk having my eight year old being put into care !!!

Now my Graves was probably undiagnosed since I had her and possibly triggered by pregnancy as I was 6 stone when I gave birth ( normal (!!) weight 10 stone ).

I am very worried by this attitude as I am not a work shirker, I am postgraduate educated while being a single mother and having Graves, I am self employed and just want some support like it says on the website SUPPORT for my condition and I am told to not say anything...

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lizziefh
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9 Replies
Annamaria profile image
Annamaria

good grief why would your child be taken into care, sounds like that person did not know what they were talking about xxxx

lizziefh profile image
lizziefh in reply to Annamaria

I know , I was just so horrified as although my Graves can really put me through the ringer I have a lovely, sweet girl, I am well supported by family who know that my Hyper symptoms can be difficult to deal with ,more difficult to deal with is the physical aches and electric feeling I have in my legs. I feel so upset by it as it feels like if you too sick to work ( which sometimes I am , sometimes I am not ) then I am too sick to look after my child. I am too frightened now too approach it until I have seen my very nice GP

rosee profile image
rosee

!!!! I can't believe she said that!!! I went onto ESA mid September due to being severely hypo despite meds. It was difficult to even look for a job never mind actually do one. As long as you get a sick note from your doctor you are covered, and they should pay you. You'll have to go for a medical after about 12 weeks (I'm not looking forward to that - as we know most doctors think it's all in your head!).

Hope this helps

Rose xxx

lizziefh profile image
lizziefh in reply to rosee

It is so nice to hear from people who get IT.

Thank you x

Sunshine profile image
Sunshine

Hi Lizziefh, so sorry to hear about your personal situation. I got Graves when my children were in their early teens and I can remember thinking 'its a good job the children are older'. I do feel for you. I can't offer any help re how employment terms and conditions of sickness go BUT ask you to try and keep focussed (even though I am sure you feel that you are hanging by a thread) and just pace yourself and do what you can when you are having a good day and then take it steady on the bad days.

I think the lady who mentioned the risk of your child being put into care maybe didn't realise what impact a sweeping statement like that can have on someone. Rose offered some good information about medical notes. I am sure you will find a medical practitioner who can help you and hope this is sooner for you rather than suffering these horrible symptoms. Sending you a big hug and wish I was nearer to assist. Sunshinexx

lizziefh profile image
lizziefh in reply to Sunshine

Thank you all so much xxx

katey profile image
katey in reply to Sunshine

Dear lizzie, just want to reassure you that actual ABUSE has to be very EVIDENT before your children would be taken away. That was such a sweeping statement and I wonder at her motives? Before my hypothyroidism I was a social worker so I can confidently reassure you. Its great that you have good support in your family and a great GP. 3 cheers for all those good gp's. Wishing you stamina and strength. katey.

pegs profile image
pegs

Hi

I too am asingle parent with graves and it is hard - my family are miles away do no support . my son is a teenager - i rembember throwing something at him,soft... but i told him it is my thyroid,,still feel guilty for snapping. and being irratable a lot..

I have told my work - but taken a week off . but i have pains in my arm,,i am afrid to be made redundant so keep quit as much as poss,,,its a horrible position.

dont listen to stupid woman...about care -rubbish.

talk to your son explain the condition,,,

pegs

pegs profile image
pegs

sorry about terrible spelling!

take care all xxxxx

pegs

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