Posted , 4 users are following.
I had a period of sickness with psoriatic flare. I am still experiencing sore and swollen knees. My job is physical and I have asked for reasonable adjustments to be made. I work for a charity and they won't pay for O H assessment
0 likes, 9 replies
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borderriever joy74926
Posted
I do not know where in the world you live, if in the UK you can try and arrange an assement through either your GP or Department of Work and Pensions.
If you consider your work to give this assessment to you they may decide you are unfit for the duties for which you are employed. If possible an outside source may be a better way to go. You could also try CAB they will point you in the best direction.
Depending on your condition sometimes we have to make allowences for our own conditions and this sometimes becomes counterproductive.
I was made disabled with above condition many years ago and eventually after three boards I was retired from work, I became a writer for a time and did Voluntary Work for many years as I was unable to get employement. The problem with this condition PsA , is the flares we suffer and the possible hidden problems with our joints, that Employers cannot imagine or see. That needs to be taken into consideration if you go for that work restriction.
You could possibly ask your GP if a Pain Clinic may help, they will explaing coping techniques and ways of controlling pain medications. I was seen by this type of clinic and with their various courses was able to help myself in some ways. Although you need to remember this condition may not burn out
I do understand however as we get older, in our fifties the condition can burn itself out and you will be possibly left with the damage associated with PsA. This did not happen to me although it is a great caracter builder.
Good Luck
BOB
joy74926 borderriever
Posted
Hi Bob
Thank you for your kind reply and thoughtful comments. I am mid 50s and not ready to give up work yet but appreciate that this maybe the case in due course. I guess I feel I'm going through the motions like modifications reduction in hours followed by stopping all together. This feels like the natural progression although I'm wondering if stopping would be an easier option
At the best I hope to achieve a better work life balance where I am not using my days of to recover.
I'll talk to the rheumatologist on my next visit and seek advice as suggested
Joy
borderriever joy74926
Posted
We made big changes in our home to help me get around, discuss something like this with your GP they can arrange a visit from an occupational therapist who will look around your home and suggest changes that will help. They can also help you with ideas for your work environment as well.
I had them in at my old address and they changed various things in kitchen, bedroom, living room etc. There are ways of giving you more comfort in your car if you need that.
We now live in a detached bungalow and they suggested changes here, although many of the changes had moved with us.
Sometimes grants can be given to help you get around. Any equiptment puchased by you can be tax exempt, so that can also help you.
Look for positive changes, we purchased our next door cottage and we put in an adapted bathroom, we got the VAT back as I could not use either bathroom and with all the work involved you may get a Rate reduction, if your property needed many changes.
There are many things that can be done you are most probably like me need to be pushed for my own good.
I was nearly fourty when I was got rid of, sometimes we need the help of others to push us along
BOB
borderriever joy74926
Posted
Joy
What sort of changes would you need to help you fulfill your Contract of Employement.
It can be quite easy to get an Occupational Therapist to talk with an employer, the cost can be met not by the company as such. Only if it is to expensive for the OT to provide and purchase the needs you require.can cause problems and under those circumstances it may be possible to purchase the aide yourself.
This happened to me with my bathroom I neeed a bathlift and at my old address I had a large set that inflated to lower me into the bath. When I moved the lift was no good an they provided me with a bathseat that lowered me down into the water, it did not work and they took it back. We purchased a more expensive system from a factory making them and we did not go through any reps, it cost us £800 and we had to get a workman to attach it to the bath. The bath is an expensive on with Air and water Spar, with various other bits and pieces. Sometimes we have to take the bull by the horns and pay for kit ourselves, We do get the VAT back at least.
It may be you will need to purchase the aid yourself and if you move or change job you will take it with you
Hope that helps
BOB
Okapis joy74926
Posted
First decide what YOU need to continue to work within your physical limitations. Are you getting better or does it look like a permanent impairment. If there are reasonable medical expectations that you will get better then ask for a staged return. In my case both GP and consultant sent letters confirming what I was asking for was reasonable.. ie a 4 day week not 5 days the extra day to be taken either side of the weekend. That worked for me...ask yourself what will work for yourself. Discuss it with docs and get letters for your employer.
They cant refuse you because they dont have an OH report if they dont havethat internal function
joy74926 Okapis
Posted
Hi and thank you for your comments which I found really helpful. I have met with managers and have asked for what I need and those changes will be taking place over the next 4 weeks and then reviewed. That's the bit that concerns me as then often things go back to normal !! But I see rheumatologist next week so will ask for letter to confirm my requests . I'm starting biologics then and of course this may make a difference but I am always trying to achieve work life balance and at present I have nothing left for out of work
Thanks for taking time to reply
Joy
Okapis joy74926
Posted
Are you taking a prescription NSAID? Ask to try another one if youve been on the current one a long time. They tend to loose effectiveness over time.
And yes acheiving a work life balance is all important. But make sure its work that gets pushed inot perspective. In my case I deliberately let go of ambition - did not apply for better paid jobs or take on extra tasks. Eventually I dropped a day to become a part timer 4 days a week. sometimes it did not feel like part time! Work will consume as much time as you give it and it has a nasty way of egging you on to do more and more. Its not an easy transition!
May your response to the drug be rapid!
joy74926 Okapis
Posted
Hi
Thank you so much for your wise words
Yes I do take nsai's and have tried methotrexate and. Currently 'lefluonomide and sulphasalazine.
I have downsized my job and currently do 4 days
.
I will definitely ask rheumatology to cover everything in a letter
Fingers crossed the biological will be just the right thing to help
Many thanks
Joy
stephen54311 joy74926
Posted
I'm not suprised they won't send you 10 years ago it cost my company over £700 for one visit