How bad does the pain have to be?

margie1

Hi

How bad does the pain have to be for someone to be off work/claim DLA etc? I know this sounds like a silly question but I am currently working and am finding it tough at the moment, I am in constant pain in my lower back and sometimes in my neck but i am still able to walk and do certain tasks but being in discomfort all the time and feeling tired i'm finding it is making me feel really down. I dont want to be off work and i dont want to waste my GP's time, :oops:

I know I am not as bad as most of you, and I am sorry for moaning, think i just needed to talk to someone.

marg

speedalong

Hi Margie, only you can decide when the pain is too bad and you need to be off work because of it.

I'm sure this website has a leaflet about arther and working - have a search and you could always post a request for help on the helpline thread.
Have you had an occupational health assessment? Have you contacted the advisor at the job centre who specialises in supporting the disabled? Are there adaptions that could occur at work to help make the job more manageable for you? Iris is much more knowledgeable than me about all this ... I'm sure she'll reply soon.

To claim DLA you have to fill out a lengthy form (best to ask the CAB to help as they are experts at doing these forms.) DLA payments are based on the amount of help you need to carry out everyday living tasks such as dressing and undressing, personal hygiene, cooking a meal etc The mobility element is to do with how far you can walk, how much help you need outdoors and so on. I have only filled in DLA claim forms for my foster son who has autism, so don't have any experience claiming DLA for arthritis - but other peeps on here do.

Have you been to your GP? Do you take pain meds? Are they effective? If not go back to your GP.

Never apologise for posting about your difficulties - that is what the forum is for.

Speedalong

frogmorton

Hi Marg

You can claim DLA and still work so that might be your best idea to start with. It has to do with what you need help with or are unable to do because of your disability.

It's what they used to call a non-contributionary benefit and as such it doesn't make any difference what you earn or have saved. And quite rightly so too

As for not working - that has to be your decision. You ought to think of yourself fiorst and go see the GP - maybe he can change your meds/refer you to a pain clinic to get things chaneged.

I hope you are able to sort something and sorry things are painful at the moment.

Love

Toni xx

dreamdaisy

Hi margie1. Pain is so individual one person cannot assess another and tolerance levels vary widely. I have PA and I have been on DLA for three years now, but still work. I am lucky in that I'm self-employed but the down side to that is, if I don't work, I don't get paid! I strongly advise you apply for DLA, I didn't find the forms too bad and it is a financial blessing. I use mine to pay for my cleaner (I can't do housework anymore, one benefit of the disease!), my massage therapy, and the odd treat to cheer myself up (usually pink and sparkly). I am also quite bloody-minded at times and I WILL NOT give in to it! Good luck. Dreamdaisy.