Palindromic Arthritis

littlenix

I have been diagnosed with Palindromic Arthritis and am on Hydroxychloquine (10 weeks) which isn't so far working particularly well, but my consultant says I need to keep with it for a while longer. I have had a lot of time off work and I understand that it is difficult for my employer to carry out a work-place assessment because of the nature of PA moving around the body - what is right today may be totally wrong tomorrow, but they are no longer paying me for the time off and as I have a couple of days off at a time I don't get SSP either. This is causing me financial difficulties - is there anything I can claim to make up the difference?

I have just had one of the worst flare-ups I can remember with flare-ups in both shoulders, elbows, hips, ankles and the worst one, my jaw. There was no physical way I could even get out of bed, let alone get to work but I will still lose pay and I feel guilty when I go back for having been off! This is a nightmare situation and there is almost too much info around. What is the best route for me to take?

Thanks

dreamdaisy

Hello and welcome to the forums! It's a shame you have had to join us, but hopefully you will find whatever help we can give useful. New benefits claimants are finding it very hard to prove they qualify for financial help, but perhaps your first port-of-call would be to aply for Disabled Living Allowance. This is not means-tested or dependant upon income. I think you should contact the helpline on here tomorrow for advice and information, also your local CAB. I wish you well. DD

ironic

Hi Nix,
Welcome to the forum. Hydrox is one of the mildest meds. Everyone is different and it took me about 16 weeks to feel the difference. Whereas some get the benefit in 6 to 8 weeks. If you have been given the anti- inflammatory tablets take them even when not in pain as I did not know how important is to take the regularly to build up into your system. Please keep to the official sites when on the internet as there is a lot of tosh and frightening information out there. I scared myself witless with it all when I was first diagnosed. :shock:
Nix things will improve for you once the medication kicks in for you. You can take Paracetamol and you might like to try heat or some people find ice packs help. Not me though, heat every time. If you go to the chemist they may be able to recommend an anti- inflam gel to rub in. This has been a big shock to you but you are not alone now so feel free to ask questions and join in when you feel up to it.
Lv, Ix

woodbon

Hello, welcome to the forum. I hope you will find it useful. You can claim dla whatever your circumstances and I agree thats the best place to start. If you can't go back to work again because of the arthritis thein your employer should be the one to make you redundant as you can not longer carry our your job. This is important, as if you just leave the benefits like ESA ect will not be due, but if your employer says you can't do the job, then its not your choice and you can make a good case fior yourself. It wont harm your previous employer as its not their fault, but handing in your notice is your decision and you might still be able to work. Its a hard world out their, so get advice from either your union or CAB, when the time comes. Meanwhile dla is a good choice.

I hope you get sorted out Lors or love Sue

skezier

Hi Littlenix,

Sorry I am late to your post but welcome to the forums from me as well.

I think most of these drugs take up to 12 weeks to work so hopefully you might see an improvement soon. I hope you do.

Its rough flower when it first starts to impact on your life and I wonder if you might find a call to the AC helplines of benefit? They are really kind, helpful and know their stuff. The number is at the top of this page and with luck they will be able to really explain and help you.

Don't worry if you end up crying cus bless them hey know how hard it is and are totally understanding. Hang in there and I do hope you can get some help. Nice to meet you, Cris x

trisher

Hi

Just came to say Welcome from me too.

I agree with what the girls have said. It can take time for these meds to kick in. So try to hang in there.

Ring the Helpline you can speak to them in confidence too and yes, they are so nice and very understading. If you cry, they don't mind either so talk to them. They will point you in the right direction.

Please come back on here too. We do like to know how one another are either on her or the other Forums as well.

Leaving some ((((()))) for you too.

Trish xxx

I do hope that you feel better soon.