To work or not ???

cowren

Been off work since June diagnosed with cervical osteio arthritis.
Full sick pay runs out shortly finance dictates I return and bored stupid at home.
Dr perscribed Diclofenac 3 times a day and touch wood no headaches for 2 wks and co co codamol for pain.
I have to go back to Dr on 28th Oct to see if he will sign me off as he is sure I will need sugery.
After checking out everybody's attempt of getting any type of benfits looks like the only option.
My normal working hours are 8-4 with 1 hr for lunch.
Work have advised I am able to a phased return over 4- 6 wks I need to check this with union coz I'm sure it's over 12 wks.
Has anybody got any tips on minimizing the stress on my neck relaxtion techniques ect
my company does employ a firm to complete a full desk assesment ect
Any help would be great

cowren
which I will have before I return.

dorcas

Hi cowren and nice to meet you

You haven't said what type of job you do... and whether the job puts pressure on your neck :?:

Being off work can be a bit mind numbing but I did wonder if you were considering going back to work against what the doc thinks is best for you? you also mentioned that you may need to have surgery... is that something that's likely to happen soon? would you be making your condition worse by going back to work just now?

Have you been referred by your doc for Physio or to OT to assess whether exercises or a collar would be of some help to you?

Also in addition to your employer's occy health department it may be that Access to Work (through jobcentreplus) could help with advice regarding any adaptations to the workplace that might be necessary to help with your return to work.
Phased return arrangements seem to vary so you're wise to check with your union about your employer's policy on ill health management.

Sorry I seem to have asked more questions than provided any sound advice

Iris xxxx

speedalong

Hi Cowren,

nothing to add (Iris is very thorough isn't she?!)

So shall just say welcome to the forum and keep us posted.

Speedy

cowren

dorcas wrote:

Hi cowren and nice to meet you

You haven't said what type of job you do... and whether the job puts pressure on your neck :?:

Being off work can be a bit mind numbing but I did wonder if you were considering going back to work against what the doc thinks is best for you? you also mentioned that you may need to have surgery... is that something that's likely to happen soon? would you be making your condition worse by going back to work just now?

Have you been referred by your doc for Physio or to OT to assess whether exercises or a collar would be of some help to you?

Also in addition to your employer's occy health department it may be
that Access to Work (through jobcentreplus) could help with advice regarding any adaptations to the workplace that might be necessary to help with your return to work.

Phased return arrangements seem to vary so you're wise to check with your union about your employer's policy on ill health management.

Sorry I seem to have asked more questions than provided any sound advice

Iris xxxx

Thanx Iris for the advice it's a bit of a long tale !!
I was sent to a consultant orginally as I had probs with my arms and hands.
The consultant I saw was an arm/ hand specialist by the time I got my first appointment I had pins n needles in my feet as well !
He recommended an Mri this was in March
I had the MRI results in May wich just showed slight bulgeing disc at c5:c6

He then decided I shud have a nerve conduction test
I went for this after chasing an appointment as I had an accident whilst boarding a mini bus the driver moved of which caused further trauma to my neck and damage to the muscle on my right shin.
When I went for the test I was numb from the knee down and useing a walking stick as my balance wasn't very good!
The dr doing the test decided to do an emg test on all my muscles and then told me that all muscles tested showed signs of denervation and all muscles tested where damaged in both my arms and legs .
I returned to my consultant and his underling wasn't sure what to make of my symptoms and discussed my case with the consultant within ear shot ( I overheard then discussing me and MS was mentioned amongst other things and then they couldn't decide what MRI I would need)
they came back to me and just said they where going to refer me to a nueroligist
I went back to my dr 2 days later to get my fit note renewed and broke down explained what had happend at hospital.
He was not happy and unbeknown to me wrote to the consultant and said how upset I was the consultant phoned me at home that night and apologised.I advised him of the accident and he said his assitant hadn't explained what had happend properley. Also advised me he would order another MRI if brain and neck ad urgent!! But I should not worry he just wanted to cover all bases.
I was called back a week later and then just had to wait.
I once again returned to my Dr after not hearing anything for 2wks. The dr found my results on hospital system and told me the results and they where not good!the neck MRI showed osteio arthritis in several vertbrae and bulgeing disc and osteopyts in 2 places. He couldn't find the brain only the neck took a further 2 wks of chasing but the good news us nothing showed up.

With regard work I use a computer all day working on spreadsheets and have about 4 other systems running alongside.
I am free to get up and walk around go for a break ect:
I have not driven since the accident as the medication I'm on makes me
drowsy and I haven't got full range of movement in my neck also my right leg is numb and heavy still.
So I'm not sure if I will be able to manage full days but I cannot stand waiting for appointments and the money side of things would be hard.
Will just have to give it a go if dr says it's ok.
Not looking forward to catching public transport but its only a few stops so have to give it a go!!!

dorcas

Hello again cowren

sorry to have taken so long to get back to you. :oops:

You certainly have a lot to deal with physically and with all the tests you've had done. :roll:

As the results have just become available have you been given a follow up appointment with the consultant to find out what treatment etc might be required? ... from what you've said it sounds as though your doc is expecting you might need surgery. :?

I wondered, with all of that as background, if it's wise for you to be talking about going back to work? You might be better waiting to consider the advice of your doc when you see him next before making any decisions.... the last thing you need is to make your condition worse by pushing yourself too hard!

Have you looked into what benefits you might be entitled to? DLA for example... which might ease your financial situation if you have to remain off work for longer than you'd hoped.

Perhaps you should contact CAB or a Welfare Rights Officer... they will assist you with advice on benefit entitlements and with the practicalities of completing any claims forms.

Being off long term brings with it financial pressures... I know... but your health has to come first?

Let us know how you get on.

Iris xxx