A Little Help

cpontefract

Hi everyone- its been so long since ive been here, but im looking for some advice

Back in 2009 I lost my job and went on JSA, then after an interview in April '10 I fell and broke my wrist (or so they thought) & was put on ESA as I couldnt work. After 15 weeks in plaster I was referred to a consultant who advised it was arthritis and I would need some test.
I rung ESA & told them I was out of plaster and had arthritis and my GP continued to sign me off. After the 13 weeks review period they told me they were stopping my claim, so I appealed, twice! April this year they told I should be now fit for work and was put back on JSA.

However I was never reviewed out of the plaster & my condition is much worse, & im not sure what to do.

I have very little grip or strength in my left hand and arm along with hellish pain, with the right only slightly better.
Consultant has put me on Salazopyrin which I've been taking for 4months (not much change in pain etc though), and I'm waiting for an appointment to go and see him (should have seen him April but heyho).

I don't feel i have the strength to go to work everyday. Some days I cant even get out of bed, along with the pain and tiredness, Im just not sure what to do anymore.

I have an appointment with an advisor re: JSA in 2 weeks, but how are they gonna react when I say I can only work 3-4 hours a day maybe 4 days a week. & what happens if I have a bad day and cant go to work?
Am I better re-applying for ESA??
HELP!

frogmorton

Oh NO!!!!

what a disaster!!

I suggest that you do both....go for the appointment as planned and fill the advisor in with what has been going on.

Also maybe make an appointment with CAB re reapplying for the ESA??? They tend to be most expert on such matters and far better at supporting people having trouble getting benefits they are entitled to.

You sound to be so very tired and in such pain have they told you yet which kind of arthritis you have?

Love

Toni xx

cpontefract

Thanks Toni
Be on the phone to CAB tomorrow

All my consultant has said is that its inflammatory, which is pretty obvious when you look at the size of my wrists most days lol and that its link with my IBS

Hoping to get some more answers next time I go there (was supposed to be end of April but what the cuts etc no sign off anything yet). Been having problems with my back and knees lately so def need something sorting now

Thanks for your help Toni xx

stickywicket

Have you tried the top thread on the Working Matters forum? So long since I worked I've no idea if it'll help you but looked worth a try to me.

Best of luck whatever you decide to do.

barbara12

Hi
Sorry I cant give you any advice, but I really do feel for you, it awful how people are expected to work when in pain.
I do wish you well with it all.
Barbara x

cpontefract

Thank you all
Had a terrible day with my knees starting to hurt now as well (only had my wrists diagnosed)

Its a wonderful comfort to know that there ARE some caring people in the world who will help when they can

Thank you again xx