A Little Help

cpontefract
cpontefract Member Posts: 73
edited 12. May 2011, 19:00 in Living with Arthritis archive
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! :(
Claire
Keep Smiling :D

Comments

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,832
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    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
    cpontefract Member Posts: 73
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    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
    Claire
    Keep Smiling :D
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    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.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    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
    Love
    Barbara
  • cpontefract
    cpontefract Member Posts: 73
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    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
    Claire
    Keep Smiling :D