Something that does worry me.

sulkycat

This might sound really silly to some, sorry!

One of the things I have a huge problem with is not working at the moment. The DLA and other assessments have all been very positive as I have detailed in other posts.
But I cannot shake off the worry that at some point 'they' will try to force me back into work.

At the moment I am still in the relatively early days of treatment. The pain is constant and I do a lot of snoozing, also side effects of medication changes are a struggle. I know all of you will have been through this stage.

The Dr at my last medical assessment told me to go home and look after myself (literally, she was lovely) and not worry about the future.

I want to work - I find it really hard to go from a successful and wonderful career to a total halt, but I know that I am fit for very little at the moment. If my body is working my brain is asleep, if my brain's working my body is full of pain. One day I would like to do volunteer work or retrain but at the moment I am far too unreliable.

Not sure what I expect in replies - maybe some sort of reassurance that at some point I will be able to work again even if not in my old job, or that I won't be 'forced' into a job before I am able.

Thank you in advance, you luvverly forum folk.

tkachev

It is much nicer to feel ready and able to cope with everyday work and not to be forced into it. Sadly there is some evidence of having to fight to get the correct benefits and support while being told you are not as bad as you claim.
We all have good days and bad days but there doesn't seem to be much allowance for this and often attend interviews and medicals on a good day.

I know you had a very difficult job. I am a mother of 2 disabled Sons and have found it very difficult to cope and it takes the little energy I have. I often need the daytime to get the vital rest I need to face the emotional/physical after school times so work would be very difficult for me but at the same time I would like to work and have a career to help financially.

At the moment concerntrate on getting better and getting the right medication to ease the symptoms and there is hope you will be well enough to return to your job. Never write it off. It just may take some time.

Elizabeth

valval

hi i do feel for you i only work 4 hours each afternoon and sometimes that is hard to cope with but have been able to keep working so have not had to do benifits etc but when they get some meds that suit you and help will be the time to start thinking about work i know it not much help for you but it is time to put you first let the future take care of its self val

stickywicket

It doesn’t sound silly at all, sulkycat. It sounds to me as if you’re being very responsible, thinking ahead and trying to sort out your future.

Unfortunately, arthritis isn’t 100% predictable. There is no set route that you can follow, no guarantee that, because someone else was back at work within ‘x’ months then you will be too. We each plough our own furrow and the key word is ‘adaptability’.

I understand your worries about the DLA people trying, at some stage, to ‘force’ you back to work but one lesson I have learnt from this disease is that worrying about the future impacts on the present. Arthritis thrives on stress. Your current need is to get things on a more even keel. Nothing else. The more you can concentrate on today, the more likely it is that you will have the energy and mental resources to deal with whatever the future brings whether that’s your old job, a new one or some voluntary work.

You have a nice DLA lady and good rheumatologist fighting your corner. That’s a good start for the future. Plus, of course, you have us.