Being forced into work!

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Chloe2014
Chloe2014 Member Posts: 3
edited 12. May 2014, 06:43 in Chat to our Helpline Team archive
I am a 39 years old single mum to a 5 yr old daughter. I've had arthritis for around 16 years and now my daughters 5 and at school I feel I'm being forced back to work. I've struggled through many years with my condition,and now have deterioration of my spine and trouble with back pain.ive tried to apply for ESA before but a very young and inexperienced girl said I was ok to go back to work in three months!!!? I have a part time job of 4+ hours a week and do around 10 pw. This isn't enough to get off JSA and the job centre are pushing me to find a 16 hour a week employment. As anyone knows who has arthritis, your minds as fit and active as it always is but your body just won't do what you want it to do. I'd love to be able to work 16 hrs and bring more money home but I physically cannot cope. I take 50 tablets a week plus 2 injections but the pain is still unbearable at times. Has anyone any advice.? Thanksxxxx :roll: :roll:

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  • helpline_team
    helpline_team Posts: 3,487
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    Hi Chloe
    Thank you for your forum posting. I’m sorry to hear that your pain is unbearable at times. It can be hard enough being in pain, without having to deal with employment issues and concerns. I am wondering if you have spoken to your doctor/medical professional about how unbearable your pain is. Maybe you could have a review of your medication, or possibly a referral to a pain clinic.

    If you take a look at our publications and resources, you will find a couple of publications that may be of interest, one called ‘Coping with pain’, and the other ‘Working with arthritis’ you may find them helpful.

    We are not benefits/welfare rights experts so there are a couple of links below that may be of help to you.
    Firstly the Citizens Advice Bureau, if you go to into their website and put in your postcode it should bring up your nearest branch
    http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

    Secondly an organisation called Turn2us, and they have a helpline:
    http://www.turn2us.org.uk/
    Helpline: 0808 802 2000

    If you would like to hear about peoples experiences, you may like to post on our ‘Living with arthritis’ forum. It’s also a great way of gaining support.
    http://arthritiscareforum.org.uk/viewforum.php?f=8

    Chloe lastly sometimes it can be helpful to talk things through, you are most welcome to give us a ring on our Helplines: Freephone 0808 800 4050 (Monday-Friday 10-4) here we can talk informally and in confidence. A listening, non-judgmental ear can be helpful at times.

    I do hope this is of some help

    Best wishes
    Lynda
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