I don't know where to turn

Sable42

I work about 17 hours a week on my feet in a shop. I was diagnosed with PA 4 years ago but at first it was just sausage fingers and a painful toe. I ust got on with doing my 27 hours a week that I was then doing.

But I then developed an infected gall bladder with eventual removal this hit me hard and took a while to recover. Then covid arrived. Just as we were returning to work I fell an fractured an ankle with a lot of ligament damage, also finding out I had osteoporosis in my spine. This has caused several back issues due to hobbling. I reduced my hours to 22 at this point,. But after another trip and more ligament damage I to had to reduce my hours further to 17. Then a flare and major fatigue I took 3 months unpaid leave. I have been back 5 weeks and bang s massive flare up and flattened with fatigue again.

I can't afford to not work or take unpaid leave. I have never claimed any benefits in 40+ years of working so no idea what to do or where to go, or if they would take me seriously.

Poppyjane

Welcome @Sable42 to the online community

It sounds like you have been having a really difficult time. The PA, gall bladder, ankle and now major flares leaving you drained and struggling with fatigue. Your first step in knowing where to turn is getting in touch with us. We are a friendly group here to support you with information and tips on how we all try to cope with living with arthritis.

I attach some links which I hope you will find helpful and I also suggest you talk to our Helpline 08005200520.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/living-with-arthritis/work/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-fatigue/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/october/new-stretching-videos-to-help-keep-moving-and-manage-your-arthritis/

There are lots of discussions by our members which I hope you will find helpful when you get the chance to browse round the community. Meanwhile I don't want to overload you with too much .

Just be assured that now you have turned to the community that there are numbers of us who are here to offer our support. We look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Best wishes

Poppyjane