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

Weeyin

Hi there, sorry to hear of your issues. Ive had PsA 27 years & worked F/T throughout. I had previously been rejected for PIP, then reapplied after checking out community posts providing loads of great info. I got it 1 year ago. Ive managed to reduced my hours now.

See if you can spread your hours over more days. 10 hours per day is far too much. Look at your transferable skills - customer/client care. Admin/call centre may be a lighter work load there are various adaptions which can be used.

Keep in contact with Rheumatology as they are fantastic at providing ideas.

frogmorton

Hi @Sable42

I am so sorry you are struggling so much. Is it PsA you have? Psoriatic Arthritis Or PA (palindromic Rheumatism? ) I think more likely PsA.

I don't know if you have ever applied for any financial support? Many of us get PIP Personal independence payments might be worth applying if you don't already. I suggest you get applying ASAP as there is talk of making payments into vouchers instead of money.

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/living-with-arthritis/financial-support/

Got to be worth a try. When you fill in the forms do NOT downplay how your arthritis affects you or you won't get it. Be realistic and honest if you need help with doing stuff say so. Anything from getting tablets out of blister packs to doing up your shoe laces counts as well as chopping up veg to cook a meal etc you'll see when you get the forms.

Best of luck

Toni x