Thanks guys. I still feel pretty sore but there is some comfort in thinking that things are getting sorted out. I hope I can go back to work in a couple of weeks and finish my notice period even if only because it will end that job properly. My GP did say that they would sign me off for longer if I want it though.
I'm going to apply for the non-means tested parts of the Disability benefits so that even if I get a temp job I will still have those coming in. I expect that whatever job I get in the future will be a big come down wage wise from what I have now. But then money isn't everything. I'd rather have no pain and no money than a good wage and live like this.
I agree, being happy is much more important than cash. Use your sick weeks to recover as much as possible. Even if you can't get back to work, finishing it off will be easier if you're feeling at least a little bit better.
In the meantime, have you had a few changes made in your house to help you cope with your arthritis? A higher toilet bowl, for instance, that'll let you get up easier, or faucets that can be turned on with a handle rather than knobs you have to turn, so you can turn the water on with your arm if your fingers are too stiff. You might even be able to get compensation for installing those things.
For now, I hope you feel a little better every day, and that the meds continue to work.
A higher toilet seat would be a good idea - I hadn't even thought of it. We are having another handrail put on the stairs to give me more to hang on to. I'm ok with taps as I only have one finger affected by the arthritis at the moment. But we will be getting our bathroom redone soon and some of the changes being made are arthritis friendly (like only a little step into the shower as opposed to the big step we have now and also an easier to access loo and stuff.)
Right, before you even begin putting these fixtures in, go to your GP and ask for a referral to the Occupational Therapist! They will come into your home, assess the condition there, assess what improvements you need, and then arrange them all for you. This can be everything from loaning equipment to making much bigger changes to the home.
The thing is, they need to see the condition it is in *first*. xxx
I still feel pretty sore but there is some comfort in thinking that things are getting sorted out. I hope I can go back to work in a couple of weeks and finish my notice period even if only because it will end that job properly.
My GP did say that they would sign me off for longer if I want it though.
I'm going to apply for the non-means tested parts of the Disability benefits so that even if I get a temp job I will still have those coming in. I expect that whatever job I get in the future will be a big come down wage wise from what I have now. But then money isn't everything. I'd rather have no pain and no money than a good wage and live like this.
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In the meantime, have you had a few changes made in your house to help you cope with your arthritis? A higher toilet bowl, for instance, that'll let you get up easier, or faucets that can be turned on with a handle rather than knobs you have to turn, so you can turn the water on with your arm if your fingers are too stiff. You might even be able to get compensation for installing those things.
For now, I hope you feel a little better every day, and that the meds continue to work.
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The thing is, they need to see the condition it is in *first*.
xxx
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