working with autoimmune disease

[del60]

hi, I am 60yrs old and a community nurse in the UK. I am having investigations for Sjogrens syndrome and/or Rheumatoid arthritis. Had loads of tests. been off sick now 6 weeks, and very depressed. Chronic fatigue is a massive issue. I am unable to work now, but really want to once I get treatment. I am worried due to risk of Covid.

 

I am older so this is making it difficult to fight my case to get flexible arrangements. My bosses are thinking why don't just retire.  I was a young 60 up to now, always out,working, no family so I have no kids or grandchildren to keep my busy. I have no interest in gardening or any kind of hobby. I just want to see my patients. Has anyone else got this issue, and are Rheumatologists dictatorial when they see you, I don't want anyone telling me I must not work and just stay home and that will just make me give up. 

[GrumpyRN, NP]

On 11/11/2020 at 1:47 PM, del60 said:

I am older so this is making it difficult to fight my case to get flexible arrangements. My bosses are thinking why don't just retire. 

If you are in the NHS they cannot make you retire and under anti discrimination laws your managers have to make every effort to assist you to work safely. They may not like it but it they have to go with it. Check your HR policies and also have a word with your union and OHSAS.

I'm fairly sure that Rheumatologists want you to keep as active and as happy as you can as it is better for your treatment and mental health.

 

On 11/11/2020 at 1:47 PM, del60 said:

I was a young 60 up to now, always out,working, no family so I have no kids or grandchildren to keep my busy. I have no interest in gardening or any kind of hobby. I just want to see my patients.

What did you do with your life outwith work? If you are 60 you must have at least thought about retiral (not necessarily retiring) what did you have planned for that? You know that you could not go on working forever, so what were your thoughts? Yes I appreciate Covid has scuppered a lot of things but that is temporary.

I hope I am not coming over negatively, but why not contact OHSAS, your GP? See what they have to offer. See what happens when the treatments kick in. My feeling is that you are depressed because you are suddenly having to think about some form of disability and your future is uncertain and I totally empathise. When you get back to work you will need to make some adjustments. This is a big thing and a big change. It's scary and if you have no family then it is lonely.

 

Take care, keep safe.

Get help and proper advice. Good luck.

 

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

Just wanted to shout out some support - My immune system has been trying to kill me for years but I just keep on truckin! Hang in there. I know nothing about how the NHS works as I live in America but it took me also 3 years to find a physician who was willing to be colaborative partner in my care. Things are looking up as I approach 60. 

Hppy

[GrumpyRN, NP]

14 hours ago, hppygr8ful said:

I know nothing about how the NHS works as I live in America but it took me also 3 years to find a physician who was willing to be colaborative partner in my care.

Hi hppy, main difference is that if OP is off sick they will get 6 months full pay followed by 6 months half pay (in reality when you add in sickness benefit from government and reduced tax because pay is less you are not actually all that short for the last 6 months) means that OP does not have to worry about money for a while and her employer has to keep her job open for her return.

Medical wise, hospitals have a large team and rheumatologists are linked into other specialties - physiotherapists, pain team, occupational therapists, psychiatrists/psychologists. All are available and OP does not have to do any searching. Her GP can also arrange for a lot of these specialties/help.