I need work, but I can't work. I have a number of medical issues, but none of them qualify for disability, even all combined. I suffer chronic pain and have a diagnosis of RA.i can hardly walk most days, and my hands are always swollen and stiff. I have a shoulder injury that restricts how much weight I can lift. I have bipolar rapid cycle. I have problems with my feet, and chronic fatigue. I had to quit my job of 12 years due to my health, both mental and physical. My daughter is 6 next year and ill need to work or study. I have no idea what to do. I had to quit tafe doing a course I love as pain prevented me from practical. I want to work in beauty and become a nail tech and make up artist, and im great at it, But my hands swell and lock up half way through a treatment. For years now iv done make up for formals and weddings for friends and family and this year I had to say no, Iv turned down about $600 work in the past 3 weeks. I love retail in boutiques, but can't stand for long periods of time, and after 30mins of walking my feet swell and feel broken, leaving me walking like an old lady, I can't lift or use my hands for more then 10 minutes at a time.Sitting for too long also causes pain. I feel defeeted and depressed. Iv found myself sleeping all day and not eating. Im looking at what jobs are up for offer and those that I am qualified for, I can't physically do the work any more. Iv been fighting for a pension for 8 years now and managed to get restricted work capacity 4 years ago. My partner has a carere pension for me, but works so we dont get much. I cry at night. I take a cocktail of meds that leave me down (stupid) I struggle to focus. I know if I walked into my old job, my job would be handed to me on a platter, contract and all, but I can't stand for 30hrs a week let alone 5, it takes me a whole day just to clean my own home. I dont know what to do.
12 Replies
Is there any way to redo the pension application? Get a different doctors certificate? I would keep going that way, you really sound in a poor state and shouldn't be forced to work on top.
I apply every 12 months. Drs fight for me but I never get approved. Yet my 22yo stwp son got one with out applying simply for being a drug addict. It makes me so mad.
Have you been to a pain clinic?
Maybe it’s time to renew all the meds etc
Are you actively trying rehab therapies? Getting in and swimming? Walking in the pool?
You have to work on your physical and mental health and once your feeling stronger your ability to work will also improve
MyRA is a new diagnosis but iv been treated for it since assessment started earlier in th year. Th issue with RA, there isn't really any real affective medication, most if not all, simply dull th pain. Physio won't stop th pain but will show me how to keep moving at times it hurts to much to do so. I do hydro theropy weekly but it only feels good while I'm in th water. Th meds for my bipolar work well, my depression isn't bipolar related but because im so unwell. Chronic fatigue comes with both RA, and bipolar.
But have you had pain explained to you?
RA is also something that happens in bouts. So you can have a flare and then be good. Length of time depends.. you can condition yourself to be better or worse. It will take a lot of work and it will be one step forward and one back.
Your depression also increases your sensitivity to pain. There is a very strong link. Working with a psychologist who specialises in chronic pain would be extremely helpful!
Hydrotherapy feeling good while your in the water is very important in your recovery. It shows your brain that it is entirely possible to move without pain - so it is positively reinforcing your nervous system..
Your old workplace obviously values you greatly.
If you look at all the experience you have, is it able to be moved into a new role within the business?
A long time ago I was working in a factory, for many years. Standing on concrete (even with the anti-fatigue mats) was killing me and I was taking more pain killers than I should have been just to get through each night. Between my back and my feet I just couldn't keep going. I was transitioning to a new career, had finished my training and had even gone as far as securing a new job when a position became available at my original job in the office.
Are there opportunities at your old workplace that you don't think you deserve or could never do, that you very possibly could? If you'd told 30 year old me I'd end up part of the senior management team I'd have never believed it, but here I am doing it.
Might be worth looking into for you.
I was a service supervoser in a supermarket. I got n offer to be a 2IC in a new store 5 years ago but I turned it down as it was 45hr a week on salary. I was then asked to be 3rd in charge at my own store so when managers were on leave I could work with th 2IC and I said no. I dropped my hours from 35 down to 10 and I still struggled.everything else is very physical work I can't do.
The old say whether you think you can or can’t your right..
Absolutely. If she thinks she can't do it lets believe her that she cant.
Exactly only she knows how she feels each day and I know myself it’s a bloody struggle. It’s depressing also not being able to work. I cry every night because I can’t work. I am in so much pain but no one can see that. Everyone just talks about me and all the things I can’t do then I must be lazy. I am far from it. I wish I could work. I miss it so much. I am such a hard worker too and my likeness just takes it all away.
Illness not likeness.
Oh gosh this sounds like me except they can’t find anything wrong with me. It’s so depressing. I am in so much pain everyday and often have stuff joints and hands. I can barely clean the house each day, I’m so exhausted. I have been to the drs so many times and had numerous tests that keep coming back clear. my bloods are clear so they say it’s not RA but I can’t possibly feel this bad with nothing wrong. I feel your pain. It’s so depressing. No one can see it and it’s almost like everyone thinks your lazy 😭 I would love nothing more than to be out working my ass off.