Hi, my name is patrycja!

patrycja

Hi , im new to DDD desease topic. I was missdiagnosed for years until recently. Im in such great pain on daily basis its sometimes disableing . Im unable to continue physotherapy due to amount of pain im in. Im currently on high dose of nortriptiline that doesnt seems to help at all with back pain but it helps with my mood. Im waiting for epidrular shot , its due in few weeks. I have question to those who live with pain already. Is it possible for me to return to my current job? Im working as (now after being demoted due to my health condition) supervisor in big brand coffee shop. Working there requires feom me to be quick, agile, and lift move heavy and chunky objects. Im scared that after spinal shot if will ease my pain levels i push too much and end up on wheelchair eventually. Is it possible to work those ordinary customer service jobs while struggling with DDD.

AKR

There isn't a one size fits all approach. It all depends on the job, the organisation you work for, whether any reasonable adjustments can be implemented, the response you have to the epidural/other treatments and so on. This is something I would recommend you discuss with your treating physician/GP and also in due course with your line manager/HR dept.

patrycja

I spoke to my gp ,physio and even occupational health , all of them said there is no adjustments that can be made in my workplace and returning to those type of jobs is not advised. Im absolutelly oterryfied, i need and want to be back at work and im scared of changing careers knowing only customer service/gastronomy industry.

AKR

Is there a different job within the same organisation you can do/be trained up to do that doesn't involve the physical aspects of your current job? All of these things should be looked at, particularly by a large organisation which has the resources available to investigate different options for you.

onedayatatime

Hello @patrycja . It's a horrible predicament to be in. There's obviously the financial aspect of needing to work and your own physical health to look after. Perhaps getting the right balance of medication and work adjustments, a different less physical job role within the company, will give you more options. Do you belong to any Union which could perhaps advise you of work adjustments? As others have said, there isn't really a correct one answer as much depends on your own limitations and outcomes to procedures. You're obviously working a physically demanding job which is having an impact on your physical health. I'm sorry you are in this predicament. As someone who themselves worked within retail for many years but could no longer continue with their job, speak to your workplace about adjustments. I hope you have some pain relief from your upcoming epidural injection.