Finding employment that will take into account chronic back pain

Deb805

Im 63 and have just had an operation on my spine for stenosis. After having it done I was told my discs are degenerate and am still in pain ..have joined as I need help finding employment that can take into account chronic back pain. I was a carer for my mum who has mental health issues but has recently been taken into a care home as she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I go to see her everyday but she hasn't got long left at which point I would like part time work. I'm a qualified early years educator and teaching assistant but had problems with all the running around due to back issues. I also suffer with depression which is kept under control with medication. I also have a lot of friends and have met some lovely people with mental illness and would like to find work in this area if possible

fullofquestions

hello deb805 Im 40 and was diagnosed with degenerative disc desease last June 2023, now been diagnosed with spinal stenosis in June this year. Am now waiting for a date for surgery. It’s extremely uncomfortable and painful pretty much most of the time. Did you find your surgery helped at all if you don’t mind me asking

Wibbles

"Spinal stenosis is common, especially in older people. However, it can also rarely affect younger people. Spinal stenosis most often affects the lower (lumbar) spine."

What is the normal definition of "older people" ?

I am 61 and have Stenosis starting to appear - I just wonder how old, OLDER people are ?

fullofquestions

the amount of people I’ve spoken too and they say I’m rather young to have spinal stenosis so I wouldn’t say 61 is old

Stellar

So sorry to hear about your mum.

Given your age, it's highly highly you will face age discrimination from employers, especially as you're close to retirement age.

May I suggest looking into volunteering positions to tide you over until you can claim your pension? Mental illness charities and other orgs will have plenty of opportunities. Most are unpaid, but you may be able to find a paid role in there too. Good luck!

Deb805

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/907379#Comment_907379

Yes the surgery for stenosis has allowed me to stand up straight again and has received at least half of my pain. I could tell the difference as soon as I came out of theatre, I got out of bed and walked to the toilet and was amazed at the difference, I'm really annoyed that the consultant didn't fix my discs at the same time. I first had a consultation 10 years previously at addenbrooks hospital and was told the repair would be done to stenosis and discs at the same time but due to caring for my mum left it until I had no choice because of severe pain. I was then sent to a different hospital where their main concern seems to be getting someone else ticked off their list and will now have to go back on the waiting list to get my discs done. Sorry for ranting but definately get the stenosis done well worth it.

Rachel_Scope

Hi @Deb805. Scope offer a Support to Work service that can help you find a job and make sure your disability is accommodated for. If you click on that link you can sign up and they'll be in touch 😊

Wibbles

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/907832#Comment_907832

I was not aware that discs could be replaced!