Medical retirement

1234567

Hi. I have now been suffering with fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis in hands,knees, neck, osteopenia from a DEXA scan. I’ve been diagnosed with HS and just had a recent flare up which is awful! and also diagnosed with carpel tunnel in both hands, left hand severe. I have recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure and put on medication. I work in a stressful environment but have continued to work without going sick as I can work from home, although I work from my bed without getting dressed! I get down and low but do not show this. I have had a full on breakdown recently at the doctors she’s advised I go sick as I have a lot going on. I have been under a pain management team for years. I have tried all kinds of treatment, lidocaine infusion, CBT, ketamine medicine, acupuncture, private physio therapy. I am 56. My employers see me as an outgoing person, I always present myself well (this takes effort!). I cut my hrs down due to my illnesses but my caseload has gone sky high. I have asked not to like more work on me as I can’t cope with it. But still it happens. I asked for an occupational health referral to be done but not been seen yet. For the 1st time in my life I’ve taken sick leave and feel so bad. I have spoken to my family and they told me my health comes first and I’ve finally agreed with them so does my GP. I have approx 4 hrs sleep every night and my concentration levels and brain fog are concerning, I forget everything! Would I be able to apply for early retirement in medical grounds due to my health as I feel nobody is listening! I just do not know were to start or what to do. Sorry for the long winded post! I am a union member.

MW123

@nik1234567

Welcome to Scope!

Your health should always come first, nobody can take care of it better than you! Taking sick leave is the first step in realising you cannot keep pushing yourself. If your workload is still too much to handle, even with fewer hours, it might help to follow up on your occupational health referral request in writing. Your employer is responsible for supporting you if you are dealing with health issues, and an OH assessment can suggest ways to make your job easier.

If you are considering early retirement for health reasons, it can be complicated, but it is possible depending on your pension plan and medical evidence that you cannot continue working. Since you are in a union, contact them for advice on the options available to you and let them know you have not received any updates on your OH request. They can contact your employer on your behalf to ask for an update. This shows your employer that you’re serious about managing your workload and health, and that you have the support of your union in handling the situation.

1234567

thank you very much