Hi,I'm RogZ! Anyone with CP experienced ill health retirement?

RogZ

Hello there, I’ve just found this board, this sort of chat  not something I have ever used before. I am in my 50s, been working as a teacher for almost 30 years but I am now completely wrung out. I can’t take it anymore. My CP is relatively, mild but it affects my right side, I can walk unaided. My disability journey has been punctuated with moments of realisation, stress and then acceptance . I think I’m at a new point in my life where I’m going to have to stop working. I haven’t ever had much physio or contact with the medical profession that is directly related to my CP( I was discharged when I was 8! ) I wondered if anyone out there has any experience of ill health retirement and it’s process? Cheers ? 

Lisatho11987777

Hi and welcome to the community there are lots of discussions going on on the coffee lounge you might like to join in with 

Thanks for telling us a bit about yourself  most of the people have a disability or look after someone with a disability  and there will be people with the same sorts of problems your haveing and people who can answer better than I can 

Hope you enjoy being part of our community and hope to see you around the community 

janer1967

Hi and welcome 

Sorry about how you are feeling 

I have experience of I'll health retirement process but each company has their own policy si you should ask for a copy 

I'll health retirement is related to your pension and you need it to be authorised by pension provider and can be a long drawn out process as you are saying you are not fit to work in any capacity so take early pension 

The alternative is medical dismissal which means you need to leave current job due to Ill health 

These are very different 

Look at your company policies first do not just give up work tho thus could affect entitlement to future benefits 

Let me know if you have any further questions 

The first stage us to go off sick and claim ssp until it expires 

Acas is a good advisory service and has good website 

Richard_Scope

Hi @RogZ
I think we have spoken over email? 
If your disability is now making it difficult to work, I completely know where you are coming from by the way. You may be able to claim your pension before the age of 55 – and so retire early. However, you’ll need to meet strict criteria, along with independent financial advice to ensure you can afford early retirement without running out of money too soon. Have you heard back from occupational health yet? It might be an idea to also get your Union to support you too.
I noticed that you mentioned that you hadn't had any contact with physiotherapists etc for many years? It might with going to see your G.P. and discussing the Adult CP Care Pathway, which they should know about. It's basically an M.O.T. for your CP, to see if there is anything that might help you to maintain your mobility

RogZ

Hi, thank you for that, I will certainly discuss things with my GP. I’ve not heard from OH but it’s early days.

Tillyw14

Hi Rogz ,
when reading your story it sounds like me . 

I’d be interested to know who’s you are now and what’s happening in terms of your retirement? 

RogZ

Hi thanks for your interest. 
In a nutshell, I’m now retired, the  process took about a year, the support of my GP, employer, various doctors, union, occupational health, a huge amount of form filling and of course the support of my family. 

If you are embarking on this process stick at it, don’t get to stressed(🙈) and good luck. 

Cheers x

Tillyw14

Thank you so much sorry for the late reply . I’ve only just realised my original reply didn’t post . 

Things have got much worse at work now . It’s so difficult I’ve started gathering evidence from health professionals etc but feel that work just want me to walk away . Thank you for your reply x

Richard_Scope

Hi @Tillyw14
I'm sorry to read that things have gotten worse. Are you a member of a union at all? Here is some information on ill-health retirement that might help.

Tillyw14

Thank you so much . I feel really stressed . I  don’t feel I can return to work .. they have been uncooperative which in truth has lead to anxiety and finally resulted in  sick leave related to stress in early December..I’ve since had a surgery on my foot to try and improve the shape structure etc .
I think my CP symptoms may be worse since a hysterectomy 18months ago. Menopause seems to have caused more pain and tiredness etc . I really don’t know which way to turn . Any support is so appreciated  . Thank you 

Richard_Scope

Hi @Tillyw14
Do you have any support from a union? If not, I would suggest that you contact the Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB) or seek some legal advice.

In terms of menopause, hormone changes can certainly affect you and exacerbate the presentation of your CP. Dr Newson gave an excellent talk about menopause and CP earlier in January. Here is her website, it might be worth making contact. Newson Health - Home

Tillyw14

thank so much . I have been advised to apply for the PIP allowance -but I don’t know if I should as my CP is  mild but I  really struggling 

Richard_Scope

You should apply for PIP, @Tillyw14!

Whether you classify your CP as mild or not you are still living with a lifelong disability and all of the challenges that come with it. I understand that those of us from a certain generation were brought up to play down our disability but as we age the physical effects of our CP can change.

Tillyw14

Thank you .i will I’ve spent £150 this week following my surgery ie crutches etc .. perch chair and veg chopper! Plus£30 every few weeks for podiatry .
It’s  strange for so long I have tried to fit in and really I realise I’ve been  facing discrimination,I am reaching out but have never in my life felt so disabled. How do I get assessment to take place for adaptions in my home?  Thank you so much Richard .. I really appreciate your time 

Richard_Scope

You need to request a needs assessment from your local council adult social care team. An occupational therapist will then come to your home and assess what you might need. There may be a wait though.

Fitting in is exhausting. Be you 

RogZ

Tillyw14 said:

Thank you .i will I’ve spent £150 this week following my surgery ie crutches etc .. perch chair and veg chopper! Plus£30 every few weeks for podiatry .
It’s  strange for so long I have tried to fit in and really I realise I’ve been  facing discrimination,I am reaching out but have never in my life felt so disabled. How do I get assessment to take place for adaptions in my home?  Thank you so much Richard .. I really appreciate your time 

Funnily enough I got an onion chopper for Christmas-  made a big difference!
My view on my CP has changed as I’ve aged. I’m more willing to ask for help now. Getting as assessment from the council and or work is a very good start. 

Tillyw14

I feel I’m at that point ! 

It’s difficult but I don’t want to walk away from work but they have been so unhelpful . I’ve had two occupational health reports and access to work but they haven’t really made any adjustments .
i don’t want to just walk away after 30 yrs of teaching but I know the ill health retirement is extremely difficult . I’m 53 .
Any help and advice would be appreciated .

RogZ

I'm nearly 56 now and felt like you but when I was 53 when, having taught for 30 years, I woke up one morning and suddenly thought, "I'm done, I can't do it anymore." 
Teaching is exhausting and when you have the extra layer of CP its harder still.
Its a young persons game!!

Apply for PiP, if you afford to go part time - it helped me a little.
Ultimately though, I've fought for ill heath retirement and I feel so much better. 
It takes time but go for it...

Tillyw14

I m  thinking I will . I can’t do it any more
my consultant  says he will support me .not sure when to start the process.
Did you have occupational health and access to work involved ?  Did you seek legal advice? .
Thank  you .. I hope you don’t mind all the questions but I don’t know anyone else who has done it .   I am extremely grateful for the time you are taking to chat with me . 

RogZ

No problem. I have a number of health issues which all contributed to my problems and inability to work. 

I recommend going to the GP and discussing with them. That and the consultant support will be v helpful. 

Ask for a occupational health review via school - where you can explain your difficulties. Speak to your union mine was very supportive. Look on the teachers pension website there it explains the process 

It takes time ( about a year ) and effort and you will need the coordinated support of school, union, GP and consultants.
take care 

Tillyw14

Thank you so much . 

Very much appreciated .
Take care x