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I have fibromyalgia. Is it serious enough for PIP? I'm also worried about returning to work

Faith2008

Hi Everyone, I just found this site.

I have been having a lot of mobility issues for a long time. I work full time but my work have allowed me to work from home and it’s been since March 2020. I have fibromyalgia which has prevented me from working, the pain feels like bone rubbing on bone, I have been more or less house bound from last December with before that I only walked to the doctors or pharmacy which is three minutes away and would need to recover for the rest of the day.

This fibromyalgia has ruined my life. I applied for PIP 12 weeks ago which was the advice from my employer. I haven’t heard anything I wonder if fibromyalgia isn’t serious enough. I am worried because I have never not worked but my work wants me back in a few weeks. Can anyone give me any advice.

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calcotti

Faith2008 said: I applied for PIP 12 weeks ago which was the advice from my employer. I haven’t heard anything I wonder if fibromyalgia isn’t serious enough.

As numerous threads on this forum attest there are very long delays in the PIP claim process at the moment with many claims taking up to 10 months before a decision is made. Can you confirm you have had the PIP2 questionnaire about how your health affects you and have returned it.

PIP is not based on a diagnosis of your medical condition(s) but on whether or not you can do the prescribed activities to the required standard.
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-points-system

Can you discuss with your employer whether it is possible for you to continue to work from home.

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @Faith2008

It's great to have you with us. I can see you've already commented on a couple of other threads too, which is really good to see!

I'm sorry to hear that your fibromyalgia has been really affecting you. Have you been able to access any support for pain management? Is your GP up-to-date with how you've been feeling?

PIP isn't based on your diagnosis, but rather how your condition affects you, so don't worry that your fibromyalgia isn't 'serious' enough. PIP waiting times can unfortunately be quite long, so hold tight and wait to hear about your assessment.

Just to be clear: are you currently working from home, and worried about returning to the office? Or are you on sick leave, and worried about returning to work?

Have you ever heard of reasonable adjustments? We have some information about reasonable adjustments at work on our website.

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community

I would suggest you ask your employer to refer you to oh for a work place assessment before returning to work

They can then recommend any reasonable adjustments or if you are able to return to work

Have you seen your gp have they not signed you as being unfit for work

[Deleted User]

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Faith2008

Hi everyone, thank you for replying. I’m working from home and worried about returning to the office. I have been lucky that they have allowed me time which has helped me so much as at the start of the year I wasn’t able to walk hardly at all and spent 90% of the day in bed.

I’m waiting for the OH from work to contact me I haven’t heard anything yet. The GP gave me Zapain which I’m not really sure if they even work as I’m in so much pain all the time well when I stand or walk. The GP hasn’t offered any help at all and since the diagnosis that has been it really.

I’m worried because I’m the only parent and I don’t have family to support me so it’s so important that I can keep employed. I was taking cabs to work when I would fall or get stuck on my way to work but that just has caused me to be in debt from an overdraft. I have noticed not eating gluten has reduced the pain when walking which was suggested to me by a friend. (I thought I would share that just in case anyone else wants to try).

I guess I’m ashamed to ask for help with applying for PIP but I feel I could use the support to get myself to work and back and this will keep me working and independent. Fingers crossed.

Tori_Scope

Have you prompted HR, or the relevant department at your place of work, to ensure you can see someone from the occupational health team before you're asked to return to the office @Faith2008?

Some employers have also been doing more blanket questionnaires and surveys with their employees to find out if anyone has any requirements that need to be considered before returning to the office. Has your employer communicated with you about anything like that?

Could you ask to speak to a different GP, or perhaps be referred to a specialist pain management team? It doesn't sound as though your current pain management is working, so it could be worth trying to speak to someone else who might be able to talk you through some other options.

Applying for PIP is not at all something to feel ashamed about, so please try and quieten those negative thoughts! As you say, it could help you to stay independent and in-work.

Faith2008

Thank you, my employer referred me to OH in May but I haven’t heard anything yet. They haven’t spoken to me about anything really but I know they want me in. It will be an ordeal to travel there but I want to try just to show them I’m willing. I think your right I need different pain medication. I will make an appointment to ask about alternatives medication. Thank you so much!

[Deleted User]

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Faith2008

Thank you all so much. I really appreciate all your advice and support.

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