cauda equina / nerve damage/ poor mobility, jc want me back in work

carer09
carer09 Community member Posts: 3 Listener
edited August 2021 in Universal Credit (UC)
Hi all, I apologise in advance as this may be a long post.  I worked as a full time carer in March 2020 I got sciatica in my left leg but as it was the start of the pandemic I continued and pushed through work. I had many telephone drs appointments I kept saying this is not sciatica I've had sciatica before this is unbearable,  after many months of pain in September my husband called an ambulance because I fell when getting out of bed because my legs were weak and numb,  paramedics came gave me gas and air and said they couldn't take me in for sciatica. 3 days later I had first physio app, I walked in and she sent me straight to hospital I had severe weakness and foot drop. 4 days in hospital I then had operation I had cauda equina. I was left with lots of nerve damage to left leg and foot, unable to drive as lost the movement in ankle to press clutch ( aiming to get automatic soon) after many months of physio, mris, pain relief and just recently nerve blocking injections, and diagnosed with spinal stenosis. I am in pain constantly with every move I make. I have standard rate pip, but job centre want me back in work I've had 4 face to face appointments I use a crutch and can't walk very far without needing to rest. I'm only 39 I absolutely loved my job and would give anything to go back but my body just won't allow it, I have 4 children at home , recently separated from my husband we been together 27 yrs but I feel I've been alone in my recovering I get so low I really don't know where to go for help and advise. 

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 0 Listener
    Have you made UC aware of your conditions and reported it via the health section of your UC account? If so, are you providing fit notes from your GP?
    When you say they are wanting you back in work, what exactly do you mean? Have they asked you to start work searching? 
  • carer09
    carer09 Community member Posts: 3 Listener
    hi Tanyeah, yes I provided sick notes and had a limited capability for work assessment,  was told to stop sending sick notes as drs don't look at what I can do and that I would be expected to look for full time work, I asked for reconsideration and have not heard anything back as yet,  meanwhile I've had 4 appointments with my work coach I've not yet updated about the spinal stenosis as was only diagnosed 22july when I had the nerve blocking injections , which worked for a week to ten days now im back to square one with the pain. I hate feeling this way I've always been tough and have a high pain threshold , and I feel guilty for complaining when in my job I've seen people much worse off than I am, once I get the letter from my pain management consultant I can update my work coach. some days I don't even want to get out of bed I rely on my eldest daughters to help cook clean and help me out the bath etc. I just can't understand how they expect me to return  to a full time job when I can't even care for my family properly. I'm so sorry just a bad day today 
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Community member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    Hi there 

    Sorry to hear what you are going through 

    Your work coach can turn off your work commitments until your Mr has been decided 

    If not successful go to tribunal the success rate is a lot higher 

    I won at tribunal as b4 tribunal i was found fit for work and I was housebound in a wheelchair had my leg amputated and other health issues 

    Let us know how you get on 
  • carer09
    carer09 Community member Posts: 3 Listener

    hi Janer1967, thank you for taking time to respond , I didn't know that I will message and ask him on my journal. wow I'm sorry my issues are minor compared to yours, just having a bit of a pity party friends and family don't seem to understand  because I've always been so tough and positive. Im always looking after people and helping others in my job and my personal life , I find it very hard being cared for and needing help. thank you I will post updates x
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Community member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    It is hard coming to terms with a disability I described it like the grieving process 

    It brings many challenges both physical and emotional 

    I am in similar to you I have a son who was 10 when I became disabled 6 months after my husband left us and no family living close 

    However we got through it all together and now we have adjusted and make most of what we can do and not dwell on what we can't 

    You just adjust and find new things to do and different ways of doing things 

    Stay strong