signed off work

[bozzly]

Hi all, this is mainly a question for my fellow uk PA sufferers.

I have had PA for around 10 years now, I have been on diclofenac pills during this time and also over the last couple of years tried different things including MTX which my body didn't agree with.
Over the last few months the pain and swelling had got to a point where I find my job very hard to do. I am a wireman in a factory and I use hand tools all day and it has taken its toll on my knuckle joints and fingers. I also stand on hard concrete floors and that is painful for my feet, leading to a lot of tiredness and fatigue.

My doctor has now signed me off work for three weeks to 'have a rest' from work. The trouble is, that when I go back to work, the same problems will be there.

I'm not one for being too lazy but, if in the long run I get signed off from work long term, how would I fair money wise.

In other words, I am asking if any of you that live in England have been signed off work full time and how do you get on with various benifit money etc. How much do you get per week?

If you don't wont to post on here then maybe you could PM me.

Thanks all for your help.

[RichJ]

hi bozzly,
sorry i can't help much but to can bump you to the top

have a good night all

richard

[baldwin123]

Hi Bozzly,
Welcome...
Hope you get an answer soon, but figured I would bump this too... I am in the US and can't really answer your question, but figured I would throw my 2cents in...are you under the care of a rheumy at the moment? Perhaps you could ask about trying another med, maybe a biologic? And explain your concerns about not being able to work in your current job with the doctor? Maybe there would be ways to modify your work environment to help you stay in your job? They say a cork floor is more shock absorbing? Could you get a hold of cork flooring to put down in your area? Moist heat or ice on your hands during breaks? New meds (humira, enbrel, remicade)? Its getting very late here, so sorry if these ideas sound crazy... hopefully someone from the UK will respond soon to you! Take care of yourself!
Jen