Is there any help I am entitled to?

sortinitout

Hi, I have suffered with knee problems for many years. They started as swelling around the knee joint which no longer happens but I have recently had an operation on my knee (end of Feb 2012) where they removed the fat pad. Since this operation my knee has gotten a lot worse. I now struggle getting up and down stairs and wouldn't be able to get down at all without a banister. I can't go shopping alone as I can't push a trolley, I can't bend down as I wouldn't be able to get back up unless help was available, I sometimes struggle depending on the pain with getting in and out of the bath, I can't kneel down - cleaning skirting boards etc is not possible. My life has changed so much since this operation I have previously been treated for depression but really don't want to go back onto the medication for this. I seen my consultant last week who has said I need to go for another MRI scan on my knee as there may be other problems. I currently work 25 hours a week as a healthcare support worker which is extremely difficult and painful but when the painkillers are taken regularly this is just bearable but I have problems wth this as I can't put all my strength into doing my job. I am currently taking 2 x 30/500 co-codamol every 4 hours, 2 x 400mg ibuprofen 4 hourly and also 2 x 10mg amytriptylene nightly (for neuralgia) and so I can't possibly take any more pain relief. I don't want to give up my job as I want to work, it not only keeps the depression at bay - to a certain extent but I also enjoy work. I was offered a fulltime position but had to decline as my knee hurts too much. Are there any benefits I can claim? I am 35 and my husband works and we have 2 children.
Thanks

princessdon

Are you referring to In work benefits or benefits if you had to leave your job?

merlin68

You'd be hard pushed claiming dla for care and mobility needs if your a health support worker and there isn't anything else to claim.

LunaLady

You may be entitled to DLA (if the condition isnt expected to get better), this isnt means tested so it doesnt matter how much your husband earns.

sortinitout

I want to stay in work - I wouldn't feel right not working and claiming benefit when I am able to work it's just very painful and awkward to do so. My role as HCSW only started last month - I was previously working in an office sitting down answering a phone all morning - I only worked 20 hours then.
Before I had the operation I had applied for this role and a couple of weeks after the op I had the interview and was offered the role. All of this time I was constantly told that it would get better and this was why I still went ahead with the move to the new job - after working my months notice and going through checks etc. My knee was hurting whist sitting and silly me thought it would get better if it was used more but this has backfired on me. The only reason I was wondering if there was anything I could claim for is because my manager said there may be some benefits and if there were I should apply as I did want the fulltime roll in order to boost our earnings. I wouldn't even ask if I hadn't been told about it.

nannytone_2

i really cant see the OP getting DLA for a bad knee ....

indigo739X

I think you'd be hard pushed to get help unless it became so bad that you could no longer work.

McKneff

I think I would be going back to my GP if the pain in it was that bad.

Something is obviously not right.

Go to your GP and have a word, see what he says.

bestpud

As someone who struggles with dodgy knees, I'm amazed you cannot kneel at all but you can sometimes get out of the bath!

As for work, I think the most obvious solution is another office job.

I can't see you'd get DLA as you are still undergoing tests etc and it may well be something fixable.

You wouldn't get ESA as you can work in a more sedentary role.

I think looking for another clerical job is your best bet, personally.

mazza111

Bestpud. I have dodgy knees and can get out of the bath, takes a lot of effort, but I do get there. It's when I'm out of the bath the problems begin, think it relaxes the muscle surrounding the knee too much so the knee gives way. But, it eases the back pain ARGH can't win.

Agree with the above posters, don't think you'd be considered bad enough for DLA, however, if you don't try you won't get.

GlasweJen

Health support workers carry out personal care for people in hospitals and care homes, there's a lot of walking involved. Any decision maker in the land who awarded care component DLA to someone who carries out personal care for a living should be taken out and shot!

OP the best support you can get is by going back to your GP, being honest about your pain and getting your meds changed. Co-codamol and ibuprofen are smarties compared to some pain killers your doctor could offer if he knew how bad you are.