Arthritis advice

chella

I ended up in hospital a month or so ago, to cut a long story short, I have arthritis in various areas. I have had to be moved from my regular work to a different area, as deemed by our occ health team. I am coping OK with this. But the aching just doesn't go away. I am tired all of the time.


My hours have been reduced and my days shortened.


I have no idea what on earth I need to claim?? Before this , I caaimed nothing apart from single person council tax 25% discount. I didn't claim working tax or housing benefits.


I haven't done any self employed work for the last month due to the constant aching/tiredness.


I have been paid as usual by my work, and am back working now but reduced hours. 24 over 4 days.


I live alone and am in my early 30s. I have nothing in writing to say arthritis. I have had blood tests done, but as yet haven't had results.
I have been referred to Rheumatology consultant??

My symptoms came on very quickly and worsened to a point last month where I ended up in hospital in agony. I wasn't expecting them to tell me I have arthritis, I always thought it was for older people.


As I am unable to work my full hours, am I able to get any help. I have been told to look at disabled wtc, and pip, but is arthritis deemed a disability?? I am managing at work, just less hours and a slower paced job.


Also if anyone has any advice on lessening the aching that would be lovely. It seems it feels worse when I am cold. Getting warm is a battle in itself. My feet and legs just wont warm up.


Of course I am hoping to be allowed back to work full time, but occ health have said no for now. I am quite shocked about how this happened so fast to me.

pmlindyloo

Have a google for the descriptors for PIP.

PIP is about care/mobility needs not about the condition.

To be able to claim working tax credits while you are working less than 30 hrs you would have to meet the eligibility criteria fir the disability element.

I have found this link. http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/tax-credits-extra-money-due-disability

And wonder if you meet the 'fast track' element? Not sure if you were receiving SSP for 20 weeks?

Might be worth giving tax credits a call to see what they say.

chella

Hi thank you for replying. I had a month ssp from my employer. I looked at the questions, and really its the stiffness/slowness/tiredness that affects me. Everything else I can get around, by just taking my time. I bought one of those posh tin openers as my grip is awful.


I have gone almost in the space of a month from being at work to being in constant aching tired pain.


The benefits guidelines really do confuse me, I will give them a ring . Thank you .

McKneff

I feel for you, try to keep warm, layers, and layers.


I had the problem the other way, RA came on quickly like you but it was flare up of my joints which were hot and swollen, ice packs and cool boxes. I remember being so desperate at one time I had my legs in a cool box. ha ha.
It will eventually settle down but its a case of listening to your medical team.
Good luck with it.

sleepless_saver

Have a look at the Arthritis Research Campaign site, it has masses of useful information on practical things like dealing with fatigue as well as what you can expect to happen by way of treatment and support.

ladeeda

Also has benefit advice. http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/arthritis-and-daily-life/caring-for-a-person-with-arthritis/advising-on-benefits.aspx
Hope you get some relief, pain, practical and financial.