Disability - the bits people don't see

FBaby

You deserve a much more understanding employer. Hopefully you'll get there and enjoy working again soon. Hope you recover soon.

Strokeofgenius

Well done for staying so positive when faced with such narrow minded people. You are an inspiration to all of us and I hope to be strong like you. I'm recovering from a stroke I had in March and I have rheumatoid arthritis and people make similar comments to me about how they'd love to not work like me, they don't understand that I'd love to work and walk properly and not struggle to wipe my own backside!

[Deleted User]

Hope you soon feel better Jen

DomRavioli

Try having a truly hidden disability, its hideous.

I do hope you feel better soon Jen

Skint_yet_Again

I am lucky to not need to be registered as disabled and not need a blue badge but I have conditions that are recognised under the Equality Act at work and so I have specialist equipment and a wheelchair for fire evacuations. I am lucky my bosses are very good, but I know what you mean about narrow minded people.

Whilst some colleagues are kind and understanding, some ask really abrupt questions and make horrible comments

eg. "What you got a wheelchair for when you can walk"
- I can walk a fair distance ... but I cannot stand or sit for longer than 30 minutes due to back and neck pain

"Why don't you go and get a sports massage, that will sort you out"
- if my physio can't "sort me out" then I'm sure a sports massage will not "do the trick"

"What's up with you then?"
- as if I want to discuss this with them, in the middle of an open plan office :mad:


GlasweJen - have you left the job now ? All the best to you x

Good luck Starrystarrynight1 - I had help from my union and my targets and sick leave have been specially increased/adapted to take account of my conditions, so it can be done

SmallL

The whole work/sickness thing is dire to begin with. You simply cannot win, people do go off 'sick' with ridiculous things whilst others plod on with a myriad of complaints scared to take a few days off work for fear of reprimand.
When you have a disability or chronic condition it makes it far worse, I have severe eczema and I'm always worried of the single days off I'm taking to get my flare-ups in control adding to my sickness score and being seen as 'Oh your taking a day off for itchy skin?''

You just cannot win!

GlasweJen

Skint, I started my new job today. Boss at my old work is trying to take money out of my final wage even though he owes me holidays! I have a thread on the employment board