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Date: 26.04.2011
From: Gaynor

Subject: off work

Hey. I'm having to take a few days off work 'cos of this stupid pain shooting everywhere. Is there anyone else out there who gets really down when they are unable to go to work. I get all these emotions running through me: guilt, paranoia, self-blame .. the whole bang shoot. I'm trying to be kind to myself and realistic. If I walk more than 4- 5 steps all hell breaks loose and if I try to sit in a normal chair for more than a few minutes all hell breaks lose. Ergo ... impossible to work. But I still feel bad.
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Date: 26.04.2011
From: Tinkpink1

Subject: Re: off work

Hi Gaynor, feel for you.

There isnt much you can do but to listen to your body and rest.

Take Care,
Tink
x
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Date: 26.04.2011
From: marlene

Subject: Re: off work

Listen to yourself what are you feeling guilty about? Oh yes you are not feeling great you naughty girl LOL. Paranoia let them say what they like you know the truth. Self-blame you sound like me i say "i must of been a real bas.... in my last life" well if they let me come back again im gonna be real bad LOL. (I'll teach them). Bless you i hope you feel much better real soon. X
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Date: 27.04.2011
From: cookie

Subject: Re: off work

Gaynor ive been off since nov with a huge flare up so i know where your coming from i think its the sense of purpose and having somthing to ditract from the day to day reality of being friends with arthur take it easy and enjoy some catch up rest time :-))
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Date: 27.04.2011
From: Lee

Subject: Re: off work

Im scare about losing my job due to PA in my arms as I work on a computer all day and when my arms/wrists are bad I physically cant work.

Luckily however work have been really supportive as its not a period of time off work due to an illness like a cold or sniffles and is something I cant control.

They have given me a different sickness record to work too and keep asking dr for reports etc to see if there is anything they can do to help.

I think theyre scared in case I say work contributed.

I understand how you feel by missing work due to pains. It seems every day atm some other part of me hurts or niggles and I get frustrated and down with it. Prob doesnt help me suffering from depression too for the last 6-7 years and some days its too much and ive got to just be alone to do anything to try and take my mind off it.

You shouldnt feel guilty like everyone has said and i do know as ive had a period of months off at times through-out the last year but you will get through it.

Rest helps alot and try and find something you enjoy to take your mind off it like perhaps films or music or something you can enjoy at home and move if you need too.
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Date: 27.04.2011
From: Gaynor

Subject: Re: off work

Thanks everyone. It really helps to know that other people go through the same things. My partner keeps reminding me that work will not implode if I am not there. I'm going to take Lee's advice - rest when I need to and watch movies. Movies are good distractors. I collect DVDs so I have a huge selection to choose from. Lee ... I feel for you about the not being able to type some days. I struggle to write some days - but so far my typing seems to be going okay. I do get scared sometimes thinking about what will happen if I can't type. Access to Work has given me an enabler and sometimes she is my hands at work. That's very helpful and I guess I would get her to type for me if it came to it.
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Date: 27.04.2011
From: louloubelle

Subject: Re: off work

Hey Gaynor

I hope your flare up soon subsides and you can get back to work. I have three little words for you (and especially Lee)... DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT!!! (DDA)

I'm sure most employers are really understanding - they do need to no the reality of your condition so they have the opportunity to treat you fairly. It sounds like your bosses know the reality Gaynor with you having an Access to Work enabler.

Lee, I worked as an estate agent before becoming a full-time mum and spent all day on the telephone and computer. I discussed my PA with my bosses and explained that I'd started to notice my wrists were getting worse from using the computer so much. They were more than happy to provide me with an ergonomic keyboard, new mouse to fit my hand size and a mousemat with a wrist rest. They also asked me to look at the whole of my desk area to see if there was anything else that needed altering. This is from bosses who don't normally live in the real world and usually have little respect for their staff! Also, Access to Work can send someone to advise on any changes that could be made to help you (for example, something as small as adjusting your seat height can make things easier for you). I think the job centre should have leaflets that you could let your boss have.

Don't worry about work - I'm sure, like me, your bosses will surprise you with how supportive they can be (as long as they know the ins and outs of the condition). And if they aren't supportive then gently remind them of DDA.

Take care everyone

Lou x
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Date: 27.04.2011
From: mads

Subject: Re: off work

Gosh i do feel for you - i panic as well about work and to date have been able to do time in lieu and holidays for appointments.

i also find that one of the things that push me to work is the fact that i can't clean up the house and i don't know what is worse, hobbling through the house or groaning at my desk but my place of work is for people with brain injury so it is completely fitted for anyone with a disability but i work at the computer all day (do development and fundraising) and like you all if i sit for a while getting up is dreadful and walking after that is nearly impossible.

But i know that i am probably in the minority having a completely adapted unit to work in - makes life so much easier, no stairs parking immediately outside, disabled toilets........It is getting to the stage though where i will need further help and whilst i would encourage everyone to get it i find it hard myself to seek it. Can empathise with you all.
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Date: 27.04.2011
From: Gaynor

Subject: Re: off work

Hey Mads. I work in the disability field too - so I have a fully adapted workplace. It does help. In my previous job the office was in a listed building, so no adaptations like lifts could be put in. Nightmare!
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Date: 27.04.2011
From: mads

Subject: Re: off work

oh that is interesting do you work in the voluntary sector?
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Date: 28.04.2011
From: Gaynor

Subject: Re: off work

Hey Mads - I work for a University, in the disability support division.
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Date: 28.04.2011
From: mads

Subject: Re: off work

that sounds like good work!
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Date: 28.04.2011
From: Gaynor

Subject: Re: off work

Yeah .. I really enjoy it. Some of our students are so inspiring - it makes me realise that life carries on and that you can do things that will amaze you even if you happen to have severe disability/ties.
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Date: 29.04.2011
From: marlene

Subject: Re: off work

Gaynor i know its only been a couple of days, but hoping your feeling a little better. Keep smiling x
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Date: 30.04.2011
From: Gaynor

Subject: Re: off work

Hey Marlene. thanks for thinking of me. I'm doing okay I guess. Still a bit up and down.
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Date: 30.04.2011
From: marlene

Subject: Re: off work

I guess you still need a little bit more TLC. I was in loads of pain when i got up to-day and my youngest son and his wife rang to say we are on our way. I thought oh dear or similar. When they came in with my nine month old grand-daughter with her beaming smile, i melted and it turned out a smashing day,im a bit shattered now. But i just love the family coming round.Enough of my waffling you take care of yourself.
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Date: 01.05.2011
From: Gaynor

Subject: Re: off work

Hey M - glad you had a great day, especially if it started off a bit miz. Kids are great distractors from pain (except if you have to run around after them of course!! LOL).
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Date: 01.05.2011
From: marlene

Subject: Re: off work

Just got a call my daughter is on her way round. Seems like im in great demand this week-end. LOL I feel rested to-day had a good nights sleep (only woke three times) My hands are dancing all by them selves. Oh well chin up. Take Care !!!!!
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