Date: 20.04.2010
From: Engineer Dave
|
Subject: Self Empoyed. What do I do now?
Hi all, I work for myself, I have my own Engineering Business. (Heavy manual work) About a year ago i noticed i was struggling with my hands, so went to the doc who sent me for blood tests and xrays. He told me that the results didn't show much but he expected it to be the start of OA. Now exactly a year latter, im really struggling to do any work and today i have been to see another doctor who said that the report a year ago did confirm that it is OA. I had the bloods taken today and have to go for another xray, but whatever the results are, I just cant manage to do my work. Ive only ever done this type of work, and at 52 I really dont know what to do. I do have an insurance policy for sickness / dissability but no doubt they will try all manner of tricks to say im not covered. Any ideas please.
|
Date: 20.04.2010
From: KayJay
|
Subject: Re: Self Empoyed. What do I do now?
Hi Dave sorry to read your post. The OH is a self employed Heating Engineer and I know how difficult it is with no safety net like having an employer. We have had to live hand to mouth since the crash because of no work. Could you get a trusted friend to do the manual stuff ? I don't see why the Insurance would not accept the sickness clause as you have written proof that this is what you have ?
|
Date: 20.04.2010
From: Engineer Dave
|
Subject: Re: Self Empoyed. What do I do now?
Well, i guess ill have to see what they say after the xrays, but im just concerned of how its got worse over a year, so what will it get like in another 4 or 5 years. My biggest concern is the fact that I cant get my work done, so money will become an issue. I struggle taking the top off a bottle of milk!
|
Date: 20.04.2010
From: KayJay
|
Subject: Re: Self Empoyed. What do I do now?
Dave 3 years ago I was decorating / digging / gardening / laying floor tiles everything in fact and I didn't thinck twice about it. I've had OA in my spine for quite a few years but things got gradually worse. I now walk with a stick with diffuculty. First diagnosed with Diabetes then Fibromyalgia then recently with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Have you seen an actual Rheumatology Consultant ? It took about 18 months of attending Rheumie Clinic before I got the diagnosis. A Rheumatologist can determine all the different types of Arthitis there is and act on that to precribe the correct medication/s. Ask to be referred to one. In the mean time ask the Citizens Advice Bureau [ or ask your Accountant if you have one ] - you may be entitled to benefits - I know it's not the same as earning your own but you are entitled to them after all you have worked and paid taxes and National Insurance.
|
Date: 20.04.2010
From: Engineer Dave
|
Subject: Re: Self Empoyed. What do I do now?
Thanks for the advice. Fortunately, I think the doctor I saw this time is a bit more clued up than the previous one. He's asked to see me after the xrays come back to discuss my future. Its all a bit of a shock, ive never been out of work in my life and hardly ever been of sick. Im going to dig my insurance details out tonight and see what the small print says. Looks like ive got a lot of research to do, I havn't got a clue about this, typically thought arthritis was an 'old peoples thing'
|
Date: 22.04.2010
From: J
|
Subject: Re: Self Empoyed. What do I do now?
Hi Dave, sadly Arthritis isnt an old peoples thing, O.A. is wear and tear, and I remmber when I was 26ish, moaning to my GP that my hands etc hurt, his reply was " well u r getting old"....guedd what he meant, the Bones get used lots repetitively, we arnt really designed to stand up(so been told) and that is where the Wear n Tear begins! the harder, heavier type work U do, the more wear....rotten I know..... anyway...keep ya chin up....keeps the stress levels down Jill
|
