Hello all,

I had today the visit from my Area Manager, HR and Representative from Ins Co.

I have been worrying about this meeting for ages . However today went well.

Just to fill you in been off work from Management position since mid March. Meds still
not sorted . . . awaiting Specialist apppointment . At mo .on amitryp, celecoxib,
paracetamol for pain also on anti depressants, vit D tablets and 2 lots of BP tablets. NO
DMARDS. Although have had a few depo steriod injects.

My firm have been paying me a proportionate wage which expires next week, they have
an Insurance Policy to take over after that. However, due to insufficient medical info. they
have declined to pay me . (reasonings being that they feel when on correct medication I
should be able to work at least a part time sedentary job) which of course I cannot disagree with.
Having said that we sat down for 2 hours the 3 of us and discussed possible graded return.
I need to see my Doctor first wk in Oct (he on holiday now) to see if he agrees with this.
The plan would be to gradually increase my hours say starting from say 3 hrs per day
and see how I get on and then grad get up to full time working. My co. would pay me for
hours I work and the Ins Co will pay be 75% of the difference. Sounds too good to be true.
They declined me... but.... then now they will pay a partial amount.

All in alll my Company have been very good I think, I need to give this a try and see how
many hours I will be able to do so not to make my RA any worse. If I am honest with myself
I don't think I will be a Manager again (i have to work full time for that) i don;t think the pressure of
my job (sales in general insurance) will mix with the RA. So my life is going to be very different.

Sorry to go on folks feel better now I have shared all this with you. My tummy and head all very
much a jitter.

Glass of wine needed in a minute.

Rose

Hi Rose

Really pleased all went well today, good you have understanding employers it makes all the difference.

Just roll on your appt with your consultant it won t be too long now, you ve done really well considering the limited meds you are able to take at the moment.

Take care, Julia x

I think this sounds like a really good solution Rose and gives you the option to ease back in slowly and see how much you can do. Remember, when you start a new drugs regime again you may have to cut back while you get used to it, but hopefully now you have had such a good meeting you will find it easier to negotiate in the future.

Its hard to leave behind a responsibility at work, but you know you have done it and done it well, and now it's time to put yourself first and perhaps find a new pace of work. Good luck as you get used to all these changes. Sleep well tonight with this big hurdle behind you XX Ailsa

Pleased to hear thaat there are companies out there who offer support. I hope this all goes well for you, along with getting to see the Specialist.

Hi Rose,

So pleased for you, and its good to hear that some employees are understanding and above all you don't feel under any pressure.

Anne x

Annie and Suzanne

Thank you for your support. Mind still in a bit of a haze, need to come to an agreement with 'myself'
how far i will push myself or indeed what my body will allow me to do.


Rose

Hello Kate


Thank you for your words of wisdom.

x

Hello Ailsa

I am not yet back. Need to see my GP next week and also now my Spec to see if
she agrees.

I do feel very nervous though I must say.

Rose

ah thank you Lorna


Rose x

Hi All

I have been reading all the threads and I think I lead a parallel life with you Rose or something like that!!

My Managers came to see me on friday as I have been off work for 4 years!!!! I, like you found myself to be very nervous of the outcome but found it not to be to bad. I am playing the waiting game at the mo waiting for appts like we all seem to do on this forum. Funnily they informed me my hip surgeon said that i probably will be able to go back in jan!!!! first I heard!, when my hip is still not fully well and I have dropfoot as a result of the surgery grrrrrrrr it made me really mad :O anyway i am seeing him in 2 weeks so words will be had. My rhematoid like yours is still not stable and things like stress dont help as we all know, but we as rhematoid suffers know our limits and what we are able to do and mostly important what we find difficult. I am sure Rose you will know that when the time is right for you to make that step but be rest assured all us on the forum will be behind you, encouraging, supporting and mostly being a friend.

I hope my words help you in some way and you are not alone in making big decsions that affect your life as I am right there with you x

Hope you are all keeping well

love Dawn