Hi Becky

I'm not yet an ex teacher but getting there.........

I'm a secondary school teacher- drama. I was diagnosed 3 yrs ago after a year of increasing pain and reduced mobility. About a month before I saw the specialist I was so bad I thought I'd never work again. Eventually, the drugs worked and I enoyed a brief period when I was almost back to normal. Since then it's been up and down- I find I'm not too bad for the first few weeks of a term then off it goes again.

At present I am still on 4 days a week- it's getting harder and I think that maybe I am being unrealistic. I'm very stubborn and try not to let this dreadful disease beat me !I have decided to step down as Head of Department wef September and will see how it goes. If I'm honest, I'm still in denial and although I have good periods I wonder if I am actually doing myself more harm than good. As I'm sure you know, it's a stressful job even for those who are fit and well.
You're fortunate to have an understanding Head-mine is completely the opposite and I've had a very difficult 3 years ( I won't go on about it as I've posted several times in the past in the work section).
I initially had an occupational health assessment- they were very helpful but as it was in the early days of my RA it dealt with what could be done at school to support me rather than retirement.

May I suggest you talk to your union- my branch secretary has been really helpful. I'm in ATL and their website has some useful information. I also looked on my local education authority website which had lots of advice on health / retirement related issues.

Good luck with it- and let me know how you get on

Maria x

Thank you for your replys. I have been signed off sick now for nearly a month, however I have only been back teaching for just over 6 months after having taken 12 months maternity leave. I took 12 months in the hope that it would give me long enough to get my RA under control. I have spoken to my union head office and they have been very supportive. My appointment on Friday is with the occupational health doctor. I guess I'll have to see what happens at this meeting. It is the fatigue that I am really struggling with (and I am worried about picking up viruses) - I will deffinately mention this - thanks for the advice. My union seemed to think that my maternity leave would count as time off for RA. I will try to stress the reason I took the full 12 months was because if the RA and see what they say. There is no harm in trying if I don't get it I will hand my notice in. My health and my family has to come first.