I wouldn’t bother attempting to go outside today!!!
Well Saturday brought the postman, and exactly two weeks before I have had 12mnths off work (because work said they could make no futher adjustments) my pension has been agreed.
What I dont get is that they have put my termination date as July!!!
Does anybody know why that would be?
So thats it, I’m 44 and retired. I guess everyone dreams of retiring early and enjoying the high life…mmmmmm,note to self …be careful what you wish for.
I also thought I had done really well accepting my first wheelchair (Gertie) last week and then find my dad and husband behind my back have bought a scooter from someone else in the family. No that is really one step too many.
So limbo has well and truely ended now,thats it.
I cant go in the garden as its a monsoon outside, so do you think a day of brain numbing tv and biscuits is in order,or would I be better trying to work out how I am going to fill the next 40 yrs?
Hi Pip Each time something new happens to regarding this illness, it is almost as overwhelming as your first diagnosis. So, I think that it is a case once again of taking it a day at a time. If you feel up to it, do a couple of jobs that are staring you in the face. If not, have a quiet time in front of the telly. Don’t feel bad about it. As time goes on you will work out what you feel up to as the day starts. Don’t overdo it and perhaps you can visit friends or family or they can visit you. Once again, you have to adapt. Maybe you can find a new hobby - something you have not had time for before? You will soon find that you have far more to do than you realised. I know it is horrible when you stop work as you lose some of your autonomy but things will improve. Good luck with your new life Pip. Teresa xx
Your so brave Pip; watching daytime TV that is; just the thought gives me the eby-g-bys.
Your July end date I have no idea; probably something to do with pensions or tax. I’m retired also and as I’m sure you will find out; it’s the best thing I’ve done.
As a matter of interest receiving a pension does not preclude you from getting another job if you so wish. With mine it’s OK as long as I don’t earn more than I did when employed; yours may differ.
I had an anniversary last week; 40 years since diagnosis; 44 you’re a pup. Mark my words; you will discover ‘how did I find the time to go to work;’ enjoy.
Hi pip, Your normally so upbeat and give such support. Definitely a day for rubbish telly and chocolate. What will be will be, be good to yourself in the meantime, take advantage of cheaper term time holidays but give yourself time.to make decisions. I recently took up tai chi. It can be done standing or in a wheelchair. It helps me to relax and it gives me time out. When I don’t think about anything. Thinking of you, Chis
It’s early days yet and its not the first knock you’ve taken. I know that you are normally very positive and inspirational so I bet my bottom dollar you will be doing a new thread pretty soon called ’ how on earth did I find time to go to work?'! It’s just a bit of a double whammy taking charge of Gertie and retirement in such a short space of time but just look how you dealt with Gertie. I agree there has got to be a lot more to life than watching Jeremy Kyle with some dunkers but you soon won’t have time to even switch him on believe me.
I doubt its proper retail therapy but at least Ive ordered my groceries on line.
So my schedule for tomorrow is copaxone delivery followed by shopping.Thurs I go to sign my papers to release my pension and then next week we are taking my dad on holiday…I had forgotten that…how bads that!!!
Do you think its bad to hope the kids produce a grandchild soon??? They are only 17 and 20 but look at the cheap childcare I can provide while I’m still up and about.
No not really,I want the kids to do things they want to before they are tied down.
My daughter wants to go in the army,and nowadays that means Afghan is to be expected. I would hate her to have kids and leave them for extended periods,or worse.
I might go round to the local school and see if they need a volunteer to help listen to reading etc,if they are still allowed to do this in this day and age.
Can you tell now its final and I cant get in the garden I’M BORED.
Life isnt that bad, we can more or less do as we want, can make friends similar to ourselves and enjoy social evenings if we have transport to get there.Im pretty used to being at home, being a carer before ms and still being one now. Its hard work, however when my son smiles and life goes on ok being at home can be fun too, we fill our time with little projects, or have hobbies of our own. We have daily plans, something I never did before, but then progress is made be it small or large.
Once you get into a routine, youll feel much happier. Your not retired, just reached a blip in life, but who knows what the future may bring? Leave everything open ended then you wont feel so hemmed in.
You have a right to moan, I often feel like a good old gripe, but then disease shouldnt affect us, but does try its best. We have to prove otherwise, that life goes on, but in a slightly different way.
Happy holiday, youll feel much better after a much needed break Im sure.
my occupational pension had a delay in starting like yours - i don’t know why, maybe i did but i’ve forgotten.
as everyone has said, you’ll soon fill your days so enjoy rubbish tv and biscuits whilst you can!
i understand your feelings about the scooter but put it away in the garage until the time is right.
i took up painting when i retired but today, although intending to paint, i haven’t had time!
i miss some of my colleages but the 3 who really matter are still in touch. i have also made contact with friends from years ago, some were better left in the past but others are now firmly back in my life.
you should be entitled to some benefits until your money comes through. i received ESA but once the pension came through it was stopped.
Hi Pip, welcome to the world of the officially retired on ill health grounds club!
I joined it in 2000…aged 47…so I know how you feel about early retirement.
In my early days, I spent most of my time visiting my sick parents, Then in 2001 mum passed away, followed by dad, just 3 weeks later.
So then I did have time on my hands. I found a knack for writing short stories, making greetings cards and enjoying a tad too much retail therapy!
My current hobbies are chatting to folk here, sewing and I`m still making cards. My days are relatively short, compared to when I was working. Now I get up around 9am…lunch is at noon…bed is anywhere between 4 -7pm…and as everything i do takes about 20 times longer than it did when i was well, the days soon pass by…those days quickly turn into years and here I am 60 next week!!
Pip…I’m 44 too, awaiting diagnosis but I can see retirement looming on me too…I’ve been off work since March and I am such a long way off being fit enough to go back.
I was going quite nuts but I got referred to an ms physio group and making some nice new friends and they are helping me tap into stuff like monthly coffee mornings.
It aint the high powered job I had…but it’s so good to have conversation with people who understand.
Life is moving in a different direction and as Bren says…who knows what the future holds?
I too, retired at 44, and exactly like you wondered what/how on earth I was going to fill my day without going stir crazy (or resorting to watching daytime tv ;-( ).
It didn’t take too long however. Like previous posts have suggested I do what I can in the house (there’s always loads; I’ve got two teenagers too; 17 and 19!). I garden as much as I can shuffling around the borders using an old bath mat so my bum doesn’t get wet, lol. Also I attend a disability group twice a week. It means that I can get help/assistance when I need but I can also help other members (I’ve learnt some BSL recently, thanks to them). Social interaction is very important! I try(!) to go swimming or for a walk twice a week even if it’s just to get out of the house. My ‘escape’ is the local hotel where they’ve got to know me; I have a pot of tea and a glass of tap water and read all the newspapers and watch the world go by… I’ve seen the English Rugby team a few times - what a nice sight that is…
I have a problem sometimes fitting in my new life with all the medical appointments I have to attend. Try to make a list of all the things you can think/above and other post suggestions in the front of your diary - it works for me…
