Things are going from bad to worse now as the pain in my back and legs is getting worse,. Im finding that I cant get out of bed in the morning and have to roll out and then hold onto the window sill. I cant walk very far either without feeling as though something is about to give way and have to bend forward to try and relieve the pressure. I really don’t know what to do for the best as I am working full time but finding it really stressful. I would like to reduce my hours but cant manage it financially. I have to try and sleep before i go to work otherwise i cant make it through a shift( i work from 1-9pm) and then by a couple of hours in im taking extra painkillers. Does anyone know if there is any help available? I live with my partner and he earns a good wage but we have the usual mortgage and bills which we took on because i an earning too. I really am getting stressed out about it all and feel like i have no where to turn for advice. Please could someone help.
It sounds like you have two options: get better meds or reduce your hours and hope to supplement it with benefits. I would go for the first option personally because it certainly sounds like you need better pain relief. That will only come from persuading your GP/neuro/whoever to prescribe something better. As far as benefits go, you could look on the DWP website for a benefits checker tool they have on there. It will tell you if you are eligible for anything. DLA is not means tested, so that is worth a try if your mobility is poor and/or you need help to do things. I think contribution-based ESA is independent of your partner’s earnings, but I wouldn’t swear to it - it’s not something I know much about. The Citizen’s Advice Bureau may be able to advise you.
Please have a very firm conversation with your GP about meds as a priority though!
Karen x