Hi all I’ve been diagnosed with MS for 9 yrs now. My workplace are starting to ask a lot of questions on ways they can help me, adjustments and support. I’m absolutely lost with what kind of help to ask for? I mainly suffer with fatigue and complete loss of sensory feeling down my left. I walk unaided but do suffer with balance and pain in my legs. I like to be strong minded and I never admit I’m suffering with pain while in work. Any kind of suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading x
Access to Work sound brilliant, they even pay for taxis to and from your workplace.
ask about this service.
do you have urinary frequency? if so ask for frequent toilet breaks, maybe as a matter of urgency if that’s the way it is with you.
have you got a comfortable chair that supports your posture?
is your work station a good temperature? you could ask for a fan or heater.
if you are like me, long staff meetings mixed with fatigue, made me want to close my eyes and snooze. a walk outside in the fresh air could be something you could ask for.
is there a lot of stairs where you work? if so, ask about help with these (such as extra time).
if you suffer lack of balance and painful legs, why not buy a walking stick? the added benefit of a stick is that people are more polite and make room for you to get by.
i’m sure you can think of others now.
good luck
carole x
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Fantastic, yes those have kick started the brain… I think lol. That’s a brilliant help. Thank you so much for this Sam x
Hi Jasit
It seems that your employer is trying to do the right thing for you - as it is obliged to do - so that is positive.
You might find the attached MS Society publication helpful (page 10 onward)
https://www.mssociety.org.uk/sites/default/files/Employees%20guide%20-%20Aug%2015.pdf
Really good luck with it all
What difficulties do you have at present?
I don’t have much in the way of symptoms. Weakness on left and balance issues. I suffer fatigue easy to sleep the whole day away, like today. Bed in at 2100 woke at 1600! I work full-time and I have other illnesses that contradict MS
Jasit,
You can ask for a workplace assessment from an Occupational Health consultant. Most large companies with a HR department will have access to an independent OH agency and they can arrange an appointment for you.
You will be able to discuss your needs and come up with a plan which your employer can then implement. Could you work from home some days, for instance? You have already been offered some very good pointers by previous respondents.
I took early retirement last year on medical grounds and my OH officers and doctor were very helpful. Before I retired I reduced my hours and was able to work at an office very near home. The location was on the ground floor, near the toilets and very close to a disabled parking space. Finally, at 62, the fatigue was too much and I was awarded the maximum lump sum and pension available to me.
Good luck with your discussions. It seems that your employer is being considerate.
Alun
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Thank you all so much for the advice and support you’ve offered. My union rep is now clued up on it and is backing my corner to get it all sorted. They’ve got DWP coming to my meetings again to support me. Thank you once again all xxx
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Definitely try the Access to Work route.
I did that last year. I was in a bad place & struggling at work. aA assessor came out to check my workstation and & how I work. A number of recommendations were made such as smaller keyboard, special mouse, ensuring I was located downstairs, Also some voice recognition software (my typing is bad!) and some workplace coaching.
The assessment is free of charge to your employer & the DWP will fund all or some of the recommendations depending on the size of your organsiation.
Talk to them about how fatigued you are and finding it difficult to complete tasks, do you have the right keyboard, chair etc.
Its made a difference to me and I ended up reducing my hours too. Ok less money but less stress!
Good luck
Jo
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