After years of pain and joint problems I've recently been diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, fibromalagia and congential bone abnormality. I'm still mobile but I struggle in many ways to include 100s of subluxations every day, chronic pain in all joints as well as headaches and fatigue. Over the past few years I have made many adjustments in my life and around my home to make things easier and had largely disguised it from my local authority employer. I work with young children often visiting in clinics, nurseries and homes but am finding it very difficult from a physical perspective even simple things life carrying kit, walking to rooms, getting in and out of car and the physical aspects of working with young children. I have reduced my hours from full- time to half- time to now a quarter-time but I feel that it takes so much out of me that I need to leave. Even typing emails causes pain and swelling to my hands and headaches make it hard to focus. I have a blue badge and am considering applying for PIP but the process seems challenging. At 55 I could possibly take early retirement but my pension will only be around £6,000 ( no children, modest mortgage and husband on average wage so unlikely to qualify for any means-tested benefits). My GP and consultant have spoken to me about medical retirement but I don't know much about this except what I've read today on mumsnet. It's seems that if I got awarded this, my pension could be increased to what it would be at 67 which is a whooping £10,000 more and would make a massive difference. Has anyone been successful in doing this? I have been told my condition is very likely to be progressive so want to make the most of things while I'm able. No matter what, I know I can't keep working but want to ensure I explore the best financial options. The aspects that worries me most is how to trigger medical retirement which seems to involve going off sick for months. I hate to let down people so even when really bad I work evenings, days off and weekends to make up for needing time off so taking months off seems deceitful when I'd rather be clear in sharing that I'm only just holding on now but it's not sustainable and plan for a timely departure within a 3-6 month time frame. I'd really welcome hearing about your experiences- thank you