Oc Health adjustments

[pinkpostitnote]

I work part time and my head seems to have forgotten that oc health suggested more ppa as an adjustment for chronic health issues flaring thanks to menopause, though it also could be a separate issue linked to another condition.

I've since had cancer and the medication which I'm on for 5 years makes it harder to control symptoms, partly as it's hormone therapy and I'm not on hrt. I go through good and bad patches it seems.

She hasn't asked if the health condition resolved (it's life long and I seem to have nerve damage from it now) but has reduced the ppa.

Any wise advice? Union, I know.

I'm on Exemstane for hormone induced breast cancer. I've developed a severe form of asthma as a result (we think) of having radiotherapy so my HT checks in on me regularly. I no longer teach PE as my breathing isn't great.

I don't have any other adjustments but I know the Bradford score doesn't apply to me as asthma is classed as a disability. Up until I found a treatment that worked I have had a lot of absence.

Oh I'm sorry to hear this.

Three of my conditions are classed as a disability under law. Asthma is one

The brain fog can be the biggest issue

Have you thought about applying for ill health retirement?

I was seriously considering it but I've not had any time off since February as the biologic injections I'm having are working. I'm 55 and going to try and keep going until I'm 57-58.

I now only work 0.8 and may drop another day. I've also downsized so I've not got a mortgage in case my health deteriorates again and I have to stop working.

I'm only late 40s. Also I can be well and work hard if I have work life balance ok.

Spoke to union who agreed it shouldn't have been changed without review, and health conditions are harder now.

The school should be honouring your Oc Health recommended adjustments. Definitely get your Union rep involved.

Thank you @MsGoodenough. I felt like I was being unreasonable.

I can be very well within a tight schedule that I set myself at home. Pacing, sleep, exercise. But it doesn't take much for a flare to occur. And that seems to lead to severe brain fog, insomnia and other symptoms. From my pov the structure at school is part of that.

I'm a Union rep and support colleagues in a similar position. I've also had adjustments made after and Oc Health assessment. If you don't have a Union rep on your school, ask your regional rep to support you.

Thank you MrsG

They've referred me to a case worker. I don't think I have a fight on but I do think they're suggested ideas are important.

I'm really hoping that longer term I could actually increase my hours. The next 5-6 years while I'm on the endocrine therapy need navigating carefully though. I know I'm good at what I do. I do not want the cycle of "just about coping" and then several weeks off trying to recover from a flare, and hobbling back, to happen again. It serves no one well. And I need to be on top of sleep, fitness and wellbeing to help meno symptoms and potentially actually reduce reoccurrences.