Arthritis with two Ops for Fusion imminent, what to do

realitybites · Post by **realitybites** » 14 Jun 2016, 10:30

Have been struggling through deliveries for past 4 years now. Had a visit to hospital (appointment) to see specialist. Soon as he saw me walk through the door he knew what was wrong. On examination of the x-rays he could not believe the severity of the arthritis in both big toes and that it had not been dealt with properly up to this point (had Naproxen, codeine etc to try and control pain, mostly unsuccessfully, failure by the health service).
I had always felt I was whingeing for no reason and felt I just had to get on with it even though I'd be limping around and every now and then let out a scream in agony while on duty, though I tried to control this side of it.
The specialist has even put a rush on the op and has said to me on the day of the op he will deal with whichever one I deem to feel the worst and the other would follow at a later date. The fusion apparently can take a long time, months to fully fuse. Anyone had these ops before and give me a rough idea of the time needed to fully recover. I'm mid fifties now.
I was wondering how this will affect my job on deliveries as well.
Will they try and get shot of me,
will they allow time for full recovery
How will extended time off affect my wages.
Any other info regarding this would be appreciated.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 14 Jun 2016, 17:06

As you have been diagnosed with arthritis you are now covered under the Equality Act. This means that Royal Mail have to try and make reasonable adjustments.

You'll have told your manager, and he should get you assessed by OH Assist. I would also get in touch with the H&S reps (local and area) and the Equality Rep even if its just to get the most up to date information.

Puppetmaster · Post by **Puppetmaster** » 14 Jun 2016, 19:17

Do you really believe after the ops assuming they are successful, I would research the success rates and side effects, you will be able to walk 12 miles a day everyday .Indoor job ok assuming their is one to be had ,nearest mail centre to you ?

Post by **celtic1967** » 14 Jun 2016, 21:29

OP needs to consider what to do after the operation(s). I am six months after a knee replacement and have been back delivering for four months now and I'm beginning to think that 12+ miles per day is not going to last now. Don't know how to go about changing things though.

Cowdenpostie · Post by **Cowdenpostie** » 15 Jun 2016, 19:48

Hi mate - I had a fusion on my right big toe due to arthritis about 5 years ago now - recovery for me was 4 months and then a phased return to work - my left toe needs done now, and it's causing me issues with my achilles due to walking funny - I wish I had both done at the same time looking back - been able to do my walk without too much trouble up until recently, just have to take painkillers when needed - and I have to get my work shoes modified at the hospital with a rocker sole to take the pressure of the foot...

realitybites · Post by **realitybites** » 15 Jun 2016, 21:23

Surgeon says a good 5 year life span after the op. Have been suffering for nearly 4 years now during which time I thought a cheilectomy ( trimming of the excess bone accumulated due to the arthritis) would have been offered instead of painkillers and injections. Situation has gone beyond the cheilectomy now and only fusing the joint is deemed viable.