IHR Process / long term sick without diagnosis.

[greengiant]

I just thought I'd put a post up to prepare myself for what could be happing within the next few months - Ill Health Retirement.

Back story. July 2019. Off between July & August & september due to emergency surgery for a twisted bowel. Recovered from that, and I was back on delivery by December.

Late July 2020. In hospital for a week due to neurological symptoms (suspect stroke / tia). No diagnosis despite CT / MRI scans, ended up needing crutches to walk with. Eventually discharged with a fit note for not fit for work. November returned to work with fit note for amended duties for 3 months, since I still require crutches to walk with. Fit note for amended duties expires next month.

As yet, I'm still awaiting further tests to find out what the heck is going on with me. Next stage is a lumbar puncture, and an MRI scan with contrast dye to rule out the likes of multiple sclerosis. Whenever that will be is a good question. I saw neurologist in December, who has put in a referal for the lumbar puncture and MRI scan. Although with Covid-19 delays, who knows how long this is going to take.

I have asked whether I could be referred to occupational health, however from what I gather, I cannot be referred, as I do not as yet have a diagnosis.

Since I could well be waiting for months until I get the rest of my tests & scans, and even longer for my diagnosis, I'm a bit concerned what the future is going to hold. It has been since the end of July I was on delivery. Currently I am on amended duties in the office.

I would prefer to stay working, even if it meant getting redeployed to working indoors / in the callers office.

Is it likely that I will be offered Ill Health Retirement. If so how is it calculated? Or am I more likely to be just sacked due to stage warnings? I have not been issued a stage 1 yet, I think due to my still awaiting a diagnosis. I only have a month or so full sick pay left, before I drop down to half pay.

[hothothot]

I was in a similar situation 3 years ago , my full sick pay was about to end and be put on half pay. It was recommended through occupational health to be offered ihr which I accepted , once offered ihr I was gone in about two weeks. The best thing that ever happened to me , I am now retired. If your to sick to work get your Dom to put you forward to oh. It's only through oh that you can get recommended for ihr . Royal mail will try to find you work in other offices , mail centres etc before being offered ihr. If there's no vacancy's to suit you and if they deem you will not recover from your illness in the next 9 months that's when they offer ihr. I hope you get back to full health soon.

[greengiant]

Unfortunately I cannot be referred to occupational health, until I have a diagnosis, at least that is what my dom is saying

[cockneyrebel]

Surprised they not offering you IHR ???
i been offered it 3 times in recent months and I fit for work !!
But similar to you-over a metre of my bowel cord removed Jan 2018, Got Plantar Faciitus in my left foot 10 yrs now and recently enlarged Prostate which gives bladder issues-but i work some weeks good, others not.
Told they would sort it all asap £19,100, if you been there 12 years or more Only concern the pension situation ??
I still thinking hard re taking the offer- Job no longer what it was-Covid made it so tough as well -got 18 months left to do
They wont say in public-but they still want to let people go if they can

[greengiant]

Surprised they not offering you IHR ???
i been offered it 3 times in recent months and I fit for work !!
But similar to you-over a metre of my bowel cord removed Jan 2018, Got Plantar Faciitus in my left foot 10 yrs now and recently enlarged Prostate which gives bladder issues-but i work some weeks good, others not.
Told they would sort it all asap £19,100, if you been there 12 years or more Only concern the pension situation ??
I still thinking hard re taking the offer- Job no longer what it was-Covid made it so tough as well -got 18 months left to do
They wont say in public-but they still want to let people go if they can

Fortunately I never needed to get any bowel removed back in 2019, just got it untwisted with surgery

I've been in the job for just under 7 years, so not sure if that would lessen any payment? Plus I've got 24 and a bit years until I hit retirement age :-(

[robbertwhitton]

Well whatever the outcome I wish you well my friend,at the end of the day it’s what works and suits you,am currently off sick with hip osteoarthritis and injured knee,meniscus tear,I have had occ health referral,I am due hip replacement soon in January which will result in time off and then when fit they want to operate on my knee so even more time off,I have discussed ihr as well with boss and union,union said as we know things aren’t getting any easier,and an ageing workforce will suffer,I’m 59 and done nearly 40 years,and keen for evr but doubt I will be offered it,so will have to see how I get managed and what they suggest

[Biker Mouse]

Surprised they not offering you IHR ???
i been offered it 3 times in recent months and I fit for work !!
But similar to you-over a metre of my bowel cord removed Jan 2018, Got Plantar Faciitus in my left foot 10 yrs now and recently enlarged Prostate which gives bladder issues-but i work some weeks good, others not.
Told they would sort it all asap £19,100, if you been there 12 years or more Only concern the pension situation ??
I still thinking hard re taking the offer- Job no longer what it was-Covid made it so tough as well -got 18 months left to do
They wont say in public-but they still want to let people go if they can

Where did you get the “12 years or more” from please?

[greengiant]

Well whatever the outcome I wish you well my friend,at the end of the day it’s what works and suits you,am currently off sick with hip osteoarthritis and injured knee,meniscus tear,I have had occ health referral,I am due hip replacement soon in January which will result in time off and then when fit they want to operate on my knee so even more time off,I have discussed ihr as well with boss and union,union said as we know things aren’t getting any easier,and an ageing workforce will suffer,I’m 59 and done nearly 40 years,and keen for evr but doubt I will be offered it,so will have to see how I get managed and what they suggest

At the moment I'm on amended duties in the office. Unfortunately with Covid lockdown I think it's going to take even longer till I get my tests and scans and diagnosis.

[robbertwhitton]

Well good luck,what does your amended duties consist of? I did a spell in callers office did van runs to workshop and other bits,funny now I’m off some people I miss but the stress and gutty slog and pressure on delivery not so much,evr may well be a way out if this job isn’t for me anymore,and certainly don’t want me knee and hip fixed to be damaged continuing with this job as it is

[greengiant]

Well good luck,what does your amended duties consist of? I did a spell in callers office did van runs to workshop and other bits,funny now I’m off some people I miss but the stress and gutty slog and pressure on delivery not so much,evr may well be a way out if this job isn’t for me anymore,and certainly don’t want me knee and hip fixed to be damaged continuing with this job as it is

At the moment either booking parcels into the callers, or prepping mail / D2Ds.

[Edward Hunter]

[ keen for evr but doubt I will be offered it,so will have to see how I get managed and what they suggest]

EVR in a delivery office would e unlikely. If yours is like mine we havent got enough staff as it is.Only route for a pay out is IHR though that is probably half what you would get with the mythical EVR

[greengiant]

Anyway, I'm having a "chat" with DOM & Union Rep this week, where I think Ill Health Retirement is getting offered.

[greengiant]

Occy health appointment tomorrow morning.

[POSTMAN]

Let us know what happend. Good luck.

[greengiant]

The occupational health nurse I spoke to was quite friendly. She took details of my medical situation, and asked if I wanted a referral with the Occupational Health Doctor, who will be the one who decides if IHR is the only option.

I should get this appointment sometime next week.