Crohns, Colostomy, Humira, ESA, JSA and Fed Up

[ChrisJue]

I have Crohns very painful at present. Where do I start I've had Crohns and a Colostomy for 36yrs I'm now 57 and Just recently upped my Humira to weekly from fortnightly. Beginning of this year I had a ESA assessment it seems that Crohns isn't an illness I've had a lot of leakages from the stoma bag and my skin is raw and sore. The medical person didn't want to know anything about my crohns or colostomy more interested in can I move my arms, legs bend and sit. As you might have guessed I got 0 points totally "fit for work" appealed and failed If they can't see an illness you haven't got it. Signed on JSA was looking for work applied for at least 30-40 jobs nothing who wants to employ a 57 year old never heard a thing from any of the jobs I applied for, very disheartening. 2 months ago had a knee op torn ligament kept giving way going up stairs so went back on ESA sent ESA50 form still awaiting medical. I know that Medical will result in going back on JSA. I know you might be thinking "get a job you lazy sod" I worked 25 years as an engraver with crohns and colostomy and worked as long as possible with the pain used to sit with my back against the radiators to ease the pain and then continue with my job until pain was to much the traveling 16 miles to and from job got stuck in traffic jam one day coming home from work bag burst had to sit there in traffic with poo running down side and leg. so thought enough is enough and went on sick. So now I'm at a stage of limbo and very fed up. What Next?

 

[YJ120]

Hi Chris,

Well I don't know a lot about what you can do next but just wanted to say the system
is totally wrong and I am disgusted they didn't even take your crohns and all the troubles that come with it into consideration. I really hope things get better for you. I think there's a support line on the NACC website for help with ESA/disability payments, might be worth a try?

Yvette.

 

[Jennifer]

I don't know if this will help or not but it sounds like you do qualify: http://www.crohnsforum.com/wiki/Disability-and-Crohns-UK Read the comments below as well. This thread may also help: http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=34915

I don't think anyone on this forum thinks that you're lazy even after reading about your entire situation in just a small paragraph. We all know there's much more to it than just the basics. Keep us posted ChrisJue. We're rooting for you.

 

[akiva]

my partner (aged 35, with no medical issues) was made redundant last year and although he was applying for 30 jobs every 2 weeks, it took him 12.5 months to get a job, the jobs market is very difficult. He never heard anything back from most of the jobs but hang in there you'll hear something eventually. (Ironically the best ones for jobs is the NHS, that's where he got his work) TBH I think you should be entitled to the other ESA thing instead of jsa

 

[YJ120]

Oh no! That's terrible! Definitely change Doctors, they should know more than many about crohns and all it's awful symptoms.

 

[ChrisJue]

Thank You for all your help Yvette, Akiva and Jennifer I decided to have it out with him made appointment went sat in waiting room he didn't see me he has another Dr. there who came out and called me in I said to her I thought I'd be seeing Dr. Um won't say is full name she said ok but you'll have to make another appointment which usually takes about 8-10 days I said no it doesn't matter. I did ask her about pain I'm having in right hip struggling to walk she put me on Ibuprofen I said should I be on Ibuprofen with Crohns she said give it a try. Beginning to think GPs have no idea about Crohns I'm seeing my Gastro Specialist in the next couple weeks see what she says!

Thank You Again. Chris

 

[Jennifer]

Ya you could try it but it could very possibly cause ulcers. Not advisable. Enjoy watching your GI's eyes open wide when you tell them what your GP said. If your GI doesn't show concern then you know you may need a new GI. Keep us posted on the GI appointment.