www.iva.co.uk

Hi all
Well this week will be my 8th week off work with sciatica. I keep thinking that i really should go to work because i have had so much time off with it but my back keeps twinging the whole time and i am scared that if i go to work i will make it worse as i am in a standing up job all day long.
My doctor has now put me on really strong pain relief which is tramadol and i am on iboprofen tablets aswell.
My last pay packet was fairly normal but i am deeply concerned about this one coming as i am sure that i will only be on ssp and that i wont get enuogh to cover all my bills and or iva. Has anyone else been in this situation before as i am slowly turning into a bag of nerves again [:(]

Hi Shazzles,
Sorry to hear you are unwell - I had sciatica years ago so appreciate how much you are suffering. Have you looked into the Protect IVA insurance? John Tegg, on the experts panel, runs the company that arrange it. Not sure if it could help but it won't hurt to look.
Try to relax, one of the experts will advise you soon - everyone n here is brilliant.
Thinking of you,
Chardonnay

hi Shazzles,

Sorry to hear you are still ill, personally i would not go back to work especiall if your doctor has signed you off and given you stronger pain killers.

Try not to worry and get well soon.

Kirsty

Hey Shazzles, I just wanted to say that I'm thinking of you and hope you are not in too much pain and the new pills are helping. Don't even think about going back to work until you are fit enough, you're right, it will make it worse. You're more important!

Viki X

Hi Shazzles. I can sympathise with the sciatica! I have also been prescribed tramadol in the past and if they have the same effect on you as they did me, you won't know what planet you are on! Get in touch with your IP and explain the situation to them. There is no point going back to work until you are ready.

Hope the backs better soon Shazzles!!

hi shazzles, thinking of you and hoping you are feeling better soon!

as otheres have said i wouold contact your ip to see if they can allow you to reduce your payments until you are back in work!

good luck

barb x

Hi shazzles take care and remember your doctor knows best

hi all
thankyou for all your kind messages!
I called the doctor couldnt get any appointment today, but she has extended my sick note further (not sure how long yet) and wants to see me again in a couple of days, and i will pick my sick note up in the morning and have my son take it into my work.
Good thing is is that my pysiotherapy has come through for 20th june, now just got to wait for orthopedic section of the hospital to contact me.
Thanks again everyone.

Hi Again,
Keep the hospital number close - there is a government target that no one will wait more than 18 weeks from referral to treatment by Dec this year. You should get an appointment for Out-patients (an orthopaedic appointment within about 10 weeks) then it's approx 4 weeks for diagnostics and therapies (physio, etc). If the appointment doesn't come through in these time frames phone them up and quote the 18 week referral to treatment target. If your referral is triaged you may get the physio appointment first - that's best practice!!I hope that helps - I'm currently on my mum's \(adopted) case for her gall bladder operation. Once they realise you know the target things move swiftly.
If you need any more info let me know.
Chin up, keep as active as you can - it's recommended for back probs.
Thinking of you,
Chardonnay

Hi shazzles

I wouldnt go back to work, you wouldnt be insured and that tramadol is strong stuff, I had it made me really dozy, found it hard to focus. I know youre worrying but what can you do? I can only see one option and that is to inform your IP now, they cant get blood out of a stone. You and your health is more important. I know its easy for me to say but in the end you'll be setting yourself back if you try to work now.

I only waited two weeks from first visit to consultant, guess I was lucky.

Yep, tramadol really knock you about. They get rid of the pain because you're that high you don't really care! Not recommended that you go to work while taking them though.