Back pain/knee pain in work

RE: Back pain/knee pain in work

Sal the 1st — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 11:02:45 GMT

I have 13yrs to retirement and if I can survive another 4 years will have clocked up 40 yrs in the job (though I doubt my body will let me). As soon as I feel I am not up to snuff I will pack it in to be fair to others I work with. I don't want to feel that they are having to carry me because I'm not up to the job but for now I am able to compensate and pull my weight.

If you can find another way of doing things and start to feel a bit better you may find you don't need so many painkillers - and that in itself has improved things so much for me, not feeling half doped all the time or having an ulcer acting up as a result of what I was taking.

If by chance you are needing a knee replacement (in my case a hip problem) try and get yourself on the list as soon as - don't make my mistake of waiting till you are absolutely desperate and climbing the walls - even when you are on the list unless you go private you will still have a long wait. I went private in the finish - couldn't afford a hip replacement but had surgery which has helped no end.

Spk to your GP and see what is available for you. Little changes when you are feeling like this can make a big difference. feel free to pm if you think it will help at all

RE: Back pain/knee pain in work

a c — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 10:27:26 GMT

Thanks for advice. Yep I've been afraid to mention it as it sounds like I am dodging work. I will defo talk to my physio about it and see what they say. And I should advise work management/colleagues that i cant safely lift weights with my knee. Maybe ask for some seats so not standing all day. I thought about cutting my hours but I dont want to be perceived as getting unfair treatment. Or being old, Haha (I'm the oldest staff member there by a mile!). But I find I'm exhausted, hobbling out out of work at end of day and and able for nothing when I get home. Worrying now about doing more long term damage.

RE: Back pain/knee pain in work

Sal the 1st — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 23:49:57 GMT

has your physio advised you as to what movements will cause you the most problems or how you can modify the way you move or do things? Mine has advised me what to be careful of as well as exercises that can help. It doesn't mean you can't do the job - it just means that sometimes you have to do things a little differently or accept your limitations and ask for help. There is no shame in asking for help when you need it. Speak to your boss. it is safety not only for you but the people you work with and the patients you are working with.

I have a knackered hip and I know that if I have to get on the floor with an animal on a good day I struggle to get up on a bad day I won't be able to get up and if in addition its a dog that might decide to bite I just won't be able to get out of the way quickly, which may then cause another staff member to get injured. If it is a heavy animal needing lifting my hip may let me down which may result in me either dropping an animal or if lifting with somebody else then all of a sudden them ending up with most of the weight which then puts them at risk of injury. I know my limitations, my boss knows my limitations and as a team we work with them.

It isn't that I am dodging work, I am working safely both for myself and everybody else and there are other tasks in the practice that I can do within the practice to compensate.

I have recently cut my hours -OK, it means I have had to make certain economies but it has helped me a lot health wise - it seemed the sensible thing to do, a part time member of staff wanted more hours and I was struggling on full time. 5 hrs a week reduction doesn't sound much but it has made a huge difference to me

RE: Back pain/joint pain in work

apache — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 18:39:19 GMT

You practice has a responsibility to look after your healthy and safety - they cannot make any allowances if you don't tell them you have an issue.

Look at manual handling - enough people, stretchers, low lift tables, sedate don't fight. Good technique - bend knees not back. Adjustable tables. Stools in theatre and possibly consult rooms. No reason for a lot of standing.