Start + stop work

Hello

I had an ischaemic and haemorrhagic cerebellar infarct in 2024.

Return to work April 2025.

Pfo closure March 2026.

My body literally feels like it is shutting down. The neurofatigue, dizziness, brain fog, pains down affected right side, shooting pains in head and complete darkness in right eye every so often is all just debilitating!

I am at a loss what to do.

Has anyone else started then stopped work? I just do not know how to navigate benefits in UK without getting penalised as I am in current work. It is just not sustainable at all! It is making me so depressed as I have tried, really tried and pushed through for my family but I simply cant any longer.

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I would suggest you get advice - the Stroke Association, CAB, Disability Rights, your union, British Legion if applicable.

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Sorry to hear you are strugglingso much. I would suggest that you go off sick from work and let them medically retire/ dismiss you. I believe if you walk away you can’t claim some benefits for a while.

Speak to Citizens Advice re benefits. You may also want to try ACAS for some employment advice.

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That feeling like the body is shutting down is an awful sensation, not sure if it is universal for all cerebellar stroke survivors, but I get it and my friend who also had a cerebellar stroke gets it.

We always mention that sensation on our bad days as it is one of the most unnerving things I have experienced in my life. Still not used to it almost six years post stroke.

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Hi @Augustus from my current experience/ standpoint there is a time when health is more important than employment or rather type of employment. If you know whats causing this in your workplace, can you eliminate this? or even find a coping strategy? If not are your skills transferable and could you possibly find a better match?

Good luck and hope it goes well for you as it can be a tough place to be.

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Did work make necessary adjustments? My niece who has multipul schlerosis tried that but had to give up in the end. There is no shame in that. At least you tried.

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Sorry they are called reasonable adjustment. They are for disabled people and required by law.

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