stroke.

[daveyeff]

3 weeks ago a colleague and long time friend had a stroke, it was obviously a shock to all his workmates and all who know him. but its knocked his wife for six. i went to see him at his home when he came out of hospital and its also knocked me for six. to see him like that is devastating. he,s not the same bloke, its as if a light has been switched off. he can comunicate and get around a little now, but his driving days are over, hes sold the car, and doesnt think he,ll get back to work. he reckons they,ll be retiring him in a few months. his wife is at her wits end, she says shes never had to deal with anything as bad as this before. and they still owe about 7 years on their mortgage. worse still he took his pension early to help out financially so all he has to look forward to is 34 weeks pay and 12 weeks pilon. his wife says management havent been on the phone once to ask about his wellbeing. yet strangely enough they seem to be on the phone to everyone else who goes off sick with ''minor'' ailments because they are ''concerned'' for the health of their employees. seems to me they just look at it as another 40hrs in the bag and bye bye to the lad who,s just seen 19 years go down the swannee. this b*****d job fekn stinks.

[Lounge Lizard]

I've more experience than most of this and suggest your colleague and/or his wife read 'My Year Off' by Robert McCrum ( PanMacmillan ), not just so much to identify with but also some hope that with patience things can improve more than might be expected.

[daveyeff]

I've more experience than most of this and suggest your colleague and/or his wife read 'My Year Off' by Robert McCrum ( PanMacmillan ), not just so much to identify with but also some hope that with patience things can improve more than might be expected.

cheers mate, i,ll suggest it to his missus

[Judgee]

One of my good friends had a stroke last year. It is a shock but given time things can improve greatly. It's a long struggle but he needs to listen to the experts and follow thier rehabilitation program. He will probably never be the same again this is true but you would be amazed at the extent at which the brain can repair and reroute those pathways!

Doesn't surprise me that management have been totally unsupportive, they really can be a bunch of asses unfortunately!

[daveyeff]

been in touch with him again today, he,s a lot brighter but looks confused. he,s comunicating ok and is using his computer again, even sending joke emails which is a good sign,,,,,BUT, atos have been on the phone to him today,, the doms referred him for ill health retirement. he said he expected him to do it, but jesus,,,,its only been 6 or 7 weeks. you wouldnt think anyone can stoop that low. he,s not even giving him any hope of a recovery. for all he knows my mate could make a full recovery. what a complete unfeeling swine. i was under the impression you could take a MINIMUM of 9 months before they can force you out on ill health grounds. can he be forced out? words fail me.

[Himaggen]

Not only is your Manager not supposed to suggest ATOS referral before taking part in a discussion with the employee, they cannot refer no can your friend be contacted by ATOS unless they have completed at least Section A and signed section B of the required form.
Additionally I would suggest that depending upon the damage caused and speed of recovery etc. your friend may qualify for adjustments under the Equality Act, (DDA)
It is certainly to soon for any of those decisions to be made and I would recommend that you ensure your friend makes no further discussions with anyone other than their Union Representatives.

[daveyeff]

thank you, i will convey you,re advice to him cheers.

[ScrumpyJohn]

Thank you RM chat, it's nice to know I am not alone. Will get back went I have seen neuro consultant.

[DB1100]

been in touch with him again today, he,s a lot brighter but looks confused. he,s comunicating ok and is using his computer again, even sending joke emails which is a good sign,,,,,BUT, atos have been on the phone to him today,, the doms referred him for ill health retirement. he said he expected him to do it, but jesus,,,,its only been 6 or 7 weeks. you wouldnt think anyone can stoop that low. he,s not even giving him any hope of a recovery. for all he knows my mate could make a full recovery. what a complete unfeeling swine. i was under the impression you could take a MINIMUM of 9 months before they can force you out on ill health grounds. can he be forced out? words fail me.

One of our lad's had lung cancer and was in a similar predicament,forced into IHR,as you say the poor people cannot think straight when they are hit by something like this and tend to accept anything to take the pressure off,our lad had a lung removed and is making a good recovery him and his wife are not the biggest fans of Royal mail after the way he was treated.