Me too.... what a club it is....

I had to give up my job after 6 months of going on and off sick because of my knee, most of that time was post-op and when it was clear things weren't getting better any day soon, I had to give up. I was gutted. I enjoyed my job and was good at it, but it was all standing, walking and stairs - I just couldn't do it. I have never claimed benefits in my life either AZ-di, and still don't, but only because I've managed to start tutoring a bit and am holding out as long as I can out of sheer stubbornness. Stupid really, because we need the money now my financial input has more than halved.

I know there is nothing to be ashamed of by claiming a benefit you are entitled to. Goodness knows we would all love to work and be healthy if we could.... Try not to feel bad guys - I'll be claiming soon enough, my physio and doc have supported me, and I even got as far as filling the form in once and just didn't go through with it. I'm lucky, my husband is very understanding about it, but when money is really tight I know he thinks that bit extra would make so much difference....

This condition takes away so many pieces of us, and sometimes it can feel like we are just shadows in the background. But we should hold our heads up in life - no one who doesn't had this thing understands the courage it takes to get out of bed and face another day of this

Hope today is a good one for you.

Bram.