Today I had a meeting with my NHS employers and they have decided to terminate my contract.I have worked for the NHS as a qualified nurse for nearly 30 years. I am devastated but because they could not be given the answers they were looking for, they terminated my employment. I still am no closer to answers although seem to spend my life chasing drs and trying to get answers,just thought I would put it out there,feel this illness is slowly stealing my life no matter how hard i try to stop it.

Oh Lisa, I'm so sorry!!! I'm not very familiar with the UK, but assume you exhausted the statutory sick pay. Would you possibly qualify for the Employment and Support Allowance or some equivalent?

I also lost a job due to IIH, so understand your frustration and devastation. I had never had difficulty performing my job or been released from any other employment..it's an awful feeling and I'm sorry you have to deal with it. There is a possibility you could get back to work once you're properly diagnosed and treated, so focus on getting better and don't give up hope! I had other health issues so took me a few years to get back on my feet, but I've been able to maintain fulltime employment since 2005..even with the occasional revision and surgery.

Hopefully Heidi or another member from the UK will be able to provide you with more appropriate suggestions as far as benefits and options..just hang in there and let us know if there's anything more we can do.

  
Julie

So sorry to read this, Lisa.  I was hoping things would have gotten better for you by now.  Please keep up the fight to get the care that you need.  And remember, we are in your corner.

Hi Lisa, I'm very new to IIH and trying to get my head around things as well as chasing appointments and answers. I really feel for you as am in a similar position - I qualified as a nurse 2 years ago as a very  mature student and up until 6 mths ago was working in my dream job. I am now on long-term sick as my daily headaches and poor cognitive functioning prevent me from working. I am about to get to the end of statutory sick pay as my employer (not nhs) doesn't pay sick -pay. And i'm waiting for the day that my employer terminates my contract too. I'm guessing that I will try for the employment and support as Julie suggested and my plan is to do some voluntary/charity work to see how I cope.

Take care of yourself