Hi I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2016 and underwent a bilateral mastectomy, had total lymph node clearance with 4 lymph nodes positive . Then had chemo and radiotherapy. I am currently on tamoxifen for 10 years. I seem to be going down hill I now have fibromyalgia post chemo and suffer terribly with joints and muscle pain also extreme fatigue. I have high blood pressure , vitiligo, depression and anxiety. I work in a school with children with behaviour problems and I just can’t do this anymore as don’t feel well physically and mentally. Do you think this is enough to get early medical retirement?
Hi Julianne,
Sorry to hear how you’re feeling post treatment & a doing such a demanding job as well.
I’m not in your position, but is it worth seeing your GP about this first, as I understand they are part of the process on this.
Hopefully, one of the other ladies will be along to advise.
ann x
Thank you Ann I have seen my GP and he has said he will support me in this but I’m only 49 and worried I won’t hit the tier 1 which I know I would need cause the pension people will enhance my pension as if I had payed in till I was 67. Just wondered if anyone had done this and could give me some advice . Many thanks julie
Hi Julieann
I worked as a school administrator for 16 years and from 2012 - 2017 with secondary BC. I was lucky in that my HR Manager was very thorough with the paperwork and got me to see Occupational Health from the very beginning. I was working 37 hours a week but gradually reduced to 27 hours. I didn’t really have much time off work in the 5 years but everything was well documented. I decided in the end to go for LGPS Ill Health retirement & was awarded Tier 1 - I think this was made easier by the fact that all my paperwork was in order, OH were involved from the outset and that unfortunately I have secondaries so incurable. I retired aged 49 in May 2017 and it was the best decision I have made. I get to spend lots of time with my lovely grandchildren & husband (also retired, he’s 58). Good luck with getting your retirement, you deserve it.
Helen x
Thank you Helen . I’m so sorry to hear you have secondary breast cancer. It is my fear and with no regular tests this is what has led to my anxiety issues. In fact had chest X-ray yesterday because I have been coughing . My heart goes out to you xx I to am 49 but feel like I’m 80 at the mo. Helen do you know the Crimea and what they class as I’ll health to get tier 1? Much love julie
Tier 1 means that you are classed as being so unwell that you cannot ever return to work in any capacity before normal pension age. Tier 2 would be that you could likely return to work before normal pension age but not within 3 years. Tier 3 is that you could return to work within 3 years or before normal pension age.
I would recommend reading the LGPS Pension Guide, you can Google it. Try and speak to an independent pension advisor too.
Good luck, Helen x
Hi Julieann, I have just posted similar to yours and then spotted your post. Have things worked out for you? Its an anxious time not knowing what lies ahead when you physically and mentally dont feel you are able to do the job you are in. I hope you hear positively from your pension and keep well x