Health update

I've been off work with my back problem for just over 11 weeks now. Yesterday I had to go to Kent for a 'functional capacity evaluation' as a requirement from Occupational Health. I had to go through this procedure when I was off in 2005/06 for a period of five months. John drove me because driving myself is very uncomfortable - usually 15 minutes is enough. Being a passenger still isn't great but at least I can change positions. The traffic was terrible at the Dartford tunnel and beyond, where major roadworks are going on. However, we made it with 15 minutes to spare.

I saw the same person as last time, a very nice man called David Webster. The evaluation took just over two hours and consisted of him asking questions, completing a questionniare about my pain and doing a series of physical tests. These prove nothing at all, as I've tried time and again to explain to Occupational Health, but they don't listen. My job does not entail needing strength in my arms and legs etc; sitting at a desk is THE only problem as it puts too much pressure on my back and traps the nerves in my spine. However, the one good thing that has come out of this evaluation is that David will be putting forward a recommendation that HSBC provides me with an adjustable desk and chair - this means the desk can go up and down and I can be 'perched' on the chair (sort of semi standing). It's difficult to explain but it sounds like the last resort, otherwise I will surely have to resign and find a job which doesn't require me to be seated constantly.

I have a physio therapy appointment for 18th September. It won't do any good, as I previously had private sessions in 2005 which didn't ease the pain. David Webster pretty much said the same. However, you have to be seen to be doing everything you can to get better so I'll probably go through with it anyway - even if my symptoms have gone by then. In the few months that have passed, my GP has prescribed three types of medication: painkillers, anti-inflamitories and a muscle relaxant (tranquiliser) and none have helped; in fact the latter just knocked me out. How they expect you to live a normal life working and driving whilst in a zombie-like state, I'll never know! Just as long as they get you out of the door eh? Bloody NHS!

Although the pain has subsided a lot since May/June, some days can still be 'uncomfortable'. Despite the fact that I want to return to work, doing so at this stage would be a mistake. So all I can do is avoid sitting as much as humanly possible as see how it goes.