I am a 54 year old woman, have worked in Canada p/t for 10 years as a PSW.
Over the last 2 years have had increasing pain in my joints and body as well as hands.
I have had x rays and blood tests and scans which showed arthritis in my hands which has progressively got worse.
I also recently saw a specialist who diagnosed me with fibromyalgia.
I still continue to work as I have a Consumer Proposal which has 2 years left but I am finding my job increasingly hard because of pain.
I take painkillers daily and always take enough to try to minimise the pain while I am working but sometimes it is too much and I spend the next day in bed or resting.
Because of this I have been unable to work full time in this 10 year span even when there were full time jobs offered, I could not apply because I know that there is no way I could manage with this condition.
I usually work 2 / 3 x a week and make around $1400 a month, sometimes less.
Very often I refuse shifts because of pain but am reluctant to tell employer as am worried they may find a way to get rid of me.
Modified work is not an option as a PSW as it is a fast paced job and the residents need us so I will use the word " struggle"
I struggle with the job because of the pain in my hands and joints.
I have heard that I could possibly get disability and other benefits.
I am totally in the dark about this as I have never claimed benefits as I was sponsored then I went to work in this field.
Please could anybody advise me.
Thanks
Millie