Vasovagal Synncope and returning to work

[maggsy_ru]

Hello,
I stumbled accross this site recently and have been encouraged by everyones responses to different types of syncope, especially Vasovagal.
  I am 25 with Vasovagal Syncope, and have recently had a pretty bad spell of attacks that have ment my sickness at work has been prolonged, but im now on cardio selective beta-blockers and things are looking up. Increased salt intake and reduction of caffene, compression socks etc have all helped me to manage the disorder. Im still undergoing tests and may be having a device- implantable loop recorder (ILR) put into my chest as they have not been able to catch these episodes as successfully as they hoped.
All that said I've been back at work now for about 3 months, I work with adults with Autism and Aspergers Syndrome but have been at the head office doing admin for the past few months until I thought, I and my doctors/cardiologist have deemed me fit enough to return to the units. Im just concerned that my employer is looking to dissmiss me, although they have been made aware of all the issues and medical interventions, long and short-term, OIm pretty confident that i know my rights and work have been very supportive throughout, except that i was told I can only stay at the office for another month as there is not a position available for me. I do want to return to the units asap, but obviously i want to improve not make it worse by taking on too much too quickly. Im seeing thier OT next week, but am still concerned, has anyone else had problems with work and long-term absence in relation to VVS or any other syncopal eppisodes? I thought about keeping a diary to show the OT what i am capable of, but is that enough? I hate that there is a fight to be treated with the same respect as somone with say, diabetes, epilepsy etc...Im the one living with the condition and I feel pretty confident i wont alllow it to affect my work and I am taking all the right steps to manage it, why do i feel that im being discriminated against?
any thoughts, help, I would be so relieved, even if it is just to have a rant and a moan, I really want them to take this seriously!!!
thank you,
maggie  

[Alienraver]

Hi Maggie,
I have Neurocardiogenic Syncope, I believe it's the same as Vasovagal. It seems to me that they are afraid you might have an episode during your hours with a person that may not be able to help you. It is a fine line between discrimination and job performance. They can't fire you if you can safely do your job. If for some reason you can't they should be able to place you in another position where you aren't as likely to be harmed or be alone if something were to happen or if you had to miss too much work. My last episode was just this weekend, I was lucky enough to be with my boyfriend. My hands cramped up and I could not use them, my feet also. If I had been alone I don't know what I would have done, I couldn't call for help because I couldn't use my fingers, I wasn't able to walk or crawl in the moments after, just sit there and wait for it to release me. I really hope you are able to convince your employer that you are capable of doing your job safely, maybe you can convince them to find you an intern, they could help you during the day and you'd never be alone. I have one and I love it, she is so helpful. I feel more confidant as well, since I'm hardly alone and know that she will be there if I were to have an episode.