What do I tell a new boss?

[HeidiHope]

I just accepted a position as a paralegal, and I have hyperadrenergic POTS.  I was just diagnosed last year, and things have been going very well since last July.  The job requirements fit what I can do very well, but I know that if I get sick, it could become an issue.  I am just wondering how some of you have approached telling your boss about dysautonomic disorders.

[HeidiHope]

Wow!  Thank you, I really appreciate that.  I ended up telling my immediate boss (the lawyer I assist) on Wednesday.  I was trying to do some filing in a case manager's office (not a typical task, but the case manager's assistant quit without notice, the case manager needed help and I had time), and it involved a lot of reaching up over my head and bending down on the ground, then standing up again, over and over.  Ten minutes in I thought my heart was going to leap out of my chest.  I asked to close the door and explained to the case manager what was happening, and she got ice and just hung out with me in her office for a bit.  It made me realize that I couldn't hide the issue, and I needed to find a smart way of telling my boss, and quickly.  After lunch, I asked to meet with her, closed the door, and explained, without saying an actual diagnosis, that I had a heart defect and my body wasn't able to regulate heartrate or blood pressure very well if I was bending down and standing up repeatedly, or if there was physical strain on my heart (my POTS is secondary to a heart defect where my heart doesn't pump enough blood volume from one side to the other, so I figured this was a pretty darn good explanation without giving too much detail).  I told her if I didn't pay attention and sit down, then my heart wouldn't calm down, and it was possible that I would pass out, and have my whole body shake.  She listened to everything I said, then told me that it wouldn't be a problem at all, that she though our working relationship was going very well, and she was very happy with me and how hard I work.  She also said that if there was anything I couldn't do, or if I was having a difficult day, to let her know, and they would have someone else do those things, and it wasn't an issue.  She also said she would let the main lawyer know that I was having medical problems and might occassionally need additional time off.  I am thanking my lucky stars and incredibly happy that I write so well, because I have never had anyone respond so positively to me, expecially in a work environment.  The main lawyer can be a bit of a jerk at times (I got yelled at Thursday b/c I couldn't find a letter fast enough for him, when the letter didn't even exist in the office b/c he hadn't made a copy), so I'm hoping he will just stay how he is.  If he suddenly starts being nice, then I know something is up, although I'm sure that sounds a little odd.  Of course I'd like if he were nicer, but not if he is being nice b/c he feels sorry for me.  Whatever - I overanalyze everything.
I missed work for the first time yesterday.  I had cortisone injections into my abdomen (about 14 of them), and became incredibly sick.  It shot my BP up way too high, so I was dealing with a bad headache, nausea, and just overall feeling horrible, and spent my day between the toilet and the couch.  I guess I'll find out for sure how the bosses feel about me having health issues when I return on Monday.  I'm dreading the extra work-load from missing a day.
Thank you again, for all the information - I didn't know half of it!

[Heiferly]

Heidi,

Here are some resources that may be of help to you in deciding if/when/what to disclose to your employer about your dysautonomia, if you need or could benefit from workplace accommodations especially during flare-ups and what the ADA guarantees you in terms of that, etc.

Job Accommodation Network
West Virginia University
PO Box 6080
Morgantown, WV 26506-6080
800-526-7234 in the US
800-526-2262 in Canada
Internet: http://www.jan.wvu.edu

A pdf file from the NDRF on the ADA and Dysautonomia (will automatically download at the following url):
http://www.ndrf.org/PDF%20Files/Disabilities.PDF

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_Accommodation_Network

http://www.dol.gov/odep/

http://www.disability.gov/

Congratulations on your job and keep us updated!!

[auntissie]

  SOOOOO Happy for you!!!!!!   Good going.  Hope Life Stays Happy.

[HeidiHope]

Thanks guys.  I'm 8 days in and haven't had a problem, even with a bad headache today.  My boss is great, and actually reminds me a lot of my grandpa, but I think I still want to hold off saying anything for awhile.  I did tell one of the girls I work with today, as she has health problems as well, and she tried to encourage me to speak up, but I'm still not ready.  I've just had too many bad experiences.  Her health problems are with her back and she recently broke a leg, so it's a little more cut and dry, but I do feel better at least having someone in the office know.  She works at the desk right by mine, so if I did ever have a problem, at least she is aware it's not life threatening or something where an ambulance is needed.  Now that I've been there a little bit, I'm not so worried, because the office deals with personal injury cases and sees a lot of different illnesses, but representing a client is a little different than dealing with an employee.  We'll see.  Right now my boss keeps complimenting me and talking me up to my co-workers, so I am feeling wonderful and very confident in myself.  Thanks for your imput.

[auntissie]

DITTO Heidi,

Hold off .  Let them see what a good worker you are and get to know you.  We here all understand you and your issues, but people who don't have the problems think we're all nuts.  Some people don't try to emphasize with people and are wrapped up in their own worlds.  Until they know you as a person, don't try to make them understand something they will consider foreign.  With time, people will notice that you have some issues, then slowly you can fill them in to what goes on in your world.  If they are worth your energy as friends, they will be considerate and try to accomodate you.  If you have to keep things on a business level, well all the above answers apply.  Don't worry about tomorrow, it has it's own anxities.  Just dwell on today and take one minute, one hour, one day at a time.  Don't worry about "What Ifs".  It will be fine.

[san635]

Nothing! Let them get to know you first and you to know them as well. And tonyad is right about the ADA. They even have 504 plans like schools they have to honor. I would hold off till it's necessary. Good luck and congratulations on the new job.

[tonyad]

  You are NOT required to diclose any of your medical info.
Secondly you are coverd by the ADA (Americans with Disability Act).
So, I would say anything unless you are like close buddies (friends)
then w/ a friend, you pretty much share all kinds of stuff. Lol

Have a great week,
~Tonya