How to explain to employer

[KICKED]

How can I explain to my employer about what I am going through on pegatron with out saying I have hep C.  It has such a stigma to it that people seem to be ignorant and run from you. Does this tx work for other liver desease?

[Christie2004]

Even medical people are uneducated about the great "secret" that is HCV infection.

I'd tell the truth and perhaps have some printed CURRENT literature in hand to give to the boss or any co-worker who would like it.  

In my opinion, it is worse to say you have cirrhosis.  People will more than likely think you are a heavy drinker.  Wrong, predjudical, but that is the first thing that comes to peoples minds when you say "cirrhosis".

[doll face]

I just came right out and told everyone I know including my boss and coworkers.

The first time on tx my boss was a little leary about me staying (I was a bar manager at a very busy Country club) but none the less I ended up having to quit due to sides. When I found that I had relapsed I had to tell my new boss and he along with all my coworkers were so very accomodating.

I have never hid my disease from ANYONE. Sure alot of people are ignorant when it comes to something like this, but how will they ever know any different unless we inform them.

I have had many different reactions from people, but after they hear me out 99% of them are interested in finding out more.

Everyone has to decide for themselves who and when to tell, I wish the best of luck

[rearfang]

Well said, Rev.

[KICKED]

Once again thanks.  It helped.

[GALLIUM]

i work in an e.r. and it always amazes me how ignorant the staff are about hcv. they tend to treat the pt's with it like leppers and almost always try to blame the pt. for the hcv.
in the begining i tried to educate the staff and realised that they didnt want to be educated, i think they enjoy feeling superior about
noot having the disease and look down on the pts that have it.
what i have told the people at work is i am on chemo and if they want to know more get a court order.
the people i work with know that i have leukemia and they assume that that is what i am treating. there are a few that know i have hcv and they are very understanding and caring about my condition as well as being cheerleaders about me going through treatment.
so iwould only tell my boss about the hcv if they are a caring and concerned boss. otherwise rember the hipa act and tell them it is not their concern. also you are protected under the americians with disabilites act.
take care
dan

[zitface]

I'm done with tx now, and looking back there were definitely good days and really heinous ones.  People looked at me funny a lot 'cuz I got green around the gills on  more than one occassion.  hang in there.  The cirrosis thing is a good alibi, because interferon is helpful with liver regeneration

[KICKED]

Thanks.  I said that I was taking tx because I was developing cirrosis.  That is why the sudden weight loss and hair loss and also depression.  Is this a biochemical.  Or even a form of chemo.  Would that explain the hair loss along with weight. This stuff is exausting the **** out of me. Some days I am great and others, well I am sure you know.  Anyway thanks for the info.

[zitface]

Interferon is used to treat other problems, like melanoma--  you could just say you have a blood disorder or just say you are anemic.  You don't have to say anything at all, though.