Aa
hcv/employment/treatment
Hello to everyone. This is my first post to this forum.
A little about myself, I'm a 43 yr old male w/hcv geno 1b diagnosed in 1990. I have consistantly elevated alt levels, last test in june showed viral count of 5 million copies. I've had three biopsies '97, '2001, '2004. last one showed fibrosis, doc said a 2/2 score. Up until now I've been told I did not have to treat, As first two biops showed only inflammation but now with a signifigant change w/fibrosis I'm told I need to treat. For the past 7.25 yrs I've worked for an Illinois municipality as a mechanic. Its a physically hard job w/snowplow duties at all hours of night/day. I'm concerned about disclosure to my employer (the village I work for) in regards to treatment and the possible need to take time off if sides are bad. Also I don't know who would find out like coworkers as this disease is feared so much. It's a small place (150 employees) so if I started looking sickly the rumors would fly. Would they/could they fire me? do I need a lawyer? I know Ill is an "at will state" but I have a great work history with them and it would be a comfort knowing they know and supported me. My other objectives are to get on anti-depressant med and decide between the two peg drugs (dr offerd peg intron) but I like what I here about pegasys. If anyone can help with these employment issues I would be greatful. It's a shame we can't just come out and let everyone know we're sick, like people with say cancer can. The employment/insurance issue makes treating this disease a challenge. Thanks for taking time to read this.
wrench
A little about myself, I'm a 43 yr old male w/hcv geno 1b diagnosed in 1990. I have consistantly elevated alt levels, last test in june showed viral count of 5 million copies. I've had three biopsies '97, '2001, '2004. last one showed fibrosis, doc said a 2/2 score. Up until now I've been told I did not have to treat, As first two biops showed only inflammation but now with a signifigant change w/fibrosis I'm told I need to treat. For the past 7.25 yrs I've worked for an Illinois municipality as a mechanic. Its a physically hard job w/snowplow duties at all hours of night/day. I'm concerned about disclosure to my employer (the village I work for) in regards to treatment and the possible need to take time off if sides are bad. Also I don't know who would find out like coworkers as this disease is feared so much. It's a small place (150 employees) so if I started looking sickly the rumors would fly. Would they/could they fire me? do I need a lawyer? I know Ill is an "at will state" but I have a great work history with them and it would be a comfort knowing they know and supported me. My other objectives are to get on anti-depressant med and decide between the two peg drugs (dr offerd peg intron) but I like what I here about pegasys. If anyone can help with these employment issues I would be greatful. It's a shame we can't just come out and let everyone know we're sick, like people with say cancer can. The employment/insurance issue makes treating this disease a challenge. Thanks for taking time to read this.
wrench
I whole heartedly agree with everything Chev said. It is so important to prepare by educating yourself prior to tx. Do not put ALL your trust in the doctor. EDUCATE YOURSELF!
Your questions and concerns are very valid ones... I can only tell you that I am also genotype 1b.... in treatment 7 months..(pegasys)...and today am undetectable...I am hoping that tomorrow will be the same...for myself and for all of us...
I personally would refrain from sharing my condition with employers, co-workers , neighbors and even some family member's... I have little tolerance for ignorance...especially during treatment...
I have mentioned to some co-workers who I work closely with that I am under treatment for something personal, which I do not care to discuss, and if I ever seem impatient, agressive, or difficult to work with, to please forgive me in advance, it is really nothing personal, and one day I will be back to my old self...they in turn have been very understanding and patient...but I question if the reaction would be the same if they knew the truth.... I dont think so...and I am not willing to put all my cards on the table and take those risk...
As far as side effects are concerned...some person's have little or none...and unfortunately some have a difficult time...try not to anticipate how you are going to feel...you really won't know until you begin treatment...but do drink plenty of water...I am a huge promoter of water... it really helps... also remember that you are not by yourself...we are all by your side...we just cant reach out and touch you...but we are here...
Whatever your decision... I send you a heartfelt hug...my sincerest best wishes on your final decision... and I pray that you make the right one.... God Bless...Edgar
dheana.....congratulations to you...may continued recovery be yours.... Edgar
I personally would refrain from sharing my condition with employers, co-workers , neighbors and even some family member's... I have little tolerance for ignorance...especially during treatment...
I have mentioned to some co-workers who I work closely with that I am under treatment for something personal, which I do not care to discuss, and if I ever seem impatient, agressive, or difficult to work with, to please forgive me in advance, it is really nothing personal, and one day I will be back to my old self...they in turn have been very understanding and patient...but I question if the reaction would be the same if they knew the truth.... I dont think so...and I am not willing to put all my cards on the table and take those risk...
As far as side effects are concerned...some person's have little or none...and unfortunately some have a difficult time...try not to anticipate how you are going to feel...you really won't know until you begin treatment...but do drink plenty of water...I am a huge promoter of water... it really helps... also remember that you are not by yourself...we are all by your side...we just cant reach out and touch you...but we are here...
Whatever your decision... I send you a heartfelt hug...my sincerest best wishes on your final decision... and I pray that you make the right one.... God Bless...Edgar
dheana.....congratulations to you...may continued recovery be yours.... Edgar
Hi All,
Im sorry to barge this post but its full. Pls continue with your comments to Wrench.
I dont know if u all remember me, I just posted not too long ago
about being extemely fatiqued and was needing help.
I went to the doctor today about it and he has told me that the only thing
to do with being so tired is tx. My load came back in the millions this time and I am 1a. I have decided to start tx with help from some friends. However my insurance runs out first of August, I have applied for A Ben Taub Gold Card which is a Local Hospital that see people with no insurance, I will need to see if they offer Tx, Im not sure if they do, so my question is, how can I pay or get assistance with tx and could I apply for Disability now?
Thanks!!!
meshell
aka - starfish
Im sorry to barge this post but its full. Pls continue with your comments to Wrench.
I dont know if u all remember me, I just posted not too long ago
about being extemely fatiqued and was needing help.
I went to the doctor today about it and he has told me that the only thing
to do with being so tired is tx. My load came back in the millions this time and I am 1a. I have decided to start tx with help from some friends. However my insurance runs out first of August, I have applied for A Ben Taub Gold Card which is a Local Hospital that see people with no insurance, I will need to see if they offer Tx, Im not sure if they do, so my question is, how can I pay or get assistance with tx and could I apply for Disability now?
Thanks!!!
meshell
aka - starfish
Hi and welcome!!!! You've found the best place to come w/ your questions and problems. I "DITTO" Chevy's feelings. I however had some rough times on tx and had to go on disability. You employer is going to see your insurance reports and know you are treating...because of meds. Like hippiemom said, I told EVERYONE!!! I too wanted to educate as many as possible. In fact my office manager asked me a lot of questions, because her Mom was feeling really bad. Well she told her Mom to be checked for HCV and she found out she has it. I was with my co. for 5.5 yrs and they all are very concerned about me. Even though I had to go on disability...and BTW I relapsed and will start a clinical trial in Oct.....my co. has told me more than once, they will hire me back when I am well! They know I was a great worker and they miss me. They have 3 people doing the job I did by myself, and that's the truth! I wouldn't worry about anybody knowing....I couldn't hide mine @ work...on Monday's I was still pretty sick and spent a lot of time in the bathrm...sick on my stomach. I didn't loose any weight. My hair didn't "fall" out...I lost a little. But it's your choice to tell or not. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER..EVERYODY IS DIFFERENT ON TX. There are a lot of ppl here that haven't "skipped" a beat! I want to wish you the best! You will be in my prayers. Stay with us and keep asking questions...it helps everybody! Sincerely, Cindee
Hey girl, So good to see your post!!!!! I've missed you! I want to give you a great big>>>>>>>>CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!! YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!! I am sooooooo happy for you. I want to wish you the best and a very healthy life for the rest of your life!!!!!! God has "smiled down on you"!!!!!!! Much love, Cindee
Hi wrench,
I just went through the same situation with the difference that I work for a large municipality. I totally agree with rev, apply for FMLA (Family Medical Leave). You get up to 12 weeks off, if needed and it can't be held against you or in your preformance reviews. The time off can be taken in increments as needed.
Now I didn't tell my director what I had, I just said that I had to undergo treatment for a medical condition and that I may have to use FMLA on a as needed basis. That's it, no more was necessary. I did send him a memo to inform him but it just stated I was applying for FMLA due to treatment. I think there is a requirment if you take the 12 weeks off in one chunk you're supposed to give 30 days written notice. You may want to check with your HR person. Also remind him/her this is a HIPPA issue to be kept confidential.
There is a form that your doctor will need to fill out and it will not list the disease, just a number of the condition. You don't have to tell anyone, remember HIPPA prevents employers and peers from discussing any medical stuff you're going thru.
Wishing you all the best.
I just went through the same situation with the difference that I work for a large municipality. I totally agree with rev, apply for FMLA (Family Medical Leave). You get up to 12 weeks off, if needed and it can't be held against you or in your preformance reviews. The time off can be taken in increments as needed.
Now I didn't tell my director what I had, I just said that I had to undergo treatment for a medical condition and that I may have to use FMLA on a as needed basis. That's it, no more was necessary. I did send him a memo to inform him but it just stated I was applying for FMLA due to treatment. I think there is a requirment if you take the 12 weeks off in one chunk you're supposed to give 30 days written notice. You may want to check with your HR person. Also remind him/her this is a HIPPA issue to be kept confidential.
There is a form that your doctor will need to fill out and it will not list the disease, just a number of the condition. You don't have to tell anyone, remember HIPPA prevents employers and peers from discussing any medical stuff you're going thru.
Wishing you all the best.
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