hcv/employment/treatment

[wrench]

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

[DonL]

So happy to hear your news. You had a hard time, but it seems it was worth it! I can't tell you how happy your news makes me. Congratulations.

[wrench]

Thanks you guys. I want to start tx asap. I know I've had hcv for 20 plus yrs. With FMLA do you have to disclose? I guess some of my guilt or anxiety comes from the fact that I work on Police and Fire vehicles and fear if they found out I would be fired. As I said I've been there almost eight yrs and did  disclose at my pre employment physical (I wrote non a, non b hep 1990, no problems).

[wrench]

Hi Gulfcoast,

I have a few Q's, does your director know now that you have hcv? and when you were hired did you disclose at a pre-employment physical?

[jonihs]

Go to janis7hepc.com. That site has all the info you need to apply for disability and phone no.s for assistance programs from the drug companies that make tx. meds. Also, see if you can keep your  insurance by paying for it yourself. I think they have to give you that option.    Joni

[scoutdill]

while on treatment you are protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act. (ADA) fill out the Family Medical Leave Act form. tell your supervisor. he is required to keep it confidential.you may be suprised at the support you get. i told everyone at my municipality.it might help you along to get some encouragement from co - workers. they may want details about needles and giving yourself shots. curiousity.  keeping secrets weighs heavy and you don't need added stress. anyone who says anything stupid isn't worth beans.

[GulfCoast]

hi wrench,
no, my director doesn't know I have HepC. I agree with a lot of folks that it's a very personal decision who to inform. I just stated to him that I had to follow a treatment regimen, it would last 6 months and there may be some side effects and some possible impact on my job attendance/performance. Now we do have a very good working relationship and that helps.

I did not state my dx on my pre-employment physical which is interesting as it didn't show up then (14 years ago). I had assumed I contracted HepC during my military service 25 years ago. I had a blood transfusion back then and numerous shots w/airguns in the "cattle chutes". I didn't even think about my pre-employment physical till you mentioned it. Also I just found out this year.

I think if you disclosed during yours you should be ok. I have no ideal why working on Police and Fire vehicles with this would lead to firing. I realize that on your treatment you may not be able to worj as physically as before but I feel that some kind of accomodation for your condition will need to be made per the ADA.

My wife handles alot of HR stuff for her agency (yeah, we're both gov. workers) and I'll ask her some specifics on HR protection and how ADA may apply in your case. I'll try to respond tomorrow as I tend to get sleepy earlier than I used to now that I'm on treatment and I'm fading fast, lol.

I'm sure others here have lots of input from their experience also.

Wishing you all the best and beating this thing.