need to know !

[goingthrewit723]

just how bad are the side affects of the hep c treatment ? Are u able to work ? Or are u layed up in bed ? this has got me on the point of wondering about my job ! people knowing.

[SteveOC]

Tx and driving an 18 wheeler was out of the question for me especially about being around to make appointments at my doctors, lab visits and so forth. I did not feel comfortable pushing the envelope so I sat at home doing what I was able to around the house. There were some days I accomplished a little and some days nothing at all except a shower.
I used FMLA, vacation/PTO and Short Term Disability to keep the income stream coming in on an as needed basis so look in depth what's available to you.

[meakea]

Start looking into potential options in case you can't do your job when you are on treatment.  If your employer has more than 50 employees, you would potentially qualify for Family Medical Leave Act...so read up on that if it  would pertain.  You will want to know all about any and all potential options available to you BEFORE you start treatment.  Don't go into it blind and then try to figure things out.  Get your ducks in a row.

Would your treatment be 24 or 48 weeks?

[James10500]

She doesn't sound that wonderful to me.  

[goingthrewit723]

thank u for all the comment's. It just seems that my heart and my head are in two different places right now ! I was planning on just going through life and tuff this out but i recently lost a wonderful woman because of this disease. She accepted it at first but then through it right back in my face after time went by. I thank god that she didnt contract this silent killer ! She opened my eye's but my heart is still hurtin ! but live and learn ! Sorry to get off the beatin path but to those of u wondering about my employment I'm a machine operator at a bakery. Might not sound tough but when ur trained up  and down that line u have to be on your toes or u have a mess ! the only thing that really worrying me is palletizing some night when we are not running full bore. I've endured alot over the years but some of the stories seem like mountains too tackle !!!!!!!!

[babs824]

i would not have been able to do a full time job well. i managed to do a part time job poorly but my age could be a factor altho i doubt it. babs

[Ozgirl707]

The tx affects everyone differently.
I found it hard to concentrate for long and got tired quickly,
but some seem to be able to handle work OK.
It does depend how stressful your work is.
The heat knocks you around. So does stress (i found)
Drink lots of water, that helps sides.
What work do you do?
All the best,
Ozgirl x

[bowyer2002]

I have worked thru 38wks or 48wks treatment and even went snowboarding last weekend.
as meakea stated - extreme heat or exertion DOES take a toll on a body, mine included.
I haven't had a day bad enough to miss work but it could happen, inform your employer and all should be good
good luck!

[meakea]

What type of job do you have?  I worked all through my 48 weeks of treatment but I have a job that did not require much of any physical exertion.  If your job entails climbing to high places or working in very hot temperatures...you know, the extremes...then you will most likely find it very difficult.  Many people work through treatment but there are many who can't.  

Think positive and if you are the type of person that gets up and does what needs to be done, I suspect you will do fine...but...be cautious if you have a job that can be dangerous if you miss a beat.

Plan in advance by building up vacation or sick days or PTO, whatever you might want to call it, so that you can take a day here and there when you need it.  Bad days can sneak up on you quickly and then the next day can be better just as quickly.

I did tell my employer and co-workers and it was a fine choice for me...but telling people at work is typically something that few of us do.

[nygirl7]

I worked through 72 weeks of treatment and I had pretty drastic sides.  The thing is you have to make yourself do what you have to do.  If you give in and stay home and lay in bed then you make yourself feel like you can't do anything more.  If you get up and showered and dressed and come in and see people you actually feel better and can sometimes even forget what is going on (ie: when people joke around, seeing your friends).

Anyway I found it very beneficial to make sure to come in to work - even though there were days I probably should not have because I wasn't the sharpest needle in the sharps box.

Dont tell anybody at work until you find out if it will affect your or not.....people are nosey and even though I swore my boss to secrecy he immediately told HR, the Owner, the Insurance folks......a whole list of people.