did you tell your boss?

[summer7799]

Just curious what anyone has told their employer regarding going thru treatment? Is it a good idea to tell your boss about treatment in case of bad side effects? Or better to not say anything? Also is there a way to say it without saying you have hep c?  Just wondering what you chose to do? Please share! Thank you?

[roostermom]

I am telling folks at work that I am going thru a health issue and have been fortunate enough to work from from home a couple of days a week. Only my really close trusted work mates know the facts.

[flcyclist]

forgot to post the link for fmla --> http://www.dol.gov/compliance/laws/comp-fmla.htm#overview

[flcyclist]

FMLA requires covered employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to eligible employees with a serious health condition.  Although many employers offer leave under FMLA, they aren't required to offer it unless they have over 50 employees.  There might be some different rules for each state.

[summer7799]

What's fmla??? Never heard of that before. Also thanks so much for sharing your opinion! :)

[frijole]

A good cover story is always a blood disorder.  It is vague and bears some truth.  If you use a hemotologist to monitor your blood, it works even better

[flcyclist]

Beside the concerns of side effects, the questions of who to tell, what to tell them, will they notice any change in my appearance, weighed very heavy on my mind prior to treatment.  I think these are very common and valid concerns.

I chose not to tell anyone at the beginning and thought, if necessary, I'd tell just those needed.  At week 14, I haven't told anyone except immediate family and I haven't been questioned yet.  This might change, but I'm keeping my mouth shut for now.  Once you tell, you can't take it back, so be cautious.  It also might change the dynamics in the work environment in ways you didn't expect.  

It's a personal decision and there's really no right or wrong approach.  You might take the wait and see approach to see how you're doing.  

[mykids247]

I also struggled with this question. In fact I think it was one of my first posts. I havent started treating yet but when I do I WILL NOT TELL ANYONE> I have applied for fmla though our corporate office just incase I need it. I work with a lot of Women who pretend to care just to find out the scoop. MYOB, is my motto. I have decided like someone else said that if I do get side effects make something up. With fmla you can take intermitten days off when you feel you absolutly can not make it in. If people talk, let them. I did explain to corportate that I had an illness and did not feel that management at the local level had the confidentially that they should. She agreeded. Wow. I used to be in HR> and that was a huge no, no. Telling someones personal stuff.

[nomorehepcliz]

I have to get an annual physical for my work, and I think I will tell the medical personnel, but other than that, I'm not planning on telling anyone.  This is definitely a difficult decision.

[willbb]

I agree with the above...your personal health and what you are doing about it and taking for it is your business only ,the same as it is none of your business what is wrong with other people in the work place . As frijole says .do what you have to do to get thru it.
If time down is needed ..deal with it as it comes up...

Will

[frijole]

i like FLguy's answer.

I am the boss and chose to not tell my employees first time around.  I told my business partner in case she had to cover for me but that is all.  I think it depends upon your job.  Mine is at a desk and it was fairly easy for me to just bury myself in my work or at least look like it.  There were times when I was pretty tired and low functioning, but you do what you have to do.  It all works out.  I recommend against telling.

frijole

[streamline569]

I told my boss after much thought and for me it turned out to be the right thing. He was very understanding. His attitude has helped me  immensely to deal with treatment. Unfortunately all may not have such and understanding and caring boss.

[FlGuy]

You should not say anything until after you are confirmed to have HCV.  After that, you should say nothing some more.

[nygirl7]

Then you can either tell them or tell them you are being treated for severe anemia or on chemo of whatever you have to but lots of people dont ever have sides - they dont mostly post on here because they aren't having a rough time of it so they dont think to come here.

And these days tx time is so potentially short (i tx'd for 72 it was obvious by that time believe me) it's worth a shot not to have everyone looking at you like you are a druggie or sex fiend - people gossip so bad....I wish I had not make the mistake.

[summer7799]

My other fear is that I work solely on commission only. If I don't work, I don't make money. No paid sick days or time off. If I'm sick and can't come to work, I lose money. Some girls at work have Aflac and have short term disability insurance thru it. I wonder if it would cover something like this if I was too sick to miss some days of work.???

[summer7799]

I am a hairdresser and I work in a small family owned salon. There would be no way for my boss to keep it secret and everyone would know. I'm sure they would act sympathetic but would also be concerned and might treat me different. There are times when we, as hairstylists, cut ourselves. I always try to be extra careful, but accidents do happen.  If they knew I had hep c and cut my finger they would freak out.I'm afraid that if I do get side effects, it will be hard working on my feet all day cutting hair. Some days are so busy I barely get to eat lunch. I just wish there was a way to tell them I might get sick from medicine without having to tell I have hep c.

[banarep]

I told my boss.  he was cool about it.  but then I told anyone that wanted to know.

[beeblessed]

But then..... how do you handle things if you do have obvious symptoms??  Fatigue, short temper, thinning hair, rash?  Especially if you need time off on a day by day basis (like leaving early or coming in late because you're not feeling well).  I realize not everyone gets all the symptoms but I would think co-workers would question out of concern anyway (I know mine will and I know it's none of their business -- but there you have it).  I can appreciate the situation with your boss.  Even though I trust mine in some ways, I think he would tell the higher ups too!

[hoocbud2]

I work for a very small company and understanding boss as his wife is taking chemo treatments and he understands how the side effects can be. So I told him and he has done everything he can to help me get thought the side effects. (this is my second go around) I guess you could say I'm a lucky one. I would take into count your place of employment and your employers attitude before making a decision to tell or not. I tell everyone that I have a blood disease that is affecting my liver. Most people don't even now about Hep C. You would really be amazed how many people that have it. Good luck with your treatment.

Debi

[nygirl7]

I told my boss after swearing him to secrecy.  He immediately went to HR who immediately sent out emails to all of the senior officers of the company informing them. It did not make for a good working relationship fortunately I went to work for his boss shortly thereafter and he didn't care.

I wouldn't tell anyone that I had a condition that could lead to question because that will lead to TONS of questions and FMLA and things like that.  If anything wait and see how you feel you might be able to fake it till you make it that's my advice.

I wish I never said anything most people are completely ignorant and have no idea how many avenues there are to get this disease.

[beeblessed]

Hi.  Your question is the first one I had when I sought out this forum.  There was a general consensus to not say anything or only tell those closest to you.  Since I do need to tell my boss something (because I have no back up when I am out), this is what I gleaned from the responses:  "I have a condition that can lead to cancer.  I am going through something similar to chemo to get rid of it."

Again......most people here say don't say anything and definitely NOT to tell the boss you have Hep C.  Hope this helps.