HOW and WHAT to tell your employer and co-workers

[WOG1964]

How come when you mention Hep C people tend to look at you like "OMG don't touch me" I am so confused and scared what to tell my employer. Anyone have and suggestions?

[NTGOG]

Its good to see some are getting some what taken care of with this health problem I have a friend that is a union laborer as he was having server symptoms from hep c we was laid off due to lack of ability to do his job after it took 6 years and a liver test to start Chantix for the Dr's to find out he had hep by then he had no insurance, had filed chapter 13, and is now under going treatment for this disease when its all over he will prob be homeless just a year from retirement if it was not for his wife, and eventual retirement he will prob be living in a homeless shelter along with this disease his body is full of arthritis he has also filed for disability after 2 denial he is awaiting a court date I feel for this man it seems like in this country we have a problem with once we are used up we get discarded and if you ask for what you have been paying for all of your life they act like you are trying to mooch from the gov

[FaithforHealing]

That makes sense if one is collecting on a private insurance policy; I assume it was a disability-type policy. I stayed technically employed for months on my personal dr.'s assessments, but was not receiving any compensation...although my health insurance stayed in effect and they paid for it. Thanks

[colorpal]

Yes, it is correct, Faith...   to retain my pay check.>  we all need one. But it is Also to retain my job. > we all need one of those also.. I am just shy of retirement and cannot take the chance of loosing that...
My Personal doctors assessment is good for up to 14 days... after that,,,
If I do not comply, I am out... I have found that it is NOT the company policy, It is the agreement that my company has with my insurance company...that is who continues to pay me and they run a tight ship.
It depends on the biopsy now...

[NTGOG]

Iv told every 1 I know 2 and as I'm a detailed type of person for me it is very time consuming my problem is I can not tell with out going in to detail about the infection now I'm at the stage I don't say any thing I could have gotten it from drug use 30 years ago but now that I'm some what educated about this subject theres a number of ways I could have gotten it over the years and with being 30 years sober honesty is 1 of the most important things to me its your choice but if your honest you will have to expect to have diff reactions from diff people. Good Luck with your treatment young Lady

[FaithforHealing]

I am curious about your statement that "I will have to see the company medical Dr each month"...I have never heard of that obligation, but maybe it has something to do with continuing to get paid while absent? Places I have worked have always accepted my personal doctor's assessment.

[colorpal]

My 2 cents is that ONLY because I am "friends" with my head supervisor I felt the need to tell him more than I have the flu... Because of my digestive problems, numerous surgeries and loss time at work already, in 13 yrs,  I thought it best to to tell him so he can decide what People may need to pull Double duty, but again, he can not say WHY.

I have been fortunate to work for a large company and get sick pay for 4 months, by the 6th month my pay drops and My insurance mandates me to sign up for SSI (gov't paperwork) try that while sick and keep what in what order... It makes you sicker..
Things to consider:

#1) no one is allowed to know why you are sick. HIPPA guards that.

#2) Privacy of  HIPPA and that is for the current illness, If you have to sign the papers...make sure Current is circled and initialed.

#3) I just have my first biopsy scheduled, so what I do not know and I will NOT let them imagine what they do know

#4) I will have to see the company medical Dr each month, even if by taxi. and so much stupid paperwork.... an issue I will have to deal with.
AND by NO means do you have to reveal WHAT caused the Hep C..

#5) But Because I work within an office, that makes me close to others, rather than in production, I am LUCKY to be supported by a union...

#6) If anyone lacks the understanding..of Hep or the treatment involved, the company better step up.  Or you can bet,  I will file discrimination charges in a heartbeat, out of (abt 5,000) workers I bet more than just me is infected,  but I will do what is necessary...  That may even help some understand why their body is acting different... IS my prayer if it goes that far.

#8) I am less contagious than someone with the flu, mono, or measles in reality. Unless I bleed...
Be careful and cautious .... Not many know what it is, and their idea is that all Hep C was from needle drug use.

I can retire in 2 yrs, small pension, but will get group rates for medical insurance. That is my fight...

God Bless us all...