Work ?

[Tjwhnh]

I recently was diagnosed with COPD and am finding work hard ( nursing assistant) with dementia/Alzheimer’s residents. Any advice would be gratefully received. I need to work but .....

[mrsmummy]

You don't say what stage your COPD is or how it effects you or why you are finding work hard. If you are struggling and think you may have to give up why not ring the BLF helpline and speak to a benefits advisor? Check out this post:

healthunlocked.com/blf/post........

[Tjwhnh in reply to mrsmummy]

I have rang them and they wouldn’t advise. I am struggling because it’s very heavy and hot in the environment I work in. I am not giving up work has it’s a means of getting out etc. I am in stage one of COPD. Thanks for your reply

[mrsmummy in reply to Tjwhnh]

Then do speak to your union or the Citizens Advice Bureau. Your employers have a duty under some Act or other to try to find you suitable work. Don't do anything without taking appropriate advice first. Good luck.

[Tjwhnh in reply to mrsmummy]

We have no union it is a private nursing home. Thank you for your help.

[MELNEL]

Hello Tjwhnh, i sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with COPD. And a lot can't cope to do the job they have.

I was diagnosed with it in 2007 and went to a lot of employment since.

But happy now to have found a suitable employment again.

For is out of use to work with lots of people because I get definitely sick. Like call center I had to stop or had to leave because I took to many sick days over the years. Because when people came in with a cold, I got it couple days later and so I was constantly fighting of bacteria, even worse when they had air conditioning.

Running or walking around a lot is very tiring for me.

Lifting things, house work, all what needs to be done with my arms......NOT working for me I will get problems with my breathing.

I am now working in a small office with only 4 members. With enough space and no air con.

And no running or rushed around and even more better no stress.

Sure everyone is different how with reactions how and what they do. But stressed working in no good. I hope it will help a bit and hope that you find something suitable for you, maybe you can do office work? 🌼🌼🌼🌼🤗🤗

[Tjwhnh in reply to MELNEL]

Thank you melnel I think your right, a smaller job would be better for me has not so much infection etc.

[MELNEL in reply to Tjwhnh]

You very welcome!! ❣️❣️ Anytime, you will find a lot of answer here on this website and lovely people!

Maybe ask if they can offer you a different position. I would like to say that they have to understand this with your diagnose have you spoken to your boss? 🌹🌹🌹🌹

[Tjwhnh in reply to MELNEL]

Yes I have spoken to the boss

But I feel guilty that I have to give it up. Maybe because I’m worried about getting another job maybe. I’m 52

[y_not in reply to Tjwhnh]

Hi Tjwhnh,

I work in (blue collar) recruitment and we are experiencing real difficulty in finding enough people! We are actively targeting "working Mums", students (for weekend working) and looking at how we can access the retired looking for a couple of days a week!

Two years ago I might have mentioned the Equality Act in relation to "older people" but the state of the jobs market now means that it's almost irrelevant!

Most companies now are desperate for workers so, hopefully, my comments will give you some renewed hope of finding something soon.

Good luck & best wishes

[Tjwhnh in reply to y_not]

Thank you for the heads up

[MELNEL]

sure it can be embarrassing and I guess everyone would be afraid to lose their job. But you never should be embarrassed about your age! I am sure you have much more archived and even more work experience in all those years. I know it is not easy to find a suitable job with the condition. But I really hope that your boss have an understanding what will happen to you. I wish you all the best to come and that your boss will support you somehow!! 🌹❣️🌹❣️ don't give up!! 😘😘😘

[2greys]

Don't give up. You have only just recently been diagnosed, you have yet to learn how to manage your symptoms properly. With the correct lifestyle changes and exercising including breathing exercises and a little time to grieve the loss of your old you, you can still lead a normal life, you really can.

We are all different with our symptoms. I was diagnosed as stage 3 about 16 months ago and I still work full-time as a precision production engineer and can walk 5 miles (inc. some steep hills).

Whilst I am not implying that you will be able to do exactly the same, what I am saying is "that it is possible to maintain a reasonably normal life". There are some things that I will never be able to do again, like swimming in a indoor pool (chlorine fumes), go to a barbecue (smoke), be near to strong perfumes, or run again, small silly things. But I still enjoy a very good quality of life. I am also 15 years older than you.

You just need a little time to adjust and get used to your "new" body. There are many who live with copd here, we here to help & support you and can give advice on how to live with the condition, all you need to do is ask.

[Tjwhnh in reply to 2greys]

Hi I think I have given up a lot has 8 years ago I was told I had glaucoma and that really did my head in- thinking I would go blind and then this December my eye dr said it’s the way I was made so still use the eye drops but it’s not too bad at all. I started pulmonary rehabilitation but my BP was too high so that was cancelled until it’s sorted. I have always had medical problems has I was born with congenital diaphatic hernia and this COPD was just a little too far for me at the moment.

The positiveness in your messages are much appreciated. Thank you for responding