Work and living with a lung condition - Lung Conditions C...

Lung Conditions Community Forum

56,326 members66,957 posts

Work and living with a lung condition

Staffiemum profile image
5 Replies

I have been diagnosed with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (with unknown cause). 90% of the time I feel normal but I get breathless walking up stairs or slight inclines. I'm only on a low dose of steroids at the moment as the hospital are still conducting tests. I work as a support worker for adults with learning disabilities and at present my condition does not affect my work. I have not had any time off because of it. I am going for an interview tomorrow for a job in the same sector but working with more profoundly disabled people. I am wondering if I should disclose my condition at interview? Any advice would be helpful.

Written by
Staffiemum profile image
Staffiemum
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
5 Replies
stone-UK profile image
stone-UK

Hi

It’s better to disclose your condition sooner rather than later, so they have full understanding of your needs should it become necessary. They may be able to remove any obstacles such as stair climbing which will help you to fulfill your duties, without any undue stress.

Are they considerate employers.

christina1947 profile image
christina1947

Hi staffiemum if your employers are working with people with a disability they should be very supportive towards you and your condition just explain it will not effect your ability to the work needed and certainly not your caring personality. I worked with learning disabilities and enjoyed ever day I found my colleges so kind caring Avery special type of person I hope you find the same. Good luck xxx

micktheknife profile image
micktheknife

I had the same diagnosis eleven years ago at the age of 48, welcome to our world!

They could never find my allergen even after my lung biopsy, so I'm as wise as I ever was as to the cause. I did all the usual things like checking attic spaces for bird poop, checking the house for mould, and I was advised to remove pets from the home. This wasn't a bother as I didn't have one anyway, but I'd imagine this would be difficult for many. Your workplace should be checked too.

I worked for 8 years before being forced to call it a day, but as it was my company I knew when it was time to hand over to more able people - but that's another story :(

All this time I've been on steroids between 5 and 65mg per day, and for the last year I've been on ambulatory Oxygen.

Most of the time I feel OK, but I do get a bit tired.

Any employer will feel a bit put out with you if you don't disclose your condition, but if you are stable and the company is decent, this won't stop you being employed and performing well in your job. If they are the kind of company who won't employ you because of your condition, they are probably the kind of people who will force you out if they find out later.

Sorry for the long reply, but it is unusual to find someone with the same diagnosis, we are rare you know!

Take care of yourself

Staffiemum profile image
Staffiemum in reply tomicktheknife

Thanks Mick! I didn't realise we were rare, I thought it was quite common! I was just glad to put a name to it in the end after 2 years of tests and 2 different hospitals. I have pets but I had them many years before my symptoms started. I'm convinced I'm allergic to my house although I've lived here 27 years! It is 120 years old so there could be all sorts lurking! Lol

goat-lady profile image
goat-lady

Hope you did ok at the interview. I have given up work - tried voluntary work but got too many infections. Moved out of home for a bit - but that hasn't helped. I am no longer looking for an allergy cause! I do ok unless I try carrying things and inclines require lots of stops. I start pulmonary rehabilitation next week.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Living with a Lung Condition

Hello, I am new to this community. I was diagnosed with Legionaires Disease two years ago and I...
Bluestone36 profile image

Smoking with a lung condition webinar

Hi Everyone We are hosting a members webinar on smoking with a lung condition this evening. As...
Athar profile image

SWOLLEN ANKLES WITH LUNG CONDITION

Hi, This is my first post on here I think. Almost a year ago I was in hospital as I couldn't...
collector_17 profile image

Running with a lung condition?

By the time most people get their diagnosis, most people have stopped doing their most energetic...

Best exercise with a lung condition

Hi,Still pending diagnosis from my GP, but haven't been able to participate in my normal exercise...

Moderation team

See all
AsthmaandLung profile image
AsthmaandLungAdministrator
moderator_AandLUK profile image
moderator_AandLUKAdministrator
Claire_ALUK profile image
Claire_ALUKAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.