Working when you have heart failure.

Hi I have sever heart failure but want to work. Having had a defib and pacemaker fitted I am going to college one day a week starting next week and doing a work placement two days a week. I don't feel I can cope with looking after my home and working a couple of days to help with bills etc., It seems absolutely impossible to get any help from the government. I originally gave up my full time managerial post as I couldn't cope but at the same time had no idea there was anything wrong with me. Think I must have had some kind of breakdown but just realising that now I am getting my confidence back enough to go back into the work place. I've had absolutely nothing from the government since I left work in 2014 before I was diagnosed.

Anyone got any advice for me, feeling like I'm going mad.

By the way I'm new here, just joined in desperation.

[Hidden]

Hi Kalliestail, you don’t say what area you work in but have you looked at roles with flexible working and/or home working? This could allow you to be in work when you’re feeling able and work from home as well. Companies such as Deloitte are amazing at this sort of thing. You are likely to be categorised as disabled under the disability act so can request flexible working from your employer too and the act affords you certain protections too. Some companies guarantee interviews where disabled applicants have met the criteria for the role. There are also recruitment agencies especially helping disabled people into work who have companies on their books with suitable roles to consider. I hope there’s some helpful ideas, Ellie

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your suggestions. I am actually on a getting back into work scheme this ends in November. I start college next week and will do two days work placement as a teaching assistant. Hopefully my future is sorted, it's just for my year of training I will be out of pocket. Thought there might be financial help for my training time.

[Paganthegoat]

My husband was diagnosed with heart failure last week. He has shown a massive improvement in that time.Fortunatly he has a job where it is not physicaly demanding but he has to walk quite a bit.

I worried he might not be able to work and I amsure you know that you may be eligible for this PIP thing that was I think the disability living allowance? Then if you receive care from a relative they can also claim if eligible depending on the hours and things they may have ro do for you.

As you are now classed as having a disability there should be a great many things available?

You will find lots of help here .

[Hidden in reply to Paganthegoat]

Thank you, I wasn't aware that I was classed as having a disability as no one has told me this. I did look into PIP but I really don't need help dressing etc., I am a very stubborn person and don't let anything get in my way really, it just really annoys me when I get too tired to carry on. My cardiologist says it's this attitude that has kept me alive while not realising I had anything wrong with me. I was 55 when diagnosed and to look at me you wouldn't know there was a thing wrong with me which is why I guess I won't get anything to help me through this year at college.

[Paganthegoat in reply to Hidden]

Its new to me too ,but I am sure I saw it on a Gov. Website . They were talking about work,and saying that your employer could fit in your hours say as an example three days instead of five as you have a disability.

Please if I have got this wrong some one correct me.

MS is a disability so why not cardiac impairment? Yep I think its pure bloody mindedness that kept my husband from admitting he had a problem . He looks fine to me except his eyes are a bit bloodshot.

Getting a PIP isnt easy ,my neighbour has MS and cant walk ,the accessor said she was fit to do a desk job ,she cant drive and there is no bus service lol.But it was sorted on appeal.

Sounds silly that probably both you and my husband because of a good work ethic and determination and people like you and him ,get very little because they are so strong willed.

Leave no stone unturned.

[Hidden in reply to Paganthegoat]

So true! But hey I will have a job in a years time so my husband will just have to support me. I do a little sewing and selling my wares, just pin money but it will do until I have my new career. I hope your husband stays well. Take care and thanks for taking the trouble.

[ollie16]

I remained off work for 3 months after being diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in December of 2016,my Heart ejection fraction was was diagnosed at 30%,I felt unwell and incredibly exhausted for a considerable length of time .My employer offered to reduce my hrs when I went back ,but I felt well enough to cope.I was retested with in May 2017 in which my EJ improved to 48%,then July 2018 in which it increased to 55%.I walk as much as is possible, get tired ,but my quality of life is much improved with the medication .The Consultant told me the medication has stabilised my heart and need to remain on it.(No big deal ,as I am so used to taking it).Life is for living.