Work?!

[Dan33ynwa]

Hi guys and girls just a quick questionnaire on what jobs you went back into after your heart issues or if you had to find a new job and ifso what job was it?

I'm basically after a routine operation having my icd upgraded to a crt-d feel like I'm being discriminated by my work/job in construction and feel I need a change into something less strenuous maybe and wanted some ideas as I'm not very academic/intelligent and I really can't think of what jobs and it's also putting alot of pressure on me as I'm struggling to afford rent and bills etc

[Hidden]

Hi I am not the best on employment law but you should check out your employer’s sickness policy or other Human Resources policies as they can’t discriminate (not sure protected characteristic though unless is a disability) but may be required to provide you with alternative work / job maybe more desk based. If your in a union may be worth considering getting some advise. Whilst getting a less strenuous job is key, you don’t wAnt to be forced to have to change. Know your rights before you make any changes / decisions. Hope helps.

[Cherrelleford]

Hey. I have an ICD and dilated cardiomyopathy. I have not worked since having either of these. I used to run a large pub/restaurant and before that I did care work. I'm 35 with 2 kids. I'm now on universal credit and awaiting a health/disability assessment from them. I have struggled to find any work. My heart team have suggested a work from home jobs or a job that is very low maintenance. No lone working, no stressful environments and no manual handling. My experience is purely because of how damaged my heart is. It's hard to find somewhere because of needing the flexibility of all my appointments to. Other people may have more helpful advice, but as your heart team what they recommend. Good luck x

[56dick19]

Hi I went back to my job of a manager at a school after taken a year off sick which I found hard and I got depression which made things worse. After a few months of dragging my self in I passed out a few times at work and had to have a ICD fitted. Then went off sick again eventually I was medically retired

[Hunty1969]

Hi Dan, I was an awnings installer when I had my heart attacks 8 years ago. I returned for a while, but was left totally breathless from the weight/ladder work and something had to give and switched to awning site surveying. Was ok, but didn't bring in as much money.

I found out the breathlessness was down almost totally to bisoprolol. Once I stopped these after following advice I was fine, but had really reached the end with awnings.

I now sell and install internal blinds, was a struggle for a few months but now loving the job.

Take care

[Rogo23]

Hi Dan, I am a builder,a joiner and stonemason to be accurate and had a cabgx4 otherwise known as a Hart bypass on June 28 2021, after 12 weeks I Started back on 'light duties' about 16 hours a week, and no much lifting.By mid December I was up to 30 hours a week, and actually laid a couple of sandstone patios.

I am still not back to my'old normal' but my new normal is getting better every month.

My main employer has made some changes in my work practices, including getting me a labourer to do the heavy lifting.

I know that I have been lucky, the boss is more interested in my experience and abilities than my being able to lift heavy weights.

Have you considered looking for work in property maintenance/management were your experience is more of a factor than actual stamina.

Or as thatwasunexpected suggested teaching or mentoring, another option is a sideways move instead of using building materials find a job selling them, actual knowledge of building transfers well in working for a supplier.

Whatever you do, good luck I will be wishing you success.

Dan ( another thing in common,our first name)😂👍

[MumaLines]

Hi Ya Dan,You have reached a crossroad? What is it you do in Construction?

There are two types of people in this world Dan, academically minded and those that are good with their hands (so to speak). NEVER ever apologise or feel embarrassed as our world would go no where without those that are good with their hands.

Jane x

[Fullofheart]

I'm one of those academic types and it's still pretty hard to do the work and to not feel guilt and pressure when needing time off. I work in health and in higher education and whilst policies/ legislation in place to support, in my experience they often don't work well for people with long term health conditions who have periods of wellness and periods of not so wellness. I am also considering future options with more flexibility. For me that is a key issue, but so is job security. Its a tough one and has given me many sleepless nights. Wishing you well!

[Heather1957]

I was lucky in that I worked in a job where I paid extra for an early retirement 49 yrs and had no real health problems until a few year later, then, boy, they came thick and fast!!

[Slimdaz]

Hi Dan,

As per everybody above you’re selling yourself far too short.

Have you thought about building safety for a local authority?

Because of the dreadful disaster at Grenfell, there is new legislation that governs buildings. Maybe you could use your expertise in that area?

I wish you well