Hi, I was wondering if others more knowledgable than me were able to advise. I've been asked by a few people and I genuinely don't know the answer as to whether I'm classed as disabled now I have a lifelong condition that I take medication every day for?
I'm pretty young in the grand scheme of things so I'm not in the mindset of claiming for anything I can get, but I know as I get older I feel I may possibly need the help if it's available?
Thank you in advance.
Hi, I had a my Aortic valve replaced with a mechanical valve and then a pacemaker fitted earlier this year.
As far as I'm aware this isn't a disability,. even though I'll be on Warfarin for life
Joanne
When you get older and if you need help due to a medical condition, then you will be assessed to see if you meet the requirement for that help { I am presuming you mean benefits }
There are many members on here that live and work a completely normal life after what they have gone through, others need our help and rightly so.
I am not medically trained so I cannot answer if what you have had done warrants help in the future, if it does then you will get it, the system is in place already.
Hopefully at your age you have years ahead of you in a working/living capacity,
I would give anything to be fit enough for any type of work, paid or voluntary, but I'm getting there, even at my age and with my condition
Take care
Hi, The simple answer is no, you're not classed as disabled. If anything, the opposite given that the purpose of valve surgery is to repair the heart. I'm assuming that is the case and you're surgery was successful. I've been there at your age, all I would suggest is get on with life and not worry about it. Unfortunately, Warfarin goes with the Mech valve, but, you get used to it longterm, if you're not already.
My cardiologist told me that having a mechanical valve in itself is not classed as a disability. I had two valves replaced last year and I’m only just now feeling anything like my old self
hi Julie. I’m having a new tissue mitral valve and repair of Atrium valve and single bypass in January. In your opinion how long before I’m gonna feel human again? I’m 74
Hi I had 2 valves replaced last year,mechanical due to age.I’ve been back to work since last August full time so no not a disability a life line❤️
Thanks for the responses guys, like I say I'm not trying to extort the system and I'm incredibly grateful to be alive after whats happened to me and the NHS has saved my life. You get so many facebook experts telling you this, that and the other so I thought best to ask the people who actually have experience of it.
I think you will find that the answer is that it depends who you ask and why you are asking. Officially, ou are disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a 'substantial' and 'long-term' negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.
It's not what you have but how it affects you which defines whether or not you have a disability - e.g. many people take daily medication for depression or anxiety, but it becomes a disability when they can no longer leave the house due to the distress it causes them. In your case having a mechanical valve and pacemaker are not disabilities, but if you can not manage your day-to-day activities because of it you could be classed as having a disability.
BTW, it's not up to a doctor to decide whether or not you have a disability just based on your condition.
This explains it perfectly, thank you for taking the time to explain it!
i'm glad it was helpful😊
Hello,
this is a question that I also had when I first got my AVR.
Heart disease automatically qualifies you as 'disabled' for equal opportunity purposes under the 2010 equality act. This doesnt mean that you are entitled to financial compensation, but rather that it is illegal for employers to discriminate against you on the basis of your condition.
Please see the link below.
If you mean benefits no it's not a disability on its own. The criteria for benefits depend on how badly your illness affects you; whether you can do things as normal. Have a look at the Benefits and Work website which sets out clearly the requirements. Much of it is members only but you don't need to join; there's enough info on the main website. eg can you walk without repeated pain or discomfort, can you feed yourself, can you work, can you get upstairs repeatedly and without significant discomfort, can you dress yourself or need help wit medication.
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