Work and living with a lung condition

[Staffiemum]

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.

[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]

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]

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 in reply to micktheknife]

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]

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.