Work and CKD

[jazzy2601]

I work a full time job while having CKD and over the last year or so I have found I’m more and more fatigued. I have asked my employer if I can reduce my hours however they have advised I used annual leave each week which I don’t want to do. I wondered if anybody else had problems with work? Or if anybody can advise me. Thank you

[Celtic]

jazzy, try speaking and explaining your condition to someone in your Human Resources dept, taking a letter from your GP as back-up, perhaps.

[Impster]

As you have what’s known as a debilitating illness your work are supposed to ‘manage your workload’

[Irelandy]

That sounds particularly unsympathetic to me. Have you made them totally aware of your situation? My egfr is 26 and I could do light desk work but nothing physically demanding. I would do as others have suggested and make a case for yourself and don't be fobbed off by line managers..go to the top and put it in writing. Good luck!

[honeycombe1]

Dear Jazzy.

I was in your predicament last year.I must admit it’s really a hard decision

to come to terms with and have to admit defeat. But your health matters.

Thanks to some lovely people on this sight and having the knowledge gave me the strength and courage to knock on the dreaded door.

I work for the NHS. I am not full time so I was able to split up my shifts... not 12 hour shifts but 6 or 7 .5 .More days at work though!

But, I have struggled, the work load is physically and mentally challenging .

I am 64...

So, last month I handed in my notice I will finish in July.

I wish you well,I hope your employers understand and take the advice

from Celtic,Impster and Ireland’s. Good luck.

Dawn🤗

[amerinada]

I would research the American Disability Act to see what your protections are, if you haven’t already. Good luck!

[jazzy2601]

Thanks to everybody for your replies and advice, it’s been really helpful.

I sometimes work 12/13 hour shifts which I’m usually exhausted by, meaning my days off are spent resting rather than getting out and doing things I enjoy like meeting friends.

I feel more confident in sticking up for myself now thanks to all your messages. Fingers crossed that I get my reduced hours without using up holiday!!

[curleytop1 in reply to jazzy2601]

Hello Jazzy2601, I have just read that you sometimes have to work 12/13 hour shifts, which seems excessive to me even if you were in good health, and I am wondering if it is legal (you have not said what work you do, but no-one can work that number of hours at a stretch and still be efficient surely?). I would check the employment laws of the country in which you live and use the internet to search for any organisations which could help you by informing your employers about your kidney health problems.

Good luck Jazzy, stand your ground and point out that you will continue to do your best by the Company and that in return you expect some consideration from them regarding your ill-health, which is not your fault - Curleytop1.

[Sdtagoo]

I had same situation. Was told to use intermittent FMLA. Thats fine but when it runs out? When you are out of vacation time & are off with no pay? My job was made even more stressful by a controlling, micro-manager that wanted me to quit so she could hire one if her cronies that had no medical issues. My HR director was no help and in fact made the statement "we don't owe our employees anything". This was at an educational facility, Ivy Tech. My stress & fatigue was so severe, I finally took early retirement. Now I substitute teach part time. My health is more important to me than the money.