starting to worry....

[debz02]

Hi, 2 months ago I had an episode of chest pain with some breathlessness, dizziness and coughing which lasted a hour or so. I saw the doctor a couple of days later, they did an ECG which was ok, but it was advised I should go for a treadmill ECG. 2 weeks later I went for this but they found a murmur and by that time I had had a brief blackout. I was advised not to drive and they would not do a treadmill test but booked me in for a Holter 24 hr ecg , cardiac ultrasound and CT of my coronary blood vessels. I had the Holter monitor, but was fine when they did this, and the ultrasound. I have not had any results as yet. I am due to go for the CT tomorrow. Whilst waiting for the appointments I had been fine and thought everything was going to be ok, but 4 days ago I had 2 episodes again, the chest pain was not as bad but the breathlessness was worse and I was coughing up clear watery fluid and the dizziness was also quite bad. ( no blackout though). During one episode I felt a hammering sensation in my chest. Yesterday I had to come home from work as I had another episode and continued to feel breathless and dizzy afterwards (slept for 14 hours)

My boss has been very unsympathetic and although I told him I had been advised not to drive he went on holiday leaving me rota'd to travel between branches with no-one else to cover for me. since I came home yesterday he has started to question when I will be able to drive again or if I will be able to return to work at all! I worry he is looking to dismiss me due to ill health which is not helping!

[Lynndear]

Oh bless you, how frightening! Sounds like you boss is a bit of a pillock if you don't mind me saying - perhaps it's time to get a Doctor's note. If you can't drive and work's expectation is that you are to drive - so therefore aren't fit to work - the Dr should issue a medical certificate. Don't drive of the Dr has advised against it. In the event of an accident of any kind your insurance will be invalid. Just a thought - maybe offer to cover a desk based duty for a while if that's an option? I hope they see sense. Why don't employers care about their staff? - their biggest asset - it's beyond me. Good luck with the CT scan today - I hope that you get some answers soon. In the meantime try to stay calm, and keep us posted with how you get on. Thinking of you x x

[debz02 in reply to Lynndear]

thanks for the support Lynn - CT scan went ok but they had trouble slowing my heart with the beta blockers, gave me extra and still not slow enough! they did manage to get usable images though. Awaiting results now. I have an appointment with my GP tomorrow hopefully will get written confirmation that I should not drive.

[maude]

I am sorry you are experiencing this attitude from your boss he is being very irresponsible expecting you to drive when advised not to. Have a look at the ACAS website or ring them to find out what your employment rights are so you fully understand. Good luck with everything.

[debz02 in reply to maude]

many thanks - will do.

[maude]

Hi Debz

Also you could look at the HSE ( Health and Safety Executive Website, Look at Welfare Regulations, Stress Regulations Keep calm you have rights as an employee and he has a duty of care towards his employees x