Hours at Work changing 😞

[Jones51]

Hi i have ET and taking Hydrochloride.I have been diagnosed since January 2022.

I have excellent work record until now but do struggle with some tasks 😔

I would call myself Healthy but I really do suffer from fatigue but I manage it by having a little nap after work as I work 7 am/3pm

I've been told today that my shifts are going to be changed to 10/ 6 or 12/ 8 😞 I work in Supermarket.

I tried to explain to my manager that this will have big impact on me as today I had to drink can of Redbull to keep me going for the last few hours as it was end of my working week that's without changing shift pattern.

When I first was diagnosed with ET I told my employer and they said I did not need do anything as my working recorded was good !

I wanted to say you don't see me when I get home I'm exhausted I have a power nap and that how I manage working .

The thought of not getting home until 7 or 9 in the evening it's so upsetting as I really don't know how I can manage it .

[Grendall]

hi there,

if you go onto the MPN, employment rights, these is a section on there whare the employer has to make reasonable adjustments. Have a read of it.

I myself have had to finish work due to my symptoms and side effects taking an impact on me, hard decision from a financial point of view (still sorting out) but it is what it is. There wasn’t any adaptions or adjustments that could be made for me due to a small individual company but I was offered reduced hours

Hope you get sorted 👍

[Jones51 in reply to Grendall]

Thank you for your reply x

[Jones51]

*Hydroxycarbamide!!

[Cat1001954]

oh I hope you get it sorted sending hugs x

[Zeppelin11]

Best of luck to you! Keep advocating for yourself as your health is top priority. If you can supplement the Red Bull with whole foods that provide natural energy I would suggest that as well. I'm right there with you, sometimes there just isn't any gas in the tank, but when you start to feel sluggish drink A LOT or water, shake it off and take it one step at a time. You got this!

[SDJD]

Hi, I totally sympathise with you. I’m fine in the mornings and then the fatigue hits me in the afternoon. My school hours are perfect 8-2pm. I hope your employer will be understanding. Take care. Suzy

[Jones51 in reply to SDJD]

Diolch x

[EPguy]

Your country or location may offer protection for this sort of thing. In the US the term in labor rights is "reasonable accommodation". Here is a sample with details:

nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia...

"The ADA gives employees with disabilities the right to reasonable accommodations that will allow them to do their jobs"

Since you are able to do the job, this should apply nicely if something like this is available to you (the key question).

[Val_P]

I had to retire early from work but only after we’d tried everything eg regular shift pattern, less hours, less stressful position. I was a clinical lead nurse. Due to my fatigue and brain fog I wasn’t safe to practice anymore. The NHS, my employers were really helpful trying to accommodate my health needs. You really need to speak to your manager and preferably, if you have an occupational health department speak to them. Also make sure you put your request to remain on this shift in writing, giving your reasons why you need to, along with a supporting doctors letter and any other documents about the effects of fatigue and ET.

If working 8-3 works for you and you’re a good worker I’m sure they will do their upmost to help you given your health condition. If after fully explaining why you are unable to comply with their request and they continue to be unhelpful there are employment laws to protect you.

Good luck x

[Amethist]

when I got my ET diagnosis, my gp had also run some basic vitamin , thyroid checks. I was very low in several vitamins especially B12 and Vit D. For me, rectifying my B12 levels was a game changer. I no longer needed to take a nap, my frequent headaches vanished, I had tons more energy, my eyes improved… I could go on. Basically what I’m saying is there could be other reasons for your fatigue which are always worth looking into. The solution may be more simple than you think.

[Arty16]

you have to talk to your personal manager. Explain condition and concerns you have. They have to take it into consideration. It will be a reasonable adjustment. For eg a diabetic needs regular breaks at set times. There must also be something in your contact or handbook that can help

[SuET2017]

I contacted blood cancer U.K., who helped me with this when I felt I couldn’t manage full time work, in a very busy job, any more due to fatigue. They helped me draft and edit a letter to my employer, who were initially reluctant to adapt/reduce my working hours. However, we then were able to discuss options and together came up with a solution that was good for me and did not compromise the business. Of course I had to accept reduced earnings, which isn’t ideal, but I could not carry on as I was. I hope you can get it sorted.

[Jones51]

Thank you x

[rebeccaxxx]

I have asked for advice for you and it may be difficult for them to accommodate the shift pattern you are asking for, if you ask for an adjustment that is not reasonable then you wont get the outcome you want.

It looks like the shifts have changed from 7 hours to 8 hours, could you request an hours unpaid break in the middle to have a nap at work? Or to go back to a 7 hour shift? Or may be you can change your schedule at home, you can sleep in later on this pattern maybe?

[Jones51]

Thank you for your reply but having an hour nap at work is not the answer .

I have not even asked for any adjustments as yet but will be taking advice from comments above .

[rebeccaxxx in reply to Jones51]

of course it’s just an idea, I hope you come up with something that works for you and your employer x

[HazeBlue]

are you on Hydroxycarbamide ? What dose are you on . Hope you feel better soon .