Upset :(

[SarahJane926]

I work in the wonderful world of dentistry and went for a job interview today as I'm interested in going into the Orthodontic field (braces).

I went for an informal visit just to observe the work involved, I witnessed some small fiddly tasks and decided I had better disclose my systemic sclerosis as it has slightly affected my grip.

The boss told me this would be a problem and manual dexterity is extremely important- which I knew already as a qualified nurse. But what upset me is I found him to be very negative and I left feeling like the clinical side to my dental career is over before it has even begun.

He told me I was lucky to be in my current position (I manage a practice so no clinical work involved often) and I should be careful because my condition could deteriorate in the future and I should just stay where I am.

I'm just really upset, so far I've managed to stay really positive after my diagnosis and though I know I now have some limitations it wasn't nice to be told I couldn't do something that I really wanted to do!

I think he was trying to be helpful, even though he started some sentences with a warning that he didn't want to come across as 'cruel' and I usually appreciate being told how it is... I feel like this is the first time I've been treated differently because of this horrible disease! I left crying.

Has anyone else felt the same or had a similar experience ? I feel angry, frustrated and humiliated!

[inkedup9]

Take it from me, they are not able to discriminate against you as a result of your disability, in fact it is illegal and you do not have to disclose that you have health problems either. I have scleroderma, PBC, Sjogrens and hypothyroidism. When I was at work they would not acknowledge my health problems. I looked at the equal opportunities law of 2010 and took a grievance out against my employers which I won. I do understand how difficult it is to battle against every obstacle, but I'm quite sure that the boss is wrong here.

[sa0001]

Hi , I’m so sorry to hear your story. I hope you feel a bit better soon. I’m diagnosed a few years after I starting working. I am a researcher and having to use my hands for lots of small thing. The thing annoys me the most is Raynaud which sometimes numbs my fingers and I can really work with some cold samples. My boss was telling me to avoid using hands with some stuff and he seems overprotective but I think it’s a good thing he worries. But I find it sometimes too much. What I told him is I feel fine , I can do fine jobs and I find a way to work with cold samples. Basically tell him let me manage it first and if it doesn’t seem working , I will let him know. The work will prove if you can do it or not so keep fighting !!!

[marie5454]

You must be feeling upset about that interview, he didn't sound helpful so don't give up and maybe ask for a trial period? However sometimes life can push us in another direction you haven't yet thought about. Don't let negativity pull you down, get back up and try try again, good luck and best wishes x

[SarahJane926]

Thank you all for your advice, I'm happy to report that I went for a different interview and I got the job (much better benefits too!) On reflection, I guess everything happens for a reason! 😊

[marie5454]

That's brilliant Sarah Jane, so glad you're sorted. Best of luck with your new job! x