Outdoor working

[ApusApus]

Hi I was diagnosed with systemic sclerosis in Jan this year. I am concerned about the effect my job has on my condition and if I should be looking to change. I work outdoors 5 days a week all year round. I have really struggled this winter with the very cold and wet conditions but I have also read that too much sunshine isn't good for this condition either. Also, I cook on a fire pit regularly, it can be 5 to 10 times a week and I am concerned about the lung involvement. I am waiting to have lung scan and echocardiogram. I have reflux but dont know if any other internal organs are affected yet.

Interested in your knowledge and thoughts

[Clangerscat]

Hi Aspus, sounds like you are having a hard time and there’s no easy answer. Everyone has has scleroderma in a different way with different symptoms. You have obviously been managing the cold with your raynauds for years but you are correct if you are on immunosuppressant medication you need to protect yourself from the sun. As for lung and heart involvement you may not have any so fingers crossed on that. Is there any way your work can be changed to help you? Talk it through with your doctor or specialist nurse they may have some suggestions that could help, ultimately the decision is yours but such a difficult thing. Good luck.

[ApusApus in reply to Clangerscat]

Many thanks for your advice and reply - hopefully I will know how much I am affected soon and will help me to make further decisions around work