The disability question

[pennyrose]

So, after 9 years with the same company I have now accepted a really exciting new role at a different company. Many reasons behind but a big one is my health has massively improved since being on T3 (at first a combo and now solely) since August/Sept 2014.

I'm filling out a new starter form for HR and there is a page on disability. It states:

"There may be legislation in your country which protects disabled people. A person is defined as disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment with long term (i.e. lasting or expected to last at least 12 months), substantial effects on ability to perform day to day activities." Examples include mental and physical disabilities and:

*Long-standing illness or health condition such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, chronic heart disease, or epilepsy*

How do we answer this? When I first became ill it affected every aspect of my life and job. When I flared up or was under medicated I was a mess. I feel well now but I know this disease can rear its ugly head whenever it wants

So, would you say yes? Has anyone said yes? Is it good to keep a record so if there is a flare I'm a little more protected?

Two questions in one day. Hope everyone is having a good one! xx

[Clutter]

Pennyrose, I think I'd say something like: I have Hashimoto's hypothyroidism which is a chronic disease that is now controlled with medication, diet and stress management techniques.

Good luck in your new role!

[gabkad in reply to Clutter]

I'd leave out the 'diet and stress management' part. Just leave it at medication. That's what 'they' understand.

[Hidden]

You don't have to tell them if you don't want to as I don't think it's classed as a disability, but things like chronic fatigue do fall under the remit of disability (but again, you are not obliged to tell them). However, I would mention it as if you feel unwell further down the line then you will hopefully get the help and adjustments you require and they legally won't be able to discriminate. I recently started a new job and suffered with chronic fatigue caused by thyroid problems and I told them and they have been really supportive. I have started taking T3 as opposed to Levo a couple of days ago so I hope my story is as successful as yours- hey I'm up at 7am writing this so it must be doing something worthwhile in my body! good luck!

[pennyrose in reply to Hidden]

Congrats to you!!! Thank you so much, I haven't had a new job in 9 years and this illness kicked off during my old job where I'd built up service and respect. I really hope the t3 works well for you, I think (without sounding dramatic) that it gave me my life back. I'm getting up earlier now and commuting....unthinkable before!!! Good luck kitten xxx