Does going to work make hypothyroidism more difficult to manage and feel well?

[Aurealis]

It’s all in the title really.

I just wonder if removing the stress and pressure of work and the requirement to turn up even on days not feeling so well, results in better feelings of well-being in the longer term, for instance in retirement?

[rosserk]

Hi Aurealis, I was off work for two years when I first got sick. My employer didn’t dismiss me which was lucky but I wasn’t being paid for the last 18months! There is no way I was well enough during that time to return to work. I eventually took early retirement which removed the stress of returning to work and has enabled me to concentrate on getting well. If it’s an option then I’d certainly recommend it. Hope you find the answer that’s right for you! Kind regards 😀

[AnnaSo]

Definitely the case for me. I always feel much better when off work (annual leave, xmas breaks etc). Stress is a big factor in recovery and I k ow for a fact that my job is impending the recovering. I’m myself considering taking a career break but it’s a tough call.

[FancyPants54 in reply to AnnaSo]

It's very tough. I run my own business. But because I've been sick for 6 years (mostly undiagnosed and trying to fix myself) my business has dwindled a bit and I had to let my assistant go. At the time I needed assistance most, I've had to go it alone!

Of course I'm stressed by it all. Brexit is a disaster for me. I import from the USA and sell into the UK and Europe. Prices have already gone up a lot and I'm really worried about the cost of export next year and the added burden of the increased paperwork it will involve.

BUT I have the luxury of turning up when I can. I'm rubbish in the mornings, so I keep those for computer work at home in my PJ's and go into the warehouse around 1pm and then I often feel better as the afternoon goes on so I stay later to catch up.

[Aurealis]

Thank you rosserk and AnnaSo for your replies. I am well now but I know that I’m better still when not working. I too had extended sickness absence at times in order to get well, but I am thinking that a greater degree of wellness is achieved by completely removing work stress. I just wonder if it’s a temporary improvement that would wear off over time, or long lasting?

[rosserk in reply to Aurealis]

Not sure anyone could guarantee that unfortunately. What I would say is that as someone whose hypothyroid you would be classed as disabled. You would therefore be entitled to reasonable adjustments, which could include reduced hours, working from home or change of hours/ work pattern. Are you part of a Union? It might be something else to consider before leaving your job which is a final step if taken. Kindest regards 🤪

[Hidden]

Yes I agree with both other members. I look forward to annual leave days but I've never taken any sick leave. I think both this and home life probably give me thyroid problems in the first place. Retirement is such a long way off. Doubtful my employer would be very sympathetic to my "chronic condition" so you just have to 'get on with it'.😞

[rosserk in reply to Hidden]

An employer has to make reasonable adjustments if approached. You could have the conversation. At the very least they should know of and understand your condition.

[Hidden in reply to rosserk]

Thanks for the advice.

[rosserk in reply to Hidden]

Sorry I had my Union head on 🤖

[Hidden in reply to rosserk]

Might just have to use my union for advice

[rosserk in reply to Hidden]

Yes do speak to them you would be extremely surprised at the adjustments that can be made to accommodate a disability. Disabilities are defined by the impact it has on you day to day life. Don’t wait till it’s too late. Also letting your employer know now about your disability means they will have to think very carefully about disciplining you if you have excessive time off. It’s no good telling them later you can’t claim discrimination later if they didn’t know.

[Hidden in reply to rosserk]

I never really thought that hypothyroidism was a disability just a condition that doctors tell you is common and easy to treat/manage. If only they could feel the joint aches and tiredness.😩

[rosserk in reply to Hidden]

Trust me it is, I’ve fought dozens of discrimination cases.

Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010. You're disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a 'substantial' and 'long-term' negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.

[Hidden in reply to rosserk]

Thanks rosserk you have been most helpful. 🤔

[Salphy in reply to rosserk]

My occy health department (nhs) told me I wasn't protected under this as they don't know if it's going to have a substantial impact long term. They said I could get the right treatment and be fine... If only.

I argued Ok if not this then my b12 deficiency and pcos. So she then added after the sentence that I'm not protected under the equality act "but this is a grey area in her case management"

Which obviously means nothing. I couldn't wait to get out of there

[rosserk in reply to Salphy]

Well you can tell your OH she’s wrong and to check out

gov.uk/definition-of-disabi...

She’s tralking out of her backside and really should know the equalities act and the implications if she’s an OH. Long term is 12 months or more and without medication you would be extremely ill. Medication doesn’t cure you it controls your symptoms. If you broke your hip and you had a replacement this is not classed as a disability I.e the condition had been fixed

If you’re in the UK and diagnosed with a thyroid problem you get free medication for life because it’s s long term ‘uncontrollable’ disability 😜

[Caesard]

Yes, it does. Both the related effort and stress take a toe. I was almost unable to perform while being hypo, I've somehow managed but that was a grimm period of my life.

[Hidden in reply to Caesard]

Thanks for posting your reply I know how you feel. I feel woeful at the moment. Been very tired, joint aches and tearful every time I finish work 😩.

[Caesard in reply to Hidden]

I had a lot of muscular and joint pain relief help from taking 2200 mcg Solgar vit D3. I was quite low on test result and I am taking it continuously ever since.

But hypothyroidism symptom must be addressed...

[Aurealis]

Thank you all

[greygoose]

Not in my experience, no.

[Hidden in reply to greygoose]

Lucky you greygoose. You must have love your job.😚

[greygoose in reply to Hidden]

My job was ok, it was the people I worked with! I was working in teaching, and my position was in the middle of the teachers, the students and the big bad boss! She sowed total chaos, never informing anyone what was going on, and everyone blamed me.

But, that's not the point. And nothing to do with the question as I understood it. My health got worse when I retired - no idea why - so giving up the stress, etc. didn't help me in the slightest.

[Hidden in reply to greygoose]

I'm surprised that retirement didn't help your health. I know the feeling of liking the job but not the co-workers!😁

[greygoose in reply to Hidden]

I'm sure a lot of people do! lol

I don't know. I just seemed to crumple after I gave up work. And, I had so many plans. But it wasn't an easy parting. I refused to have a leaving party because there were too many people I did not want to have a drink with to say good bye. I just can't be that hypocritical! Plus, just before I retired, they sold my beloved building, that I'd looked after and nurtured for all those years, out from under my nose without a by your leave! And expected me to travel a long way to a new location. Unsurprisingly, the students did not appreciate that, so didn't come. I went a few times, then just gave up. Removed my belongs and left without a word. End of my teaching career. So, retirement felt a bit flat after that. I felt let down and at a lose end. Oh well. We have to make the most of it.

[Hidden in reply to greygoose]

That's terrible, your career was your lifeline. You loved teaching and was forced to give it up. Perhaps it's time for you to find something else that gives you joy and pleasure. Something for yourself. 🤔

[greygoose in reply to Hidden]

Well, I was 65 at the time. lol No, it wasn't my lifeline, unless you count the money. I was really just treading water until 65 when I could retire. Although I would have worked on longer, had the circumstances been right. And teaching hadn't been my career for all that long. I've done many other things. It was just something I could easily slip in and out of when there was nothing else around.

[Aurealis in reply to greygoose]

Thanks for sharing x

[greygoose in reply to Aurealis]

You're welcome.