Hello all, looking for advice. I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism and am obviously now taking my daily meds. My best guess is that I have been struggling with this undiagnosed for about 3 years, maybe longer, and it was only an unrelated visit to the GP that brought about my blood test.
Anyway, I was wondering if anyone had examples of how they’re supported in the workplace, and any ‘reasonable adjustments’ made for them under the equality act.
I’m struggling to function properly in any meaningful way with fatigue, depression, memory problems, and generally aching.
Have been signed off work by my GP, but want to get back as soon as I’m better.
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EdmundAnglia
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I don’t actually know the specific figures with my results, but they have started me off on 50mg Levo, with my follow up tests due in a few weeks. The brand is Mercury Pharma. I don’t know whether any of those other tests have been done. My job is very high stress.
Hi EdmundAnglia, I totally understand your concern. I resigned from my job before I knew of my diagnosis, as I just wasn't coping with stress and my teaching job. However, when a new job came up in my old work place they adjusted the hours to suit me. Nevertheless, I was still unprepared for the toll of working again would have on my thyroid disease, as it sent my TSH sky high again and by February of the school year, could nolonger function properly. School was pretty understanding given the circumstances. My biggest issue was with the doctors who were really not reactive enough or understanding. I was also unaware that there is a seasonal side to thyroid disease and that the dose may need to be higher during the winter months. If I had known this I might have coped/planned better when going back to work. Im in France so not familiar with work regulations in UK. Hope this helps.
Your post really reminds me of the way I felt back in 2010 when my hypothyroidism was first diagnosed. I, too was in a stressful and important job, but was struggling very badly to keep up with my duties. My GP offered to sign me off for a month, but I decided to just press on as normal. Luckily, my manager was very considerate and didn't put too much pressure on me.
I started off on 25 mcg Levo for 6 weeks, then 50 for another 6. My dosage was then increased gradually over about 2 years to reach my current dose of 175 mcg.
After the first 6 weeks, I was feeling much better, and didn't really need any adjustments to my daily routine. I continued to improve as the Levo dose was increased and soon realised that what I thought was a stressful job was a lot easier than I thought. It was just that being hypo (with all the symptoms that go with it), My inability to cope made it feel much more stressful than it really was.
As regards, "reasonable adjustments", you should be able to request a phased return to work, then light duties until you are well again. If your employer has an occupational health department, then you could ask for an assessment. If not, your GP may be able to suggest a return to work timetable for you.
I think you may be surprised at how much better you'll feel in a relatively short period of time, and you will be up and running again before you know it.
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