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Vasovagal Synncope and returning to work
Hello,
I stumbled accross this site recently and have been encouraged by everyones responses to different types of syncope, especially Vasovagal.
I am 25 with Vasovagal Syncope, and have recently had a pretty bad spell of attacks that have ment my sickness at work has been prolonged, but im now on cardio selective beta-blockers and things are looking up. Increased salt intake and reduction of caffene, compression socks etc have all helped me to manage the disorder. Im still undergoing tests and may be having a device- implantable loop recorder (ILR) put into my chest as they have not been able to catch these episodes as successfully as they hoped.
All that said I've been back at work now for about 3 months, I work with adults with Autism and Aspergers Syndrome but have been at the head office doing admin for the past few months until I thought, I and my doctors/cardiologist have deemed me fit enough to return to the units. Im just concerned that my employer is looking to dissmiss me, although they have been made aware of all the issues and medical interventions, long and short-term, OIm pretty confident that i know my rights and work have been very supportive throughout, except that i was told I can only stay at the office for another month as there is not a position available for me. I do want to return to the units asap, but obviously i want to improve not make it worse by taking on too much too quickly. Im seeing thier OT next week, but am still concerned, has anyone else had problems with work and long-term absence in relation to VVS or any other syncopal eppisodes? I thought about keeping a diary to show the OT what i am capable of, but is that enough? I hate that there is a fight to be treated with the same respect as somone with say, diabetes, epilepsy etc...Im the one living with the condition and I feel pretty confident i wont alllow it to affect my work and I am taking all the right steps to manage it, why do i feel that im being discriminated against?
any thoughts, help, I would be so relieved, even if it is just to have a rant and a moan, I really want them to take this seriously!!!
thank you,
maggie
I stumbled accross this site recently and have been encouraged by everyones responses to different types of syncope, especially Vasovagal.
I am 25 with Vasovagal Syncope, and have recently had a pretty bad spell of attacks that have ment my sickness at work has been prolonged, but im now on cardio selective beta-blockers and things are looking up. Increased salt intake and reduction of caffene, compression socks etc have all helped me to manage the disorder. Im still undergoing tests and may be having a device- implantable loop recorder (ILR) put into my chest as they have not been able to catch these episodes as successfully as they hoped.
All that said I've been back at work now for about 3 months, I work with adults with Autism and Aspergers Syndrome but have been at the head office doing admin for the past few months until I thought, I and my doctors/cardiologist have deemed me fit enough to return to the units. Im just concerned that my employer is looking to dissmiss me, although they have been made aware of all the issues and medical interventions, long and short-term, OIm pretty confident that i know my rights and work have been very supportive throughout, except that i was told I can only stay at the office for another month as there is not a position available for me. I do want to return to the units asap, but obviously i want to improve not make it worse by taking on too much too quickly. Im seeing thier OT next week, but am still concerned, has anyone else had problems with work and long-term absence in relation to VVS or any other syncopal eppisodes? I thought about keeping a diary to show the OT what i am capable of, but is that enough? I hate that there is a fight to be treated with the same respect as somone with say, diabetes, epilepsy etc...Im the one living with the condition and I feel pretty confident i wont alllow it to affect my work and I am taking all the right steps to manage it, why do i feel that im being discriminated against?
any thoughts, help, I would be so relieved, even if it is just to have a rant and a moan, I really want them to take this seriously!!!
thank you,
maggie
I have Hyperadrenergic POTS, so it's a little different, but I pass out and have my body shake like I'm having a seizure, so I've dealt with the issues you are having at work. When I first had a problem, I was working for an outdoor gear store, and I simply could not keep up with all the running around retail requires, and ended up basically being forced to quit, althought the week after I quit HR called and offered me my job back, once I was able to be cleared by a doctor. I ended up not accepting their offer, but instead traveled for a year, visiting friends in different states and doing part-time jobs that were a little easier. When I moved back home, I applied for full-time retail work again, thinking it wouldn't be an issue, although I did explain to every person in each interview about my health problems. They all said they would work with me, and that they wanted me to work as a supervisor, but after a few months (during which I had a few episodes at work) they demoted me to a cashier, with a cut in pay, and decreased my hours. They stated it was due to the fact that I could not physically perform some of the job requirements for which I had been hired, but I think it had more to do with the fact that they were freaked out about the episodes, and thought not walking around would be better for me, and they wouldn't change their minds even when I explained that, with POTS, it's easier to keep moving than it is to just stand, because moving promotes blood flow, and standing makes blood pool in the feet. I ended up quitting after I went back to school, and got married, and I think everyone was happier. I just graduated in December, and found a job as a paralegal, for which I can sit most of the time, have no need to jump up quickly, can get up and stretch as much as I need, and go for walks and take breaks as needed. It's mentally very stressful, but physically it's perfect for what I can do. I have not told my boss about my condition yet, as I just started last week and am trying to figure out the best way to explain. After my past experiences, I am hesitant to say much, but at the same time, I feel they have a right to know, in case something happens at work.
Unfortunately, we can't control what happens or when, and that means it can affect every aspect of our lives whether we like it or not. I am determined not to let my disorder affect my work, as well, but ultimately that's not really something I can make happen just because I will it so. You can take a medical leave from work, and your work has to comply with what your doctors state, as far as when you can return. For your work, however, that doesn't mean they have to hold the exact same position open for you, and you may end up doing something you aren't thrilled with for awhile, while you continue to try things to get symptoms under control, and prove to your employer that you are capable of perfoming not only the job they've placed you in, but the job you want. ADA compliance means that your employer cannot fire you directly for a disability, but if your position is considered temporary, then you can be "let go" or moved into another position, which can also happen if you can't safely perform your job function. Unfortunately, working with clients who cannot help you isn't safe for you or the client, but if you can show proof (usually a doctor's statement) that you can perform your job functions safely, then your work should help you in figuring out how you can stay in your position. The suggestion of having an assistant is great, if your work has the resources to provide this. I wish it was easier, and that I could be more encouraging. You have to figure out what you can realistically do, and take your time easing back into things. The upside is, you have a legal right to a medical leave of absence. The downside is, you might return to work to a job you don't like, and co-workers who treat you differently. In the end, taking care of yourself is what's important. Good luck!
Unfortunately, we can't control what happens or when, and that means it can affect every aspect of our lives whether we like it or not. I am determined not to let my disorder affect my work, as well, but ultimately that's not really something I can make happen just because I will it so. You can take a medical leave from work, and your work has to comply with what your doctors state, as far as when you can return. For your work, however, that doesn't mean they have to hold the exact same position open for you, and you may end up doing something you aren't thrilled with for awhile, while you continue to try things to get symptoms under control, and prove to your employer that you are capable of perfoming not only the job they've placed you in, but the job you want. ADA compliance means that your employer cannot fire you directly for a disability, but if your position is considered temporary, then you can be "let go" or moved into another position, which can also happen if you can't safely perform your job function. Unfortunately, working with clients who cannot help you isn't safe for you or the client, but if you can show proof (usually a doctor's statement) that you can perform your job functions safely, then your work should help you in figuring out how you can stay in your position. The suggestion of having an assistant is great, if your work has the resources to provide this. I wish it was easier, and that I could be more encouraging. You have to figure out what you can realistically do, and take your time easing back into things. The upside is, you have a legal right to a medical leave of absence. The downside is, you might return to work to a job you don't like, and co-workers who treat you differently. In the end, taking care of yourself is what's important. Good luck!
Hi Maggie
I am 25 years old
I know exactly how you are feeling. I have vasovagal syncope. I lost my job out in the mines because I was a safety hazard working on a remote sites. from there I got increasing anxiety and felt I couldn't work again which lead to depression. They can't actually fire you and its good idea if someone can be working with you so you feel safer. I am currently taking medication ( fluedif ) and am doing and making all the lifestyle changes but still having episodes, I am just recovering from depression and am just starting to look for work again I hate how it stops you from doing things in your life because you are tired and feel sick im lucky thou I feel them coming on prior before do you?
This probably isn't much help but it helps me to know that there is other ppl out there who have this problematic episodes!!
Thanks I don't feel alone anymore
Emza
I am 25 years old
I know exactly how you are feeling. I have vasovagal syncope. I lost my job out in the mines because I was a safety hazard working on a remote sites. from there I got increasing anxiety and felt I couldn't work again which lead to depression. They can't actually fire you and its good idea if someone can be working with you so you feel safer. I am currently taking medication ( fluedif ) and am doing and making all the lifestyle changes but still having episodes, I am just recovering from depression and am just starting to look for work again I hate how it stops you from doing things in your life because you are tired and feel sick im lucky thou I feel them coming on prior before do you?
This probably isn't much help but it helps me to know that there is other ppl out there who have this problematic episodes!!
Thanks I don't feel alone anymore
Emza
Hi Maggie,
I have Neurocardiogenic Syncope, I believe it's the same as Vasovagal. It seems to me that they are afraid you might have an episode during your hours with a person that may not be able to help you. It is a fine line between discrimination and job performance. They can't fire you if you can safely do your job. If for some reason you can't they should be able to place you in another position where you aren't as likely to be harmed or be alone if something were to happen or if you had to miss too much work. My last episode was just this weekend, I was lucky enough to be with my boyfriend. My hands cramped up and I could not use them, my feet also. If I had been alone I don't know what I would have done, I couldn't call for help because I couldn't use my fingers, I wasn't able to walk or crawl in the moments after, just sit there and wait for it to release me. I really hope you are able to convince your employer that you are capable of doing your job safely, maybe you can convince them to find you an intern, they could help you during the day and you'd never be alone. I have one and I love it, she is so helpful. I feel more confidant as well, since I'm hardly alone and know that she will be there if I were to have an episode.
I have Neurocardiogenic Syncope, I believe it's the same as Vasovagal. It seems to me that they are afraid you might have an episode during your hours with a person that may not be able to help you. It is a fine line between discrimination and job performance. They can't fire you if you can safely do your job. If for some reason you can't they should be able to place you in another position where you aren't as likely to be harmed or be alone if something were to happen or if you had to miss too much work. My last episode was just this weekend, I was lucky enough to be with my boyfriend. My hands cramped up and I could not use them, my feet also. If I had been alone I don't know what I would have done, I couldn't call for help because I couldn't use my fingers, I wasn't able to walk or crawl in the moments after, just sit there and wait for it to release me. I really hope you are able to convince your employer that you are capable of doing your job safely, maybe you can convince them to find you an intern, they could help you during the day and you'd never be alone. I have one and I love it, she is so helpful. I feel more confidant as well, since I'm hardly alone and know that she will be there if I were to have an episode.
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