Appointment

[THG Atria Find all posts View Profile Close THG]

Well, I finally got my appointment staightened out and will see Dr. Lever around the second week in March. I want to see what my options are in that my cardiologist says not to do any heavy lifting or stenous activity. I work at heavy construction, So he said that disability may become an option. Also can anyone tell me how workplace stress effects HOCM, in general. I also have HCV and Broncial Asthma. Any insights would be appreciated

[mtlieb Brave Heart Find all posts View Profile Close mtlieb]

Re: Appointment

THG,

I was diagnosed last year with HOCM and also did heavy manual labor at my job (not construction though). I was becoming very symptomatic and it was decided that i couldn't do that kind of work anymore. Disability is usually not an option for us since there is other, less-strenuous work that we can most-likely do. I was eligible for unemployment when i lost my job, and the OVR (Office of Vocational Rehabilitation) is providing funding for me to go back to school. Through the ADA your employer may be able to make reasonable accomodation for you at work (i.e. less strenuous work) if available. Disability is next to impossible to get, if there is any work at all that you are capable of performing. There's also insurance issues to consider... with HCM, once you lose it... it's very hard (and expensive) to get back.

Others will chime in here as well... but that's my story.

Take care,

Jim

[THG Atria Find all posts View Profile Close THG]

Re: Appointment

Thanks Jim, I would rather keep working. i have some options open for supervisory type work in my company. What I need to check out is the effect stess plays in this disease because because that's the big
downside in supervision.

[Reenie Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Reenie]

Re: Appointment

Stress is such an individual thing that it's hard to say how it will affect you. Some people have a very hard time coping and become very symptomatic. Others have no trouble at all. I wish I could tell you more.

Reenie

[THG Atria Find all posts View Profile Close THG]

Re: Appointment

Thanks Reenie, I'm just trying to look ahead a little bit to what's next after the evaluation.

[cynthiaG Member of 1000 Post Club! Find all posts View Profile Close cynthiaG]

Re: Appointment

I know that when I'm nervous about something, my heart starts racing. Stressing out will do that also....I take a couple of deep breaths and am beginning not to sweat the small stuff..

[Ronnie Major Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close Ronnie]

Re: Appointment

Many things seem to effect my HOCM (and cause symptoms), Stress does Not seem to be a Trigger for me.
In regard to Disability, I have a partial story. I'm, 56 & had a Myectomy last summer. I went back to work (after 3 months), but then began to have some serious Pain & SOB. My local Cardiologist told me "it was time to stop working" & he would respond to all inquiries that I was not capable of working. I have applied for SS Disability-but have no decision as yet. I am also aware that my age (over 55) puts me in a different catagory& therefore it is "easier" to be eligilable for Disability. I will keep you all "posted" on the process, so far I have completed all forms & signed Release of Info for my Drs. I was told this decision could take 5-6 months. Fortunately my Blue Cross is covered by my Husband's Company so I'm safe there! (Without my Blue Cross & Perscription Co-Pay-I would be in BIG TROUBLE!)
ronnie

[THG Atria Find all posts View Profile Close THG]

Re: Appointment

Thanks , you guys for posting back. I just got back from seeing " The Passion of Christ". It was wonderful !
Well I know disability is a long shot, but I'm just trying look at all the possibilities.
It's just good to have someone to relate to. This is all knew to me. I thought my HCV was going to be my biggest hurdle but then this reared it's ugly head.
So, I'm gonna just trust the Lord and keep moving forward.Thanks again Ed :P