How to explain things...

[David'sBride]

My boss and friends know I've had mitral valve replacement. Sometimes, I don't think they understand that this surgery isn't a cure. I still have days where I'm short of breath, fatigued, and have some mild chest pain, and it's been 2 1 /2 years since the surgery. I usually say that it's the disease rearing its ugly head. I think they wonder about the legitimacy of my symptoms at times, because I've had the "miracle cure" of valve replacement. How do I explain the ongoing nature of valve disease?

This was brought up Friday when I had a rough night on Thursday and was purely exhausted on Friday, necessitating a sick day. Everyone was nice about it at work, but I wonder what they are thinking sometimes. They asked if I went to the emergency room. I said no, and that if I went everytime I had a little chest pain or was fatigued, I'd be going all the time. That said, I know there is a time for the ER but I'm not going to go every time I feel mild symptoms.

I have my usual 6 month interval cardio appt tomorrow, and hopefully an echo.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Be sure to bring that subject up with your Cardiologist during your appointment tomorrow.

Ask how you should respond to your employer and what he (your cardiologist) can do to help you out.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[debster913]

I understand what you are talking about. I'm nearly four years out of surgery, and people at work sometimes will ask me how I'm doing, which in itself is not a bad thing. For example, recently I was talking with a colleague in the lounge about walking and running, and she asked me, "Is it OK for you to exercise? Can your heart handle it?" I know she meant well, but I just felt like the "poor, pitiful heart patient." I'm much stronger and healthier than I've been in years, thanks to my valve repair, but I think there is a large misconception about heart patients, that we're all fragile.

IMHO, I don't think it's anyone's business at your work what is going on with your health unless it impedes your ability to do your job. Your boss, of course, should be clued in to what's going on with you. My principal is aware of my heart history, and she accommodates me with getting a sub when I need to see my cardio, arrange an appropriate conference period every school year so I can see my doctor, etc. Beyond that, I don't discuss more about my heart than what people need to know.

I agree with Al that you should talk to your cardio about this too.

 

[Philip B]

Sick Leave

Sick Leave

Hopefully, your situation will improve as time passes. While employers certainly have the right to be concerned about employees misusing sick leave, it's kinda silly to worry when people use it for legitimate purposes. The legitimate stuff is why employers provide sick leave benefit.

Sure, if you have the kind of relationship with your boss that would allow you to visit with him about your ongoing situation, such a conversation would not be a bad thing. However, something to remember is that your health is your personal business. How much you tell your boss is your choice.

I used to work for a guy who got mad every time someone used sick leave or their medical insurance. It was pretty stupid.

-Philip