Question about Work and Harvoni

[Littonhen]

Hello,

I'm a nurse who was accidentally stuck with a needle from a full sharps container 25 plus years ago. I am currently on Harvonni on week 4 and have some small side affects in which diarrhea being the worst one. I have seen the same Gastro for most of my Hepc Diagnosis life and he felt that he wanted me to have a letter to employer for some small restrictions because of the call of restroom urgencies.  Now I have the letter and I live a very private life and wonder if I should give this note to my boss  due to the fact people are very judgmental and I feel they really don't need to know my personal life that my family supports me with.  Should I present the letter that states no lifting over 10 pounds for 3 months because of loose bowels?? What are any bodies thoughts on this.  My doctor has the note that I on a medication that can cause side affects and no lifting over 10 pounds and Thanking them for assisting in this matter.  He does not disclose any other details of my illness nor will he!!!
I love all youHeppers we are in this together as one big family

Give me your thoughts, no haters just lovers with kind words

[lporterrn]

I think you have to decide that for yourself based on whether you need that letter to function at your job. The ADA will only protect you if your employer knows that you need a job modification. However, be prepared to be asked questions, such as "what medication?" or "what condition?" They shouldn't ask, but it is human nature. I would rehearse something, such as "I'd rather not talk about, but I am going to be fine."

[Scoutdoy]

I work for a large retailer and deal with this issue with many employees. I don't ask when someone brings in any kind of work limitations. It's against our policy to even ask an employee why they are calling out on their shift, and rightly so. It is no ones business but their own. I will say however that the workplace can be a very cruel place sometimes, it's a burden you must decide on what or what not to divulge. I know some people on here don't care who knows and some do. I personally think my health or anyone who works for me that it's their own business, but once you open that can of worms, you will never ever be able to cap it.


Scout

[annajustanna]

my opinion is
If you don't have to use it - Don't
I made the mistake years ago of letting some in on my diagnosis and it has been a huge mistake and has made work MUCH more difficult. I am also an RN. I am still at the same hospital but if I could take back my conversation that day years ago.- Believe me I would - I wish you the best!

[Joe NM]

It's up to you, but I can't see why anybody would judge you for contracting this in the course of a standard occupational hazard...if anything, your work should be paying for this under workman's comp! (Um, unless that happened at another facility than where you're at now?) And absolutely your work has no right to ask you anything more than need-to-know questions, and a medical setting of all places should know the HIPPA regulations! And you shouldn't have to reveal your diagnosis, really. I guess I'd ask, how do you feel about your facility's respect for HIPPA?
P.s. I personally know of a very well-respected HIV researcher who's had to go on post-exposure prophylaxis THREE TIMES due to accidental needle-sticks. Nothing to be ashamed of, just keep using those universal precautions!

[annajustanna]

I still stand by what I said. What Joe said is the way it should be - in a perfect world. Most healthcare facilities are not that. And many understand Hippa when it comes to their patients but they don't think twice about it when gossiping about a co worker.

[lporterrn]

I was severely criticized on a couple of occasions by non-medical people for "exposing my patients" to hep C. It hurts, esp knowing how much I care about others, and that I wasn't a risk. I completely understand why someone would want to remain quiet.

[DeathtoHep]

I would just tell your doctor to write the letter for a different reason...say chronic fatigue or weakness, nausea...take your pick

[Scoutdoy]

Yep, that is what I did. I am on intermitant FMLA for stress...that way if I miss work I can't get in trouble, and it's not lying,,,it stresses me out if I don't feel good and have to miss work, and it's none of their business why I am not there.


Scout

[lporterrn]

Good use of FMLA Scoutdog! If anyone wants more info on ADA and FMLA, check out: http://www.hepmag.com/articles/2958_26812.shtml

[DeathtoHep]

Its unfortunate that Hep C has such a stigma that even doctors won't give disability to their patients even if they are obviously suffering and incapable of doing their job. Ive never had to use short term benefits from the government (US) except for when I broke both arms during a motorcycle accident. Right now is the only other time Ive asked for assistance and was surprised that I was denied. My job is very demanding physically and mentally and is also dangerous if Im not at 100% capacity. This medication has made me unable to do my job and is due to a medical condition. You would think this is enough to convince any doctor for short term disability of which I pay into with every pay check! So, if I cant get benefits when I legitimately need them and it is my right to access them, why should I pay my taxes at all? Now im paying my bills out of my own pocket and Im out $10k. I know I should be "lucky" to get this opportunity in the first place, and there are a lot more people that need this more than me, but thats like saying a prisoner is "lucky" to have a place to sleep at night.

My point is this: I have no support from my insurance, my government or my doctor. I have done everything on my own from acquiring these pills to requesting labs and saving so I can afford to take time off. So, why should I trust any of these entities or give them money? I guess the middle class gets screwed again...