Diagnosed with long-term illness. Employment practicalities.

[AdviceHunter]

Hello all,

Long term member under a throw-away account due having a few mates on here who I’m not ready to open up to just yet.

A bit about me; I’m a (generally) regular 28 year old lad. Planning to get married to my long term partner, buy a family home and start a family in the next year or two.

Recently I had a few odd symptoms and felt generally unwell so took a trip to the doctor. After a couple of weeks in and out of hospital for an array of rather invasive tests, I was informed by my doctor last week that I have a life-long chronic illness of quite a serious nature. In retrospect, I have probably had this for a while based on my symptoms. It will not kill me but likely will have a significant impact on my life; his words not mine. I am on some general medication now, awaiting further tests to assess the extent / severity of my condition.

The first thought that came into my head was that I may not be able to provide for my family. We have hopes and dreams (like everyone), of which some require a solid financial position. I have been fortunate enough to forge quite a solid career of ten years in my field so far so am relatively experienced and have also put quite a bit of money away for a house deposit / rainy day. I have a supportive family and partner who I know will look out for me as required.

As somebody who has never had a long-term illness, or any real illness for that matter, how does this work in practical terms? I have vaguely informed my employer of the circumstances and they have been accommodating so far. I am aware that a ‘bad turn’ could land me in a hospital bed for weeks or simply incapacitated for a period, certainly not suitable to work. I have had what the doctor considers ‘mild symptoms’ of late which alone have led to me having a week off work. I assume that if this becomes a part of life for me, no employer would leave the door open? My job requires consistent presence (who’s doesn’t, right?) and extended time off I just can’t see being acceptable. Furthermore, how on earth do I pay a mortgage, bills and provide a future for my future child(ren) if I can’t pull in an income? I assume there is some sort of state support for these periods?

Naturally, I am determined to stay able to work, and I am willing to fight for it. I need it for my sanity and self-esteem as much as the money! Also, I have worked hard to study and work for the past ten years, I don't want to give that up easily. The best approach I have come up with so far is to be open with my employer, give 110% when I’m feeling good so at least they appreciate my efforts when I’m not so good.

Been through the range of emotions in the past week; sadness, worry, guilt, optimism, pessimism, anger…

Any guidance or real world advice would be appreciated. I'm sure many have been in a similar position.

[audikentman]

Firstly sorry to hear about your predicament. Are you looking at periods of more than a month off work? Are you taking any current medication that may affect your job?

Can your company find another job for you that is more suitable to your current predicament?

I'm no lawyer but this is from my own experience this year, and like you until this year had no real health issues until earlier this year which I have posted about on a tread on here.

My T&C's are a bit complicated (I also work for a big company that has different types of jobs) but it gives me 6 months off sick then I have to go a year with no illness or I go down to half pay, I have had 5 months off due to a serious illness, and my treatment hasn't finished so I have gone back to work on light duties to keep a month back for the completion of my treatment.
I saw my Gp who wrote a 'fit note' and ticked the altered hours box, then had an appointment with the company doctor (who are an outside company) who agreed I could return to work but not doing my current role, so he also wrote a return to work letter stating '2-3 hours per day and another appointment with him in 1 months time

There are other parts in my T&C's about sickness which means the company can go down the capability route but they then help you find another job within the company, and you then stay on your current rate of pay (if higher than your new job within the company) for varying lengths of time 1 - 10 years iirc depending how long you have been employed by the company.

I'm glad I have changed from a job that only gave me SSP, I think I would have had to sell my house by now.

I would advise getting intouch with either a C.A.B and/or JobCentre Plus and take a copy of your T&C's with you

[Biggles111]

It is horrible when your life gets turned upside down like this and what you had planned for life goes up in smoke, before new options start to appear. It takes time to adjust to the new reality but things do get sorted, try not to worry too much yet.

I was diagnosed with leukaemia and literally only had a few days to get my affairs in order before starting treatment.

I spoke early on to my employer, who were supportive, obviously you need to judge if this is likely to be the case. A serious illness generally counts as disability and so you have some quite strong protection in law, and requirements that they if possible make adjustments for you.

Depending on the condition there may be a charity that offers advice, do try talking there, or maybe the hospital has a support team or referral service.

Obviously look early at cutting overheads if you can, it is surprising how much can be saved. A budget is a good starting point.

CAB proved good for me and had a dedicated service that helped me.

Lastly look after yourself, do talk to people, whether on here, family, friends, once you have an understanding of what you are up against. We have had wonderful support that continues to help us through a tough time.
Best wishes,
Brett

Edited by Biggles111 on Friday 4th September 13:53

[audikentman]

Biggles111 said:

I was diagnosed with leukaemia and literally only had a few days to get my affairs in order before starting treatment.

I hope you're doing ok now.

Biggles111 said:

Lastly look after yourself, do talk to people, whether on here, family, friends, once you have an understanding of what you are up against. We have had wonderful support that continues to help us through a tough time.

I found writing on here has helped loads I guess its being able to write anonymously and no on judging thats helped me.

Good luck OP.

[Biggles111]

audikentman said:

Biggles111 said:

I was diagnosed with leukaemia and literally only had a few days to get my affairs in order before starting treatment.

I hope you're doing ok now.

Thanks. Mine came back, not unusual with AML, so am on the last card left now, a stem cell transplant, which I will have in Oct. Odds are not terrible, but no walk in the park. Survived post chemo bad sepsis last week, some good medical care here. On the plus side if things work out I am taking 2 years off to rehab and chill, will live frugally off savings, time to have time with family! Certainly gives you perspective, so not all bad, as you know....