CKD and Workplace Adjustments
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hello.
i have CKD, currently at an egfr of 13. i have upcoming appointments at the regional transplant centre and all being well i will be having a pre-emptive transplant. I am lucky in that I have 5 immediate family offering to be Donors / getting tested (although I'm realistic and fully aware its not that easy so may still have to go on dialysis / have a long wait etc).
Whilst i wait for this i have started to now get symptoms; severe fatigue, nausea..... you know, all the usual ones you read about. I'm doing everything i can to deal with these (medication / diet / light exercise). i am still working, as a supervisor in an office / call centre environment. Work have been extremely understanding and supportive with everything so far (I've had other complications all linked with renal problems) and they continue to be. Work is becoming increasingly difficult for me, they have already done some workplace adjustments (flexible shifts) and i manage my own tome so i get as much break as i need / want.
j am wondering if anyone has any experience or suggestions if what else, if anything, i could possibly do in work to try and make it easier and then not have to take time off.
any suggestions you have are welcome, no matter how obscure! I'm willing to try anything and work are really inclusive and go the extra mile so I'm sure they will consider most things.
Thanks, Mike.
Aged 27
Chester, England, UK.
0 likes, 2 replies
mikewordman michael50761
Posted
Hi Michael, my symptoms were relatively mild so I'm afraid I can't be of much help, but I didn't see any responses to your question so I thought I'd chime in anyway. I'm not sure much more can be done to manage your symptoms; the only thing I can suggest is that if you get leg cramps, get a prescription for Quinine (works great). Re: nausea: when I felt nauseous, my 'strategy' was to tell myself "no you don't feel nauseous, it's just your imagination" and put it out of my mind. I found this effective because when I felt nauseous, the more I thought about it the more nauseous I felt so the best thing was to convince myself it's nothing and ignore it. That worked well for me.
Apart from that, you're at 14% which is definitely in striking distance of dialysis or surgery. How fast is your EGFR going down? And how far away is the decision re: whether a family member can donate a kidney?
melissa25891 michael50761
Posted
Have you tried any work from home jobs, or remote jobs? If you absolutely are not looking to leave the job you currently have, you have to be prepared if you can no longer physically do it. I am a nurse, and I have CKD. I only work part time now, and have started an online Health Coach business.