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Occupational Health

Posted , 6 users are following.

lto
lto

Long story short, my Ménière's is getting worse and worse. I've had a dramatic decline in health over the past 5 months, starting with a bad attack in October and gradually going downhill from there. I finally plucked up the courage to tell my manager that it's getting worse and I'm struggling to cope. I figured, after a long time thinking that it's better to admit I'm struggling, than for my work to suffer because I'm too stubborn.

So, today I spoke to my line manager and HR manager and they have referred me to Occupational Health. I wondered if anyone else has seen OH in connection with their Ménière's disease and what sort of reasonable adjustments were suggested? I keep being asked what my work can do to help and to be honest, I don't know! I don't have regular triggers, I don't understand my condition myself!

Any responses are greatly appreciated!

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • JMJ
    JMJ lto

    Posted

    Dear Ito,

    I’m so sorry to hear that you’re suffering so, and that work is becoming such a struggle.  

    Are you seeing an ENT or Otolaryngologist?  It sounds like perhaps it would be a good time to make an appointment and discuss your options.  Have you tried intratympanic steroid injections?  Betahistine?  Do you have a good set of rescue meds for when you’re hit with an episode of vertigo/dizziness/nausea?  Does your work involve a lot of head movement or activities that might otherwise challenge your vestibular system?

    I would think that OH might be able to help if there are things about your job that challenge your vestibular system, or if you knew for certain that certain triggers set you off.  But with a lot of us, there doesn’t seem to be one individual thing we can point to and say “That’s it!”....Typically it’s a matter of finding the right medical treatment that will calm down the inner ear and reduce or eliminate the symptoms.  

    I wish you the best of luck.  Don’t try to just tough it out...There are always new treatments that can be tried.

    Sincerely,

    J-

     

  • jim79476
    jim79476 lto

    Posted

    Ito,

    J- gives some great advice.  The only thing I would add is do your home work. Educate yourself, educate yourself.  When you go see any ENT or related specialist, go with information and questions based on your investigation.  Track your triggers. Keep a daily record. This syndrome can not be cured, but it can be managed. That is a fact!

    Best to you

    Jim

  • stephen61100
    stephen61100 lto

    Posted

    High Ito,

    See your doctor he can fast track you to the E.N.T. and

    if your feeling anxiety about you job he can treat that..

    remember anxiety can really amplify your symptoms and 

    you can pick up a lot more like fatigue restlesness lack of

    consentration ..the order of the day is slow down and be carefull

    ...all the best to you..

  • Bertman
    Bertman lto

    Posted

    Hello Ito, I understand your situation, Understanding meniere's is difficult, it can affect people so differently. My meniere's caused such issues that I had to give up my profession. I could no longer keep appointments and safely get where I needed to go. If your employer can offer you a position suitable to your condition that would be great. I agree with you, if your work is going to suffer, there is no need for both you and your work to suffer. I reached a personal point where I excepted the fact that i can't do it anymore. My primary doc told me I would reach this point in time, and I  did want to except it. We all refrain from admitting we can't do something, this is a completely normal response. However when the work performance and safety comes in to play, we have to consider what is best. Occupational health would be a good thing to initiate. They are experienced in work situations and hopefully they will be helpful in accessing your health issues. Keep us posted and thank you for sharing. Best Wishes, Bertman 

  • Freezeframe
    Freezeframe lto

    Posted

    Hi, Ito!

    I dont know what kind of work you do, so suggestions are general.

    1. Flexible hours. So you can come in later or leave earlier if you need to recover or anticipate an attack.

    2. Access to a sick bay if needed

    3. Making sure your immediate work environment is safe

    4. To get regular feedback from your manager on your work performance. You dont want surprises at the end of the year because your manager was reluctant to talk to you about your MD.

    5. Let your work colleagues know about your MD and how it affects you. Avoids rumours about what it is.

    Just some thoughts. Hope it helps

    FreezeFrame

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