1. Community
  2. Chest and lungs
  3. Pulmonary Fibrosis

Workplace responsibilities on diagnosis?

Posted , 3 users are following.

Samdoyle7
Samdoyle7

My girlfriend has this week been diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. She is 26 and is a manager at her workplace, which involves her being on her feet all shift, moving constantly and covering multiple areas due to staff shortages. She sometimes struggles with her breathing during her shifts and her employers are aware of the diagnosis but aren't doing anything to reduce her workload. Are they under any obligation to do so?

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • malcolmw
    malcolmw Samdoyle7

    Posted

    I would query the diagnosis. 26 is very young to be diagnosed with this illness. I would recommend getting a second opinion from a specialist centre. I have only known one other person be diagnosed at that age and subsequent tests showed that it wasn't pulmonary fibrosis. Unfortunately for her it came too late.

    As to the workplace, do they have any idea about how severe this illness could be or possible causes of it? Maybe if you pointed out that the most common cause is likely to be some form of dust inhalation they might take more notice.

    • Samdoyle7
      Samdoyle7 malcolmw

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply, I'll look into getting her a specialist opinion. As to her work, they've now offered her a less physically demanding role which is a relief.

      I am however growing more and more concerned with the attacks of breathlessness she has. They happen at total random and with increasing frequency it seems now, and there seems to be nothing I can do when they do. I've told her how to keep her airways as open as possible and to try to remain as calm as you can be but there are occasions where she's actually passed out from it.

  • brenda62546
    brenda62546 Samdoyle7

    Posted

    Hello, It sure sounds like she is having reduced oxygen, since you had stated that she passes out sometimes. She needs concentrated oxygen, and needs to possibly carry it with her, until she resolves this issue. :-) How is she presently doing, and what was her diagnoses and update?
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.