Heart condition-don't know whether to reduce hours

[LocksOfLove]

Hi everyone!

Not looking for sympathy just a bit of advice!

Right to start off I work full time with people in arrears with their mortgage, I then work part time fitting hair extensions (total opposites I know!)

I have quite a few issues with my heart, I have dilated cardiomyopathy, which means my heart is very enlarged and I'm now in the 'heart failure' stage... I also have left ventricular valve failure, I have angina, and had a heart attack in October 2012... I'm almost 20 years old.

Having my condition means I can't walk far I get a lot of pains in my chest and I'm always tired/exhausted etc. I'm always in and put of hospital. I'm getting referred to the London heart hospital to look at treatment options.

I don't know whether to change my main full time job part time to help me out a little bit. I'm just scared of being skint all the time... And I'm really lost on what to do. It's hard trying to juggle two jobs and have a ****ty condition, it's knackering me out big time...

I do not want to give up my hair extensions, although they do not bring me in a massive income it's my absolute passion and I love doing in so much. Even if it does mean it takes me an hour or two longer I don't mind and my repeat clients know I have to take little breaks and respect that. I don't tell new clients and just try and power through!

My managers at the bank understand my position and are lovely although HR are a set of arseholes...

What do you think I should do? I really really don't know I've been thinking of this for over a year now! Xxx

 

[dandelionpoppy]

I think you need to have a big chat about this to your specialist.
It sounds to me that you are working very hard, even without considering your physical condition.
However, stress over money issues isn't good for you either.

Find out what the experts advise, and keep reviewing your work pattern as and when you need to.

Big hug. You sound like a great person.

 

[LocksOfLove]

Hi thanks for your reply,

My cardiologist tried to sign me off full time about 6 months ago, I don't want to give up work I think I'm fit enough to do some work I'm not the type of person to as soon as they get some health issue to get signed off... Ill be so bored and I wouldn't like to sponge. If that makes sense? Lol I've been off for 4 weeks after being in hospital and its the most boring 4 weeks ever. There's only so
Much Jeremy Kyle you can watch lol! I was so bored I taught my self to build a website lol! Made changes to my business. I'm so excited to return to work next week haha. I just think full
Time is too much, I may ask my GP to do a phased return to work for a couple of weeks 3 days instead of 5 if I get on with that change to that all the time? Confused! Lol xxx

 

[Dgolds]

Hi there, im sad to read this because you're so young! But I applaud your enthusiasm! I think only you will know when you've had enough & need to rest! Money is always a stress, but if you not well take help (benefits etc). Health must come first! I wish you much luck! Xxxxx

 

[tonicj]

You certainly have a great work ethic and must earn a lot of respect from this. When you feel so unwell at times you must listen to your body and slow down for a bit. Since you love working so much it would be better to do a little less than to push yourself to the point where you can't work at all. I guess we are talking balance here. Big hug xx

 

[waffle4]

You certainly have a great work ethic and must earn a lot of respect from this. When you feel so unwell at times you must listen to your body and slow down for a bit. Since you love working so much it would be better to do a little less than to push yourself to the point where you can't work at all. I guess we are talking balance here. Big hug xx

I agree with this. You sound amazing but there is no point pushing yourself to the point where something terrible may happen. As someone who suffers from a long term chronic health problem I know only too well you need to cherish what health you do have. I know exactly how frustrating it is not being able to do the things we want to do but you MUST listen to the advice from your consultants. As much as we wish we were invincible sadly we are not so it makes sense to try and just stay on top of your health problems as much as you can even if it means sacrificing some of your jobs x

 

[Chrysalis]

I agree with all the above too.
Consider if you do your hair extensions then become ill again and need to cancel? Will your clients still be there when you return?
On your regular job will you still get paid when you are off sick?
Sounds awful but you also need to weigh up the pros and cons for each situation work wise as you are so young to have such a serious condition.
Good luck whatever you choose xx

 

[sarahpoppy24]

Hey first of all I hope you are not worrying too much now, have you been to the job centre for advice. It's just that if you had to cut your hours down because of an illness you can probably claim a top up on your income, so that if you have to have time off work you can not get caught up with loads of bills etc. maby you should give them a call and get some advice xxx