Working with PAH

PAH can affect your ability to function at work. Fatigue, muscle pain, stress, and difficulty breathing can all be barriers to performing at your job. Since your PAH diagnosis, you may have had to stop working or cut back on your hours, which can cause financial difficulties. It may not be easy, but there are ways to succeed at work while living with PAH.

Talk to your doctor

Ask your doctor about symptoms you might have and how they might affect you, so you can figure out what, if any, adjustments you might need to make at work. You can also see if your doctor’s office has an occupational health or corporate health representative who may be experienced in helping patients with conditions like PAH.

Talk to your employer

Talk to your Human Resources department about PAH, so they can help you make any necessary adjustments to your schedule. While it’s up to you to decide if you want to tell coworkers, it might make sense to talk to your manager and other coworkers you spend a lot of time with about PAH, so they can know what to expect. While you may not want to disclose your condition to those around you at work, keep in mind that it may be beneficial for them to know about your condition if an emergency arises. If you do decide to tell coworkers, just be honest and tell them how PAH might affect you physically. That way, they can better understand what you’re going through during the day.

Know your workplace rights

There are laws in place that can protect you at work if you meet the requirements. One of them is the Americans With Disabilities Act, which prevents employers from discriminating against people with various disabilities.