Working with Psoriasis

As of late I feel like I have been sidelined by my health when it comes to work. First, I left a highly stressful job in February. The stress was causing so much havoc on my health. I was suffering from getting infections, and having more pain than usual. Next, my body was being tested by much longer than normal hours. Trying to impress the boss was causing me to put undue strain on myself by working 10 hours a day. Thirdly, being in charge of an entire staff without proper guidance was not helping. Eventually I had to make a decision of leaving and taking what I learned with me or keeping up with the same strain. I chose to leave.

A health scare

Fortunately for me, chef jobs are pretty plentiful at this time. So I was able to find another job pretty quick. When I was interviewed they were very happy to see my qualifications. My background in teaching as well as my culinary degree helped me got the new gig. Needless to say, they were happy to add me to the team as an hourly manager. This is perfect for me. Next move was to accept and start training. After I signed on I started a 12 week training series. The hardest part of the new position was learning every position in the restaurant.

About nine weeks into this new position, I started to have some health issues. An uncomfortable pressure started in my chest. The next two weeks the pressure increased and at times stopped me from moving. After another week, I broke down and went to the ER. All my tests were normal. The doctor suggested I have an angiogram to take a truly good view of my heart. I went ahead and agreed. The next day I found that I had a 90% blockage of my Lateral Ascending Artery. Essentially this means that it was nearly a widow maker heart attack. I am feeling particularly blessed that I have lived through this event. My employer has been good about the whole event.

I returned back to work within two weeks of the event. Hoping not to upset my new employer, we compromised on my return. In the interim I saw my new cardiologist. He suggested I only work part time until he could do another procedure to ensure the first had worked properly. Next I went back to my employer with the information and letter from the cardiologist. My employer told me I was a long term member of the team and told me that he was placing me on leave. Though I appreciated the time to heal my pocketbook has been affected. This leave is without pay. This was a struggle between my body and my mind. Losing my job is not an option.

Having an employer who works with you is fantastic

Enter bronchitis! If you have psoriasis, you know that this is the prime time for a weakened immune system to take yet another hit. About this time, I had spent a couple days caring for my father at his home. I picked up a virus. As per usual I have to be the overachiever and turn this virus into bronchitis in less that 36 hours. I had to reach out to my employer again and tell him the new news. He is a great guy and told me that they would wait another month for me to return if that's what it took. My procedure got moved to July 11th and that was the new potential restart. Somehow or another the company decided that I needed a dollar raise. When I learned this I asked if I heard properly. So apparently my willingness to work and nearly killing myself impressed the company. They also told me that they appreciate me and I am part of the family.

Seems like when I have a lot happening in my career, my body falls apart. Having an employer who works with you is fantastic. My fear is how long will they continue to put up with the unexpected happenings with this disease?? How can I plan ahead? Can I even try to plan ahead? I can't live with no income. Do I try to work with a disability lawyer?  So many questions left unanswered. How many times will my body fail to do what my mind can? 

Have you had similar issues? What did you decide?