From the article: COPD and Work
COPD not only has a dramatic impact on your personal and social life, but, if you are among those who still work, it can also affect your job, forcing you into early retirement or long-term disability. If your job was affected by your disease, please share your story and tell us what you did about it. Share Your Story
Having to Be Off Work
- Hi, my name's Anna and I have a very energetic job at a insurance company. It involves a lot of running around, and i just found out i have COPD. Ok, it got me down a little but i am on the 2nd week of sickness from work and am hoping to go back to work so my boss can put me on lighter duties, he is very understanding.
- —Guest anna
Job Has Made Accomodations
- I found out I had COPD in 2009. I quit smoking 10 years ago. Now I am on oxygen. Working 3 days a week in retail. My bosses are great and have helped me by changing some of my duties enough to make it possible for me to continue to work. I live by myself and pretty much take care of myself. I stay active and try not to dwell on tomorrow. The people I work with, my church group and my family and close friends help keep my spirits up. It can be hard at times, but you can do it.
- —kathleenstinson
COPD Killed My Job
- I lost my job. My performance and mental thinking slowed done and I lost my 10+ year job because my boss thought I was loafing. I got short of breath a lot and wasn't aware that my speech and thinking was slower. My boss thought I wasn't reliable any longer. 17 mos after my job ended I ended up in the hospital and then was told I had severe emphysema and chronic bronchitis, it progressed so slowly I didn't realize it. The week I spent in the hospital the nurses kept asking my what kind of oxygen concentrator I had at home and how many liters did I use. No one acted like they believed me when I told them I didn't know I had a lung disease and did not have oxygen at home. A mediator filed for my Social Security Disability before I left the hospital and I was awarded my disability 5 & 1/2 months later. I miss my job and my life before this disease. My last cigarette was the day before I was admitted to the hospital in March 2010. Wish I had been smarter about the respiratory system.
- —Guest Netty2019
Had To Get Early Retirement
- When diagnosed in Sept 2009 I was an over-the-road truck driver. The stress of the job and the varied hours made me feel that I was unsafe to continue working. I retired at 63. My Social Security took a hit and $ is tight but I am making it.
- —caspr2
I Miss A Lot But Boss is Understanding
- I am newly diagnosed, April 2011. I missed a lot of work from Feb. - June. I missed out on my year of service, had two hospital stays also. I have summers off so I work my butt off to stay active. My boss is understanding so far. But, when I was so sick those other months, it was so difficult to get up and go, got breathless just dressing. I keep an air purifier in my room now, wash & disinfectant. I fear those who are sick. I don't like to do breathing treatments at work, but will if I have to. I plan to work till I can't any longer or they let me go!
- —989mrst
Still Able To Work, But Difficult
- I am a business woman. I was diagnosed with severe COPD last year. I am still able to work, but, it is getting more and more difficult. I am going to talk to my doctor about using oxygen during my workday to see if that makes things better. Thanks for the article, it provided some useful tips that I will be able to use.
- —Delia
