Thyroid condition and work

[user76688899]

Does anyone know if a long term thyroid condition would qualify for reasonable adjustments?

I doubt it. Most thyroid problems are well controlled with medication (I have hypothyroidism- I also have Addison’s, lupus, pituitary issues etc etc - hypothyroidism is the thing that bothers me the least, had it 20 years and just take medication and have regular blood tests). If it was thyroid cancer or health issues resulting from that it may be different.

What kind of reasonable adjustments do you think would be appropriate?

@PrincessPaws

What kind of reasonable adjustments do you think would be appropriate?

shorter days working just mornings more sitting down jobs

How well controlled is it?

My mum was a full time District Nurse (Sister) having had her thyroid zapped. So it will depend on your symptoms and why they aren't better controlled.

I think getting it under control will help, is it a recent diagnosis?

I have hypothyroidism (and a whole host of other things) I'm a preschool teacher, always on the go, it's hard work

@Bagelsandbrie

I doubt it. Most thyroid problems are well controlled with medication (I have hypothyroidism- I also have Addison’s, lupus, pituitary issues etc etc - hypothyroidism is the thing that bothers me the least, had it 20 years and just take medication and have regular blood tests). If it was thyroid cancer or health issues resulting from that it may be different.

yes it is from thyroid cancer

@didldidi

How well controlled is it?

It is controlled but higher dose of levothyroxine is needed to stop the cancer recurring

Cancer is a bit different then.

Does it not mean you'll be less fatigued though, with a higher dose? Excuse my ignorance, I know my mum gets exhausted if her levels are too low.

www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/practically/the-disability-discrimination-act-equality-act-and-cancer

Cancer (any kind) means you are covered by the Equality Act for life and so yes, you can ask for reasonable adjustments.

@SecretVictoria

www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/practically/the-disability-discrimination-act-equality-act-and-cancer

Cancer (any kind) means you are covered by the Equality Act for life and so yes, you can ask for reasonable adjustments.

Yes this. I wouldn’t go down the route of saying thyroid condition - I would say cancer and go from there.

I think it does qualify, I had thyroid cancer and my work (public sector) asked if I needed phased return or anything to help me get back to work. As it turned out, I was working a 4 day week with young kids choosing to take a day off mid week so I managed it that way. I know the TSH suppression can impact different people in different ways, I’m sorry you’re having a tough time with it. I was okay at below 0.1 and now it’s been relaxed a little bit so hopefully they’ll do that for you too and you’ll feel better xx

@Mackmama

I think it does qualify, I had thyroid cancer and my work (public sector) asked if I needed phased return or anything to help me get back to work. As it turned out, I was working a 4 day week with young kids choosing to take a day off mid week so I managed it that way. I know the TSH suppression can impact different people in different ways, I’m sorry you’re having a tough time with it. I was okay at below 0.1 and now it’s been relaxed a little bit so hopefully they’ll do that for you too and you’ll feel better xx

@Mackmama I'm three years into my treatment and have been told I need to have my TSH suppressed for 5 years. It's been a tough journey 😔 How long since your diagnosis?

@user76688899 I’m 4 years in, I think I’m still suppressed but not as much as I was. I do feel fine and I lead a normal life but I also found it tough, mentally more than anything else. Sending you best wishes

Did you have radioactive iodine?

@MySecretHistory yes I did

Maybe start reading around treatment for underactive Thyroid.

Knowledge and treatment of hypothyroidism (however it occurs) in the UK is nigh on scandalous.

Generally, for good health you need your free T4 and free T3 to be in the upper quartile. I'd be willing to bet your GP only looks at your TSH.

TSH testing was meant to help with diagnostics, NOT the ongoing management.