Parkinson's and EE

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Lord Anubis

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I think I have early symptoms of Parkinson's. Im terrified of telling my employer. Obviously I have to wait till all the tests are done. Does anyone know if there is any protetion for a person under the EE act. I suppose I could try to hide it but the tremors are becoming more and more visible as well as my speech being affected. This is a tough time for me. Its been coming slowly the past year but in the past three months its really getting more and more visible. Ive tried looking on the internet but cant find anything on legislation regarding parkinsons and protection from being fired or retrenched. Any advice or links welcome. :(
 
Um, as far as I know, you cannot be discriminated against for any condition you may have.
 
thisgeek said:
Um, as far as I know, you cannot be discriminated against for any condition you may have.
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There are some scaly corporations out there, they will "promote" you to a new post and if you cannot handle it retrench you, medically unfit.

What is in your contract?
 
I suppose it also depends on what you do... for example, if you're a surgeon, having Parkinson's would be seriously detrimental to your career. If you have to do any kind of precision work that Parkinson's would interfere with, then I guess it would be a problem. If you're simply a paper pusher or similar kind of job, I don't see how having Parkinson's is relevant.
 
Im so sorry mate! Well it looks like you will have no choice but to tell your employer..well after the results come through. I hope its something treatable!!! Dad says he thinks they could put you on early pension.(He thinks)
 
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Don't jump to conclusions. Has a doc concluded its Parkinsons or you? Parkinsons is easily misdiagnosed even by a doc (happened to my grandfather).

As for the tremors, try cutting caffeine (Coffee & Tea) out of your diet for 14 days...just to check.

And finally, you've got to be on the ball with this. If it really is Parkinson, then you don't want to adopt a wait & see approach. Its progressive, so the earlier you start treating it the better.

I wouldn't hold my breath of the legislation side tbh. As long as it doesn't affect performance you'll be protected, but not after that.

Go to a doc. Either you'll get peace of mind, or you'll catch it early. ;)
 
I'm an office worker for a large multinational. Been permanent with them for a couple of years. I'm in my 40's. My job does require some travelling. But for most of the time I'm in my office working on reports etc. The tremors are only one side of my body (left). Fortunately I'm right handed. But my left hand and leg shake all the time. I'm currently being tested for liver disease as well as MS, thyroid and diabetes, but the Doc thinks its likely to be parkinsons.
 
I read an interview with Michael j fox who is still married with kids and has parkinsons. Very hectic. At least it's not huntingtons or ms if that's any solace. Let us know how it goes. Are you single?
 
Lord Anubis said:
I'm an office worker for a large multinational. Been permanent with them for a couple of years. I'm in my 40's. My job does require some travelling. But for most of the time I'm in my office working on reports etc. The tremors are only one side of my body (left). Fortunately I'm right handed. But my left hand and leg shake all the time. I'm currently being tested for liver disease as well as MS, thyroid and diabetes, but the Doc thinks its likely to be parkinsons.
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my one friend's Mom has it. she takes meds & only gets affected every now & then. she's about 64/5 & still going strong.
from what she says you have to take your meds ON time without fail & though she does enjoy deserts & other nice things she eats regular, healthy, meals.

it's not the end of life for you. you just have to make a few lifestyle adjustments for now. she says that any shock or excitement can irritate it.

I know it's hard but try stay calm. you can still be a valuble member of your family/society.
 
As mentioned earlier, your employer may not discriminate against you and should take reasonable steps to accommodate your illness.

As far as EE is concerned, or more importantly BBBEE, your employer can claim for recognition i.t.o. persons with disabilities.

It is important that you be totally honest with your employer or else you could be in breach of contract and will forfeit your rights.

Good luck with the tests!!!
 
One of my colleagues have Parkinsons (engineering). Sometimes the shaking will be worse than other times, but it doesn't affect his job performance. He is good at his work, with the shaking the only visible effect of the Parkinsons.

I also had trumpet lessons at a teacher with Parkinsons before. His was much worse, especially as he tended to forget his meds. You could clearly see when he too them and when not.

But yeah, don't jump to conclusions before the test results arrived!
 
I think you should get a 2nd opinion once you get the results, my uncle was misdiagnosed with parkinsons and only after
the 3rd opinion did the doc actually realise it was a muscle issue and the correct meds has helped loads.

Good luck.
 
As someone else sasid, cut out the coffee. I'm been free of caffine for 3 weeks now and have stopped shaking and feel so much better!
 
Ok, so R17000 later and on my way on the 16th for a 3rd opinion. So far a Neurosurgeon and a Neurologist say its stage 1 Parkinson's. I want to make 100% sure and if another MRI and CT scan will help and one last Neurologist confirms then Ill accept it. I've stopped all coffee by the way. The shakes are the same if not worse. In the meantime I've been probing discreetly at work on disability and overall tolerance by my company. Seems like they actually go out of their way to help, but I'm not yet trusting enough to reveal until I go on meds and the diagnosis is final. Post again when I know more.
 
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